Alice Nunn was a talented American character actress best known for her unforgettable role as Large Marge in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985). Though she often played supporting characters, her strong screen presence, unique voice, and memorable performances left a lasting mark on audiences. Here’s a comprehensive look at her life, career, and the movies and television shows she appeared in.
Alice Nunn Movies & TV Credits Selected
| Year | Title | Type | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Girl in Gold Boots | Movie | Joanie |
| 1974 | Airport 1975 | Movie | Passenger (uncredited) |
| 1979 | Delirium | Movie | Nurse Craig |
| 1981 | Mommie Dearest | Movie | Helga, the Maid |
| 1984 | Johnny Dangerously | Movie | Ma Kelly |
| 1985 | Pee-wee’s Big Adventure | Movie | Large Marge |
| 1986 | Trick or Treat | Movie | Mrs. Sylvia Cavell |
| 1987 | Who’s That Girl | Movie | Old Lady in Park |
| 1988 | Midnight Run | Movie | Waitress (uncredited) |
| —- | The Wild Wild West | TV Series | Guest Role |
| —- | Ironside | TV Series | Guest Role |
| —- | Bonanza | TV Series | Guest Role |
| —- | Hazel | TV Series | Guest Role |
| —- | Petticoat Junction | TV Series | Guest Role |
| —- | The Jeffersons | TV Series | Guest Role |
| —- | Maude | TV Series | Guest Role |
| —- | Emergency! | TV Series | Guest Role |
| —- | The Andy Griffith Show | TV Series | Guest Role |
Early Life and Career
- Full Name: Alice Elizabeth Nunn
- Born: October 10, 1927, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
- Died: July 1, 1988, West Hollywood, California, USA (age 60)
- Years Active: 1956–1988
Alice Nunn began her acting career in the 1950s, performing in theater before transitioning into television and film. She was often cast in character roles that showcased her strong comedic timing and ability to portray quirky, tough, or spooky characters.
Notable Movies
Pee-wees Big Adventure 1985
- Role: Large Marge
- Director: Tim Burton
- This cult classic comedy features Alice Nunn in her most iconic role. Large Marge is a ghostly truck driver who gives Pee-wee a terrifying ride. Despite only appearing in one scene, Nunn’s performance became one of the most memorable moments in the film.
Mommie Dearest 1981
- Role: Helga, the Maid
- A biographical drama about actress Joan Crawford. Nunn played one of the household staff in this emotionally intense film.
Johnny Dangerously, 1984
- Role: Ma Kelly
- A crime comedy spoof starring Michael Keaton. Nunn had a small but notable part.
Airport 1975 (1974)
- Role: Passenger (uncredited)
- A popular disaster movie of the era, where Nunn had a minor appearance.
Trick or Treat 1986
- Role: Mrs. Sylvia Cavell
- A horror film that mixes heavy metal with supernatural elements.
Delirium 1979
- Role: Nurse Craig
- A psychological crime drama.
Who’s That Girl 1987
- Role: Old Lady in Park
- A romantic comedy starring Madonna. Nunn played a small role in one of the park scenes.
Alice Nunn appeared in numerous television shows, mostly in guest roles. Her TV work showcased her ability to fit into both comedic and Selected TV Shows
- The Wild Wild West
- Ironside
- Bonanza
- Hazel
- Petticoat Junction
- The Jeffersons
- Maude
- Emergency!
- The Andy Griffith Show
In these shows, she often portrayed nurses, maids, landladies, or tough working-class women, bringing warmth, humor, or edge to every role.
Legacy
Though she was never a leading lady, Alice Nunn is remembered for how she could steal a scene with just a few lines. Her character work—especially in horror, comedy, and drama genres—made her a standout in any project she joined. Her role as Large Marge has become a cult favorite, frequently referenced in pop culture, memes, and Halloween costumes.
Fun Facts
- Alice Nunn studied acting at the University of Southern California.
- Her Large Marge scene was achieved with stop-motion animation to create her ghostly face.
- She passed away in 1988 due to a heart attack at age 60.
Conclusion
Alice Nunn may not have been a household name, but her legacy in Hollywood is undeniable. With a mix of stage training, natural comic flair, and a knack for memorable characters, she gave life to some truly iconic roles. Whether haunting audiences as Large Marge or supporting bigger stars in dramatic films, Alice Nunn carved out a unique and respected place in entertainment hiWould you like this turned into a printable PDF, or should I add photos or posters of her films too?