ruth gordon jones (or just simply ruth gordon; october 30, 1896 - august 28, 1985) was an american writer and actress who was extremely known by movie roles that she performed past age 70. she played minnie castevet in the movie "rosemary's baby". she also played maude in "harold and maude". she received an academy award, two golden globes and an emmy award for her acting. ruth gordon was born in quincy, massachusetts. she died from a stroke in edgartown.