Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Orphaned at an early age, she made her stage debut at 14 with a Denver stock company; after numerous stage appearances with touring companies, she made her Broadway debut in 1924. She entered films in 1933 with LITTLE WOMEN --which set the tone for the rest of her career. She played supporting roles in some 100 movies, typically as a pleasant young-in-spirit, often pixilated mother, most memorably in YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU (1938), for which she was nominated for an Oscar as best supporting actress. She was also very effective in MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY, WAY DOWN EAST (both 1935), DODSWORTH, THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE (both 1936), THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER (1938), THE STORY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL (1939), THE DEVIL AND MISS JONES, MEET JOHN DOE (both 1941), ROXIE HART (1942), HEAVEN CAN WAIT (1943), I'LL BE SEEING YOU, THE ECHANTED COTTAGE (both 1945), IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME (1949), LOUISA (1950), and PLEASE DON'T EAT THE DAISIES (1960). She was a fixture in the Jones Family (1936-40) film series. She also starred in the TV series "December Bride" and was a regular on "Laramie." In real life Miss Byington was more brainy than bird-like and had a working knowledge of psychology. "Books to me are my favorite stuff in the world," she once said. It was reported that she had read more pamphlets and books on the subject of aviation than many professional flyers. As she was approaching the age of 60, she decided to take flying lessons.    Nominated for Supporting Actress 1938: YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU 1 nomination