Conchata Ferrell, an American actor, has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry through her versatile performances in films and TV productions. While she has worked in numerous projects, her career milestone came with the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men.’ Starting from stage productions, Conchata’s talent and dedication have propelled her to success. Despite not conforming to the typical starlet appearance, she has proven herself as a talented actor and gained recognition for her roles in supporting characters. With her witty portrayals and distinctive appearance, Conchata has become one of the most popular actors in the industry. Beyond her professional achievements, she is also a loving wife and mother.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Conchata Galen Ferrell
- Died At Age: 77
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Arnie Anderson
- Father: Luther Martin Ferrell
- Mother: Mescal Loraine Ferrell
- Children: Samantha
- Actresses
- American Women
- Height: 5’3″ (160 cm), 5’3″ Females
- Died on: October 12, 2020
- Place of death: Los Angeles, California, United States
- U.S. State: West Virginia
- Cause of Death: Cardiac Arrest
- More Facts
- Education: Marshall University, West Virginia University
Childhood & Early Life
Conchata Galen Ferrell was born on March 28, 1943, in Loudendale, West Virginia, near Charleston, to Mescal Loraine and Luther Martin Ferrell. Her family later moved to Circleville, Ohio. Conchata attended West Virginia University but dropped out after 2 years. She then took up a few jobs to support herself. Conchata later graduated from Marshall University, majoring in history education. Before making her professional entry into the mainstream entertainment industry, Conchata made her stage debut in Marshall in 1969, with a skit comedy and musical production titled ‘Barfenon Review.’
Career
Conchata ventured into the field of acting as a stage actor. She was a member of the Circle Repertory Company. She was cast in the original Off-Broadway play ‘The Sea Horse,’ for which she won three awards: the Drama Desk, the Obie, and the Theatre World Award. Conchata made her TV debut in 1974, as Rita Valdez in an episode of the CBS sitcom ‘Maude,’ titled ‘Florida’s Goodbye.’ The following year, she was cast in the sitcom ‘Hot l Baltimore.’ The series was based on a play of the same name that had Conchata as a cast member. She played a prostitute named April Green in 13 episodes of the series.
The 1975 thriller ‘Deadly Hero’ was Conchata’s film debut. It featured her as Slugger Ann. Following this, she was featured as Barbara Schlesinger in the 1976 satirical film ‘Network.’ Conchata then appeared as a nurse in two projects. She was seen as Nurse Cassidy in the TV short ‘Mixed Nuts’ and as Nurse Rinehart in the TV movie ‘The Girl Called Hatter Fox.’ In 1981, Conchata shared the Bronze Wrangler Western Heritage Award with the cast of the 1979 film ‘Heartland.’ Conchata essayed the character Elinore Randall Stewart. She played the mother of the title character of the fairy tale ‘Thumbelina’ in the live-action children’s anthology TV series ‘Faerie Tale Theatre’ (also known as ‘Shelley Duvall’s Faerie Tale Theatre’).
Conchata had a prominent role in the 1988 coming-of-age film ‘Mystic Pizza.’ She played Leona, the owner of the titular pizza shop in Mystic, Connecticut. Her next significant project was the legal drama series ‘L.A. Law.’ She was seen as a tenant named Susan Bloom (also Lorna Landsberg in one episode) in 20 episodes and was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. From 1992 to 1995, Conchata appeared as Dr. Madeline Stoessinger/Dr. Ruth Colquist in the CBS sitcom ‘Hearts Afire.’ She played a social worker named Mrs. Sheets in the 1996 crime film ‘Freeway.’ Conchata had a recurring role as Pam in ABC’s ‘TGIF’ fantasy sitcom ‘Teen Angel.’ She was part of the 2000 ‘Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize’-nominated film ‘Crime and Punishment in Suburbia.’
Conchata was seen as Brenda, the secretary of real-life lawyer Edward L Masry, played by Albert Finney, in the 2000 biopic ‘Erin Brockovich.’ Following this, she played Jan, a retired rodeo clown and close friend of the titular character, in the 2002 comedy film ‘Mr. Deeds.’ The year 2003 was a remarkable year for Conchata. She began her longest stint in a TV series that eventually became the highlight of her career. She played Berta, a housekeeper, in 211 episodes of the CBS sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men.’ Initially, she was cast in just two episodes in the first season. Her character was supposed to leave after the character Alan and his child moved into the beach house. The makers had also decided that her character would be an ethnic minority. However, after watching Conchata’s performance, they changed their mind. The makers not only made variations to the character but also made her a regular in the subsequent seasons.
Conchata had competed with 32 actors to bag the role. Her performance on the show won her two Primetime Emmy Award nominations (2005 and 2007). Conchata’s departure from the show was portrayed as Berta receiving her final paycheck from Charlie and moving to Walden’s beach house. In 2012, Conchata was seen playing an obese and doting mother of an obese boy named Bob, played by Robert Capron, in the 3D stop-motion-animated fantasy–horror–comedy ‘Frankenweenie.’ Her most recent appearance was as Shirley in the second season of the sitcom ‘The Ranch’ in 2017.
Family & Personal Life
Conchata is married to Arnie Anderson since 1986. She has a daughter named Samantha (born in 1982) and two stepdaughters from her husband’s previous relationship. Conchata enjoys playing role-playing video games. Since Conchata has a chubby appearance, her weight loss once earned her a lot of media attention. She has Type-2 diabetes. Thus, everything in her pantry and refrigerator is sugar-free.