American socialite Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale, nicknamed as “Big Edie,” was famous for her eccentric and secluded lifestyle. After appearing in the documentary Grey Gardens, she became a figure of interest and sympathy. This article examines Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale’s childhood, marriage, family, and cultural impact.
1. Early Life and Family Background
Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale was born in Nutley, New Jersey, to wealthy parents on October 5, 1895. Her parents were John Vernou Bouvier Jr. and Maude Sergeant Bouvier. John Vernou Bouvier III, Edith’s brother, was significant in American society. Edith was connected to Princess Lee Radziwill and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
2. Marriage to Phelan Beale
In 1917, Edith Ewing married Phelan Beale, a prominent attorney. The couple’s marriage was initially seen as a match made in high society, but over time, it would become one of the more tumultuous relationships in Edith’s life. The couple had two children, Edith (known as “Little Edie”) and Phelan Jr., but their marriage began to unravel as Phelan grew increasingly frustrated with Edith’s eccentricities and the family’s financial troubles.
3. The Rise of Grey Gardens
In the early years of their marriage, the Beales lived in a grand mansion called Grey Gardens, located in East Hampton, New York. The house, a once-stunning estate, would later become the setting for the Beales’ dramatic story. The decline of the property and the Beales’ fortune mirrored the unraveling of their personal lives. Despite the home’s neglect, Grey Gardens became synonymous with the reclusive lifestyle of Edith Ewing Beale and her daughter.
4. Family Tensions and Divorce
Edith and Phelan’s marriage deteriorated during the mid-1940s. Due to her behavior and financial irresponsibility, Phelan left Edith by telegram in 1946. This divorce changed Edith’s life since she had to care for the crumbling mansion and her daughter, Little Edie, who had come home after failing in New York City.
5. The Decline of Grey Gardens
Following Phelan’s departure, the Beales’ financial situation worsened. Grey Gardens became an eyesore, filled with decay and neglect. By the 1960s, the estate was plagued by overgrown vegetation, garbage, and the isolation of its two residents. Edith and Little Edie’s lifestyle grew more eccentric, drawing public attention, but also sparking rumors of mental illness, which would later be explored in the famous documentary.
6. The Impact of “Grey Gardens” (1975)
In 1975, the documentary Grey Gardens was released, shedding light on the lives of Edith Ewing Beale and her daughter, Little Edie. Directed by Albert and David Maysles, the film became a cult classic, providing an intimate look at the Beales’ reclusive life. Edith, often seen in her signature headscarves and large glasses, became a symbol of eccentricity and defiance in the face of societal expectations.
7. The Role of Little Edie
While Edith was undoubtedly a central figure in the documentary, her daughter Little Edie stole much of the spotlight. Little Edie’s strange behavior, extravagant fashion choices, and turbulent past added to the mystique of the Beale family. Despite their differing personalities, the bond between Edith and Little Edie was undeniable, as they supported each other through years of isolation.
8. The Influence of the Bouvier Family
Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale’s connection to the Bouvier family, particularly her niece Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, added a layer of intrigue to her life. While Jacqueline’s life was filled with public attention and political fame, Edith’s was marked by withdrawal and eccentricity. This contrast between the two women only heightened public interest in Edith and her peculiar existence at Grey Gardens.
9. Health and Final Years
In her later years, Edith’s health began to decline. She was plagued by various ailments, including heart problems, and lived a quiet life at Grey Gardens until her death in 1977. Edith passed away on February 5, 1977, at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy that would be immortalized in film and pop culture.
10. The Sale of Grey Gardens
After Edith’s death, Little Edie struggled to maintain the estate. In 1979, she sold Grey Gardens to Ben Bradlee and Sally Quinn, who undertook extensive renovations to restore the property. Despite the renovations, Grey Gardens remained a symbol of the Beale family’s eccentric history and their enduring place in American culture.
11. The Lasting Legacy of Edith Ewing Beale
Edith Ewing Beale’s legacy lives on through Grey Gardens and the continuing fascination with her life. The documentary not only showcased her unique personality but also highlighted the complexity of her relationship with her daughter, Little Edie. The Beales became icons of American eccentricity, and their story continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
12. Conclusion: A Life of Contradictions
Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale was a woman of contrasts. Born into privilege, she spent her final years in seclusion, overshadowed by the grandeur of her family’s past. Yet, through the lens of Grey Gardens, Edith’s life became an enduring symbol of resilience, eccentricity, and the complex dynamics between mother and daughter. Though she may have been forgotten by many during her lifetime, Edith Ewing Beale remains a fascinating figure in the cultural imagination, forever etched in history as “Big Edie.”
FAQ
Who was Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale?
Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale, also known as “Big Edie,” was an American socialite, singer, and mother of Little Edie, featured in the famous documentary Grey Gardens. She was part of the wealthy Bouvier family, related to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
What is Grey Gardens?
Grey Gardens is a 1975 documentary that captured the lives of Edith and Little Edie Beale, two eccentric women living in a dilapidated mansion in East Hampton, New York. The film is a cult classic, revealing their reclusive lifestyle and unique personalities.
How did Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale’s marriage end?
Edith’s marriage to Phelan Beale ended in 1946 when Phelan left her via telegram. Their relationship had deteriorated due to financial issues and Edith’s growing eccentric behavior.
Where is Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale buried?
Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale is buried at Locust Valley Cemetery in Lattingtown, New York.
What happened to Grey Gardens after Edith’s death?
After Edith’s death in 1977, Grey Gardens was sold to Ben Bradlee and Sally Quinn, who restored the property. It remains a cultural landmark today.
