Mary Anderson (actress, born 1918)
A graceful Hollywood actress who brought quiet strength to supporting roles in classics from 'Gone With the Wind' to Hitchcock's 'Lifeboat'.
1918–2014 (age 96)·American actress·Birthday: April 3·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Mary Anderson possessed a poised, luminous quality that made her a memorable presence in Hollywood's golden age, even when she wasn't the star. Discovered by director Henry King, she signed with 20th Century-Fox and began a career defined by elegant reliability. While millions know her as the hopeful girl asking about the wounded in 'Gone With the Wind', her most significant work came in Alfred Hitchcock's tense chamber piece 'Lifeboat', where she held her own among a powerhouse cast. She later found a successful second act in television, appearing in numerous series before retiring from acting to focus on family, leaving behind a filmography of understated, impactful performances.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Mary was born in 1918, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mary Was Born
The biggest hits of 1918
Mary's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1918Born
World War I ends; Spanish flu pandemic kills millions
President: Woodrow Wilson
1923Started school
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1931Became a teenager
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1934Could drive
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1936Could vote
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1939Turned 21
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1948Turned 30
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1958Turned 40
NASA founded
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Volare" — Domenico ModugnoBest Picture: Gigi
1968Turned 50
Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy assassinated
Gas: $0.34/galHome: $14,950Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Hey Jude" — The BeatlesBest Picture: Oliver!
1978Turned 60
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1988Turned 70
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1998Turned 80
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2014Died at 96
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
Key Achievements
- Played the memorable role of Maybelle Merriwether in the epic film 'Gone With the Wind'.
- Starred as Alice MacKenzie, one of the survivors, in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Lifeboat'.
- Appeared in over 50 film and television productions between 1939 and 1965.
- Had recurring roles on popular TV series like 'Peyton Place' and 'The Rifleman'.
Did You Know?
She was discovered while performing in a stage production of 'What a Life' at the Pasadena Playhouse.
She tested for the role of Melanie Wilkes in 'Gone With the Wind', which ultimately went to Olivia de Havilland.
She was married to cinematographer and director Leon Shamroy, who won four Academy Awards.
After retiring from acting, she became a successful interior decorator.
“I played the girl waiting by the phone, and sometimes that was the whole story.”
