New York-born comedienne, privately educated and boasting an illustrious career that spanned over five decades, enlivened many a Broadway musical comedy and revue with her sharp-witted humor. Despite her impressive stage presence, she made relatively few forays into the world of motion pictures.
After attending the prestigious Spence School in her hometown, Louella began taking acting classes and made her theatrical debut in 1917. Her numerous celebrated successes on stage included the parody "Life Begins at 8:40" (1934-35),in which she played multiple parts, as well as "Streets of Paris" (1939-40),another notable production in which she again showcased her versatility by taking on multiple roles.
Louella's typical screen persona was that of an acid-tongued, worldly socialite or wisecracking friend of the heroine, a characterization that she mastered with ease.
During World War II, Louella toured with the wartime comedy play "Count Me In" as part of the USO, entertaining troops in the South Pacific with her quick wit and charming stage presence. Her last major post-war role was that of Julia Ward McKinlock in the hit romantic comedy "Sabrina Fair" on Broadway (1953-54). In addition to her work on stage, Louella also made occasional guest appearances on television from the early 1950s onwards.
