Names/Geraldine/Geraldine Page
EntertainmentAmerican1924 – 1987

Geraldine Page

Actress, Tony Award winner, Academy Award winner, The Trip to Bountiful

Biography

Geraldine Sue Page (November 22, 1924 – June 13, 1987) was an American stage and film actress who achieved legendary status through her extraordinary emotional depth and versatility. Born in Kirksville, Missouri, Page developed her craft on the American stage, becoming a acclaimed Broadway performer known for her intense, nuanced characterizations. She won the Tony Award for Best Actress in 1961 for her role in 'The Pleasure of His Company.' Her film career, though somewhat later in her overall career, included memorable roles in 'Hud' (1963), 'The Poseidon Adventure' (1972), 'The Trip to Bountiful' (1985), and 'Cocoon: The Return' (1988). Page's greatest recognition came late in her career when she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for 'The Trip to Bountiful' at age 60, making her one of the oldest actresses to win an Oscar, a testament to her enduring talent and the respect she commanded in the industry. Known for her distinctive voice, expressive eyes, and commitment to psychological authenticity in her roles, Page influenced generations of actors with her approach to character development. Her legacy encompasses both her extensive filmography and her profound impact on American theater, establishing her as one of the finest actresses in entertainment history.

The Name Geraldine

Geraldine Page's extraordinary theatrical and cinematic achievements established the name Geraldine as associated with artistic excellence, emotional authenticity, and distinguished performance in American culture.

Quick Facts
Category

Entertainment

Nationality

American

Born

1924

Died

1987

Thinking about the name

Geraldine

Germanic origin

Derived from the Germanic 'ger' (spear) and 'wald' (rule), Geraldine means 'one who rules with the spear'—a name befitting nobility and strength. It gained aristocratic prestige through the Norman Fitzgerald family in medieval Ireland, where the 'Geraldines' were powerful lords. The name rose in popularity during the Victorian era and maintains a refined, authoritative character.