Mary Naylor(II)

Mary Naylor is a British/American variety entertainer, known for her work as a West End leading lady, radio and television celebrity, singer, pianist, and accordionist. She starred in the opening production number for the 1946 Royal Variety Performance. Mary was also a child star in the "Youth Takes A Bow" troupe that toured England, Wales, and Scotland on the prestigious Stoll-Moss Empire circuit during the first two years of WWII. Also in the YTAB were future British comics, Ernie Wise and Eric Morecambe. When she turned 16, she made a huge splash in the West End musical, "Scoop," and after that, Mary was a top-of-the-bill singing star on stages across the U.K. She also had a successful tour alongside popular crooner, Sam Browne. She was active with fund-raising, working with Stage Door Canteen, ENSA, and the Grand Order of the Lady Ratlings. In the 1950's she hosted her own television show on the BBC, and was a beloved radio star. She married World Famous bird-manipulator magician, Jack Kodell, on Saturday, March 7, 1953. They both moved to Jack's native America in 1960, and spent the rest of their careers inventing cruise ship entertainment, along with mentoring new generations of magic and variety entertainers. Jack and Mary had no children. Jack Kodell passed away in 2012.