Mary Wickes remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring and beloved character actresses—a witty, warm presence whose career spanned over five decades, leaving fans with indelible memories of her quick delivery and comic timing. In this definitive and SEO-optimized deep dive, we explore Mary Wickes’ biography, Mary Wickes net worth, age, early life, holiday roles, personal relationships, birthday remembrances, and more.
Early Life & Background
Born Mary Isabelle Wickenhauser on June 13, 1910—though some sources note June 3, 1910—in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the only child of a well-to-do banker. A gifted student, Mary completed a political science degree at Washington University in St. Louis by age 18, originally intending to pursue law. Her transformation from aspiring lawyer to celebrated actress began when she discovered a love for performance—and the stage won her heart.
Nicknamed Mary Wickes: From Stage to Screen
Broadway Beginnings
Her acting journey took flight on Broadway in 1934, where she made her debut in productions like The Farmer Takes a Wife, followed by roles in classics like The Man Who Came to Dinner .
Hollywood’s Go-To Character Actress
By the early 1940s, Mary Wickes had become known for her sharp, comic supporting roles:
-
Nurse Preen in The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942)
-
Nurse Dora Pickford in Now, Voyager (1942)
She continued to carve her niche playing busybodies, nuns, housekeepers, and nurses—often with a dry sense of humor that made her unforgettable.
On-Screen & Voice Appearances
Over more than half a century, Mary Wickes appeared in more than 130 roles, including:
-
White Christmas (1954) as Emma Allen
-
The Trouble with Angels (1966) and Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows (1968) as Sister Clarissa
-
She served as the live-action reference model for Cruella de Vil in One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961), and lent her voice as Freckles.
-
Television: from early appearances on I Love Lucy (1952) to Make Room for Daddy, Dennis the Menace, Mrs. G. Goes to College—for which she earned an Emmy nomination—then through decades starring in MASH*, The Love Boat, Columbo, Murder, She Wrote.
-
In the 1990s, her career enjoyed a resurgence with roles in Postcards from the Edge (1990), Sister Act (1992) and its sequel Sister Act 2 (1993), and Little Women (1994) as Aunt March.
-
Her final role was as the voice of Laverne in Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame (released posthumously in 1996).
Age, Birthday & Holiday Connections
Mary Wickes passed away on October 22, 1995, at age 85, following complications from hip surgery at UCLA Medical Center.
Her birthday, celebrated on June 13, has made her a recurring feature in lists of famous birthdays today—especially among classic Hollywood fans. Whether spotlighted for her performance in holiday favorites like White Christmas or her role in Sister Act 2 —a holiday-themed film—Mary Wickes remains closely tied to cheerful, festive stories.
Mary Wickes net worth & Legacy
While exact figures aren’t widely published, Mary Wickes left a large estate, including a $2 million bequest to create the Isabella and Frank Wickenhauser Memorial Library Fund at Washington University in St. Louis, honoring her parents and supporting the arts. Given that legacy, her net worth at the time of her passing was substantial—likely reflecting decades of film, stage, television—and solid estate planning.
Personal Life & Relationships
Unlike many of her Hollywood contemporaries, Mary Wickes never married and had no children. She was known as a warm, generous soul whose friendships—like her enduring friendship with Lucille Ball—were deep and meaningful. Though she had no romantic relationships on the public record, she nurtured numerous professional and personal connections, building her reputation on kindness, wit, and spirited presence.
Final Reflections: Why Mary Wickes Still Matters
-
A Face Everyone Knew: As the title of a 2013 biography puts it, “I Know I’ve Seen That Face Before.” Mary Wickes’ familiar, genial persona made her stand out—unique even in brief appearances.
-
Holiday Cheer & Comfort: Whether delivering laughs in White Christmas or serving divine humor in Sister Act, Mary Wickes brought warmth during joyful seasons.
-
Legacy of Giving: Her philanthropic gift continues to support future generations in film and theater—cementing her impact beyond the screen.
-
Endless Versatility: From stage to sitcoms, dramas to animation, her multi-decade career exemplifies adaptability and talent.
-
Respected Peer & Friend: Working with Lucille Ball and many others, she earned admiration within Hollywood as a consummate professional with a generous spirit.
In Summary
Mary Wickes—born June 13, 1910; passed October 22, 1995—was a beloved American character actress known for her comic brilliance, wide-ranging roles, and generous legacy. Mary Wickes net worth at her passing was significant, including a $2 million bequest to a university film and theater fund. Her birthday, often featured in famous birthdays today lists, marks the legacy of a performer whose presence still resonates. Her career, spanning stage, screen, and television, showcased her talent, mischief, and lasting charm—seasoned with holiday magic and a warm heart.
