EPISODE 153 - “JACK & MABEL ALBERTSON: IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY” - 8/17/2026
Hollywood history is filled with famous acting families, but few sibling stories are quite as surprising—or as entertaining—as that of JACK and MABEL ALBERTSON. In the latest episode of From Beneath the Hollywood Sign, we look back at the remarkable lives and careers of a brother and sister who took very different roads to show business success. Jack became one of Hollywood’s most beloved character actors. He won an Oscar for The Subject Was Roses, inspiring generations of fans as Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and won legions of new fans on TV for Chico and the Man. Mabel carved out her own memorable career — appearing in movies such as Barefoot in the Park and What’s Up Doc? before finding fame on television, most famously as Mother Stephens on Bewitched. From vaudeville stages and lean early years to Broadway, movies, television, and finally Hollywood success, theirs is a story of perseverance, talent, an unbreakable bond. Join us as we celebrate this revered brother/sister act, on a brand-new episode of From Beneath the Hollywood Sign.
SHOW NOTES:
Sources:
Entertainment Awards: A Music, Cinema, Theatre and Broadcasting Guide, 1928 through 2003. 3rd ed. (2004), by Don Franks;
Burlesque in a Nutshell: Girls, Gimmicks & Gags (20160, by Dusty Sage;
Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010. 2nd ed. (2011) by Vincent Terrace;
“Jack Albertson, Versatile Star of Stage, Film and TV Series,” November 28, 1981, by Eleanor Blau, The New York Times;
“Jack Spreads a Little Sunshine,” January 7, 1973, by Robert Berkvist, The New York Times;
“Jack Albertson Dies of Cancer,” November 26, 1981, by Jack Jones, Los Angeles Times;
“Mabel Albertson Enjoys Roles in Variety of Stage Plays,” December 17, 1967, by Russ Leadabrand, Independent Star-News (Pasadena, CA);
“Mabel Albertson Is Dead at 81” September 30, 1982, Santa Cruz Sentinel;
“Actress Mabel Albertson, Whose Television and Motion Picture Roles…” September 29, 1982, United Press International;
“Jack Albertson,” Obituary. December 2, 1981, Variety;
Wikipedia.com
TCM.com;
IMDBPro.com;
Movies Mentioned:
No, No, Nanette (1940);
Springtime in the Rockies (1942);
Sweet Rosie O’Grady (1943);
The Unseen (1945);
Miracle on 34th Street (1947);
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947);
Good Sam (1948);
Cyrano de Bergerac (1950);
Come Back, Little Sheba (1952);
The Caddy (1953);
About Mrs. Leslie (1954);
Black Widow (1954);
The Cobweb (1955);
The Harder They Fall (1956);
Ransom! (1956);
The King and I (1956);
Man of a Thousand Faces (1957);
Teacher’s Pet (1958);
The Long, Hot Summer (1958);
The Shaggy Dog (1959);
Lover Come Back (1961);
Days of Wine and Roses (1962);
The Miracle Worker (1962);
The Ugly American (1963);
Kissin’ Cousins (1964);
Roustabout (1964);
My Fair Lady (1964);
Zorba the Greek (1964);
A Man for All Seasons (1966);
Barefoot in the Park (1967);
The Subject Was Roses (1968);
On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970);
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971);
The Poseidon Adventure (1972);
What’s Up, Doc? (1972);
Cabaret (1972);
Fences (2016);
---------------------------------
http://www.airwavemedia.com
Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
