Conchata Ferrell

Conchata Ferrell was not Hollywood’s typical leading lady. Born in Loudendale, West Virginia, and raised in Charleston -After spending two lackluster years at WVU – Conchata would go on to graduate from Marshall with a degree in history. 

It was at Marshall in 1969 when Conchata first felt the bite of the acting bug, and made her on-stage debut performing in skit comedies and musicals. After graduating, Conchata spent five successful years performing on off-Broadway stages. She made her television debut in a 1974 episode of “Maude,” and from there it was off to the races.

With well over 100 film, television, and stage credits to her name, Conchata established herself as a true professional, and became one of the most sought after character actors in Hollywood. From commanding attention in the long-running comedy series “Two and a Half Men,” to demonstrating her dramatic chops in such films as “Erin Brochovich,” all the way to her voice work on the animated series, “The Wild Thornberries,” Conchata was an actor’s actor. 

For giving the world nearly six decades of memorable performances, and for representing the best of West Virginia, we are happy to name the late Conchata Ferrell as the Certified Real West Virginian of the Week. 

Have someone you’d like to nominate? Email us at news@therealwv.com.