Biography

Mary McCarty was born on September 27, 1923 in Winfield, Kansas, USA. She was an actress, known for Babes in Toyland (1961), The French Line (1953) and All That Jazz (1979). She died on April 30, 1980 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Appeared as a child in Shirley Temple, Jane Withers and Virginia Weidler film vehicles during the late 1930s and early 1940s. At age 14, McCarty performed as a torch singer at the Hollywood Tropics, a night spot.

Had just finished her first TV season as starchy Nurse Willoughby in Trapper John, M.D. (1979) when she suddenly passed away from heart disease. at age 56. She was survived by her longtime companion Margaret Lindsay. McCarty was interred at Calvary Cemetery, Los Angeles County, California.

Created the role of raucous Mama Morton in the Broadway stage version of "Chicago". Her musical role was later played by Queen Latifah in Chicago (2002).

American character actress, known for her brash characters, who made her mark not only in musical comedies but also in straight plays and fluffy comedies.

Was nominated for Broadway's 1977 Tony Award as Best Actress (Featured Role - Play) for a revival of Eugene O'Neill's "Anna Christie".

[on her mother's ambitions for her career] My mother didn't push. She aimed me.