Fumie Kitahara was a Japanese actress and voice actress born in Tokyo on May 28, 1920. She began her career in the 1950s, appearing in live-action films such as "Love Letter" in 1953 and "Our Happiness" in 1957. During the 1960s, she took on roles in notable films directed by Masaki Kobayashi, including "The Human Condition" parts five and six in 1961, "Kwaidan" in 1964, and in the same year, she appeared in Imamura Shohei's film "Intentions of Murder". Her acting work also included a role in the 1962 film "The Inheritance".

In the 1970s, Kitahara expanded her focus to include voice acting. Her most recognized voice role was as Marilla Cuthbert in the 1979 anime television series "Anne of Green Gables," directed by Isao Takahata. She was also part of the cast for a 2010 theatrical compilation of the same series. Throughout her career in film, she had recurring collaborations with several prominent industry figures, including director Masaki Kobayashi and actor Tatsuya Nakadai. Fumie Kitahara passed away on October 6, 1980.