Barbara Bel Geddes (October 31, 1922 – August 8, 2005) was an American actress, artist and children's author, whose career spanned six decades. She was best known for her starring role in the television drama series
Dallas as
matriarch Miss Ellie Ewing. Bel Geddes also starred in the original Broadway production of
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in the role of Maggie. Her notable films included
Alfred Hitchcock's
Vertigo (1958) and
I Remember Mama (1948). She was the recipient of several acting awards and nominations throughout her career.