Trivia

Spent later years active with the Screen Actors Guild, pushing for better medical benefits for older actors.

Norma was initially up for the role of the Mother Superior in The Sound of Music (1965), but lost out to Peggy Wood when the producers changed their minds. Somewhat of a consolation, Norma was relegated to the minor role of Frau Schmidt, the Von Trapps' housekeeper.

Became a naturalized United States citizen on 28 January 1949.

Trained as a concert pianist in Paris and performed in England before deciding to take up acting.

Although never married in real life, she often portrayed a wealthy, distinguished wife or widow, first in film and later in television.

Died one day before what would have been her 91st birthday.