Rosemary Murphy was an American actress celebrated for her work in theater, film, and television. She was born on January 13, 1925, in Munich, Germany, to American parents. Her father, Robert Daniel Murphy, was a diplomat, and her mother, Mildred Taylor, was a homemaker. 

She spent her early years in Europe but moved to the United States in 1939 due to the outbreak of World War II. She pursued her passion for acting by studying at Manhattanville College, the Catholic University of America, and the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, where she trained under Sanford Meisner.

Rosemary Murphy began her acting career on stage, making her Broadway debut in 1950 in "The Tower Beyond Tragedy." She appeared in numerous Broadway productions, including "Period of Adjustment" and "Any Wednesday," earning critical acclaim for her performances. 

Her work in theater earned her three Tony Award nominations, solidifying her reputation as a talented stage actress. In addition to her stage career, she was known for her roles in films such as "To Kill a Mockingbird," where she played Maudie Atkinson, and "Walking Tall." She also appeared in television productions, including the miniseries "Eleanor and Franklin," for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Sara Delano Roosevelt.

Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award and a Clarence Derwent Award. She was also nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award, further highlighting her contributions to the arts.

Rosemary Murphy passed away on July 5, 2014, in New York City at the age of eighty-nine. She died of esophageal cancer, but her work continues to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike.