Ellen Bird (April 8th, 1881 - September 11th, 1949) was a personal maid to Ida Straus and survivor of the sinking of the RMS Titanic.
Aboard the Titanic[]
She boarded the Titanic at Southampton and occupied Cabin C-97 (ticket number PC 17483). Also travelling with them were Isidor Straus' English manservant John Farthing.
After the Titanic hit the iceberg, Mrs. Straus debated upon whether or not to enter a lifeboat. She handed Ellen some of her jewelry, but then decided to take it back. Ida also gave Ellen her fur coat saying that she would not be needing it. Even after being rescued, Ellen tried to give the fur coat back to the family, specifically to the Straus’ oldest daughter, Sara Straus Hess. She told Ellen to keep it telling her that Ida had given it to her.
Encouraged by her employers, Bird boarded Lifeboat 8 and was saved. Mrs. Straus stayed back to stay with her husband, and both went down with the Titanic.
Portrayals[]
As the servant of one of the most wealthiest and well known families and Titanic's passengers, Ellen Bird appears at least three times in the popular cultures portrayal.
S.O.S. Titanic (1979)[]
Ellen Bird in S.O.S. Titanic
| “ |
You go ahead, Ellen." |
” |
—Ida Straus and Ellen Bird | ||
In S.O.S. Titanic, Ellen Bird appear briefly. Ida Straus sent her to get into the lifeboat first, Ellen said that Mr. Straus won't like it. Ida replied that she had lived with him for 40 years, she would explain to her husband herself.
1996 Miniseries Titanic[]
"Sofia" in the 1996 Miniseries Titanic
| “ |
Here, Sofia... take it. You'll need it. |
” |
—Ida Straus to "Sofia" | ||
In the 1996 miniseries, Ellen's name was changed to "Sofia". She appeared during the loading of lifeboat 4, Ida Straus sent her into the boat and gave her a fur coat, saying that she would need it.
Titanic (1997)[]
Ellen Bird in Titanic (1997)
In the 1997 film, Ellen Bird only appears in one of the deleted scenes: "Ida Straus won't leave". She was seen standing next to Ida Straus.