Debbie Reynolds was considered for the lead role.
Anthony Perkins film debut.
During first-run engagements of The Actress, selected movie houses around the country projected the film's opening sequence - a recreation of a production number from the play, "The Pink Lady", in wide screen to emphasize the larger-than-life quality of Ruth Gordon's fascination with the stage.
Several cast members in studio records/casting call lists for this movie were not seen in the final print. These were (with their character names): Keith Hitchcock (Comedian), Mitchell Lewis (Stage Doorman), Matt Moore (Waiter), Walter Reed (John Craig) and error (Mr. Donough).