Luella Gear (September 5, 1897 – April 3, 1980) was an American actress. She appeared in numerous films, TV series and theatrical productions throughout the 1910s to the 1960s
Early life
Gear was born in New York in 1897. She attended the Spence School and was educated in Brussels, Belgium.
Career
She made her acting debut in 1917, appearing in the Broadway musical Love O' Mike. She subsequently appeared in Broadway productions such as The Gold Diggers, A Dangerous Maid, Poppy, The Optimists, Gay Divorce and Life Begins at 8:40.
During World War II, she toured with the wartime comedy play Count Me In as part of the USO, entertaining the troops.
She also appeared in films like Queen High, Carefree, Lady in the Dark, The Perfect Marriage and Jigsaw and TV series like Broadway Television Theatre, The Big Story, The Elgin Hour and Joe and Mabel.
Personal life
Gear was married three times: to New York playboy Byron Chandler, aviator Gustave Maurice Heckscher, and Frederick W.A. Engel. She had no children.
Gear died in The Bronx on April 3, 1980, at the age of 82. She was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Selected filmography
Film
Adam and Eva (1923) as Julie Dewitt
Carefree (1938) as Aunt Cora
The Perfect Marriage (1947) as Dolly Haggerty
Jigsaw (1949) as Pet Shop Owner
Phffft (1954) as Edith Chapman
Television
The Trap - "Chocolate Cobweb" (1950), TV episode
Sure as Fate - "Tremolo" (1950), TV episode
The Web - "Death Mask" (1952), TV episode
Broadway Television Theatre - "The Patsy" (1952), TV episode, as Ma Harrington
The Big Story - "Arthur Mielke of the Washington Times Herald" (1954), TV episode, as Mrs. Ferill The Elgin Hour - "Falling Star" (1954), TV episode, as Mom Morton Producers' Showcase - "Happy Birthday" (1956), TV episode, as Emma Joe and Mabel - "Joe's Bankbook" (1956), TV episode, as Mrs. Spooner Play of the Week - "Juno and the Paycock" (1960), TV episode The Defenders - "The Search" (1962), TV episode, as Mrs. Carney and "Conflict of Interests" (1964), TV episode, as Delia Leary
Selected stage credits
Love O' Mike (1917) The Gold Diggers (1919) Elsie (1923) Poppy (1923) Queen High (1926) Gay Divorce (1932) Life Begins at 8:40 (1934) On Your Toes (1936) Sabrina Fair (1953)