Born in Chicago, Illinois. Stock and Broadway actress who began her Hollywood career in 1931, recreating her stage role as the gossipy, unsympathetic woman in STREET SCENE. Bondi was Oscar-nominated for her performances in THE GORGEOUS HUSSY (1936) and OF HUMAN HEARTS (1938) and, in 1977, earned an Emmy for a guest appearance on "The Waltons" TV series. She portrayed Jimmy Stewart's mother in four films: OF HUMAN HEARTS and VIVACIOUS LADY (both 1938), MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939) and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946). She always said that her greatest regret was being passed over for the role of Ma Joad in John Ford's THE GRAPES OF WRATH (1940). Miss Bondi died in her California home at the age of 92 of injuries she sustained after tripping over her cat.    Nominated for Supporting Actress 1936: THE GORGEOUS HUSSY    Nominated for Supporting Actress 1938: OF HUMAN HEARTS 2 nominations