Born in Québec, Canada. Convent-educated, she trained for the stage at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and played leads on Broadway from the turn of the century. She went to Hollywood in 1934 and soon established herself as a leading character actress, typically playing well-bred haughty matrons. She was nominated for an Oscar® for her role as Bette Davis' mother in WATCH ON THE RHINE (1943). She was the widow of playwright Louis Shipman, who died in 1934. Visit the Internet Movie Database for a listing of Watson's film and television credits.  Nominated for Supporting Actress 1943: WATCH ON THE RHINE 1 nomination