Marjorie Main
(1890 - 1975)Although she started out playing upper class, dowager types, somehow Marjorie Main got typecast into playing abrasive, salty, domineering women. Born Mary Tomlinson on February 24, 1890 in Acton, Indiana, a minister's daughter she, like many other great actors, began acting in stock companies when still a youngster, graduating to vaudeville and the Broadway stage. She could play a loving mother or a psychopathic killer which illustrated her range as an actress. Her voice was quite distinct, sounding almost like screeching chalk on a blackboard. She is best known as Ma Kettle in the "Ma & Pa Kettle" series of films. Her other film credits include: "A House Divided" (1931) in a bit part, her film debut; "Dead End" (1937) as Mrs. Martin, which she also played on stage; "Stella Dallas" (1937) as Mrs. Martin; "Another Thin Man" (1939) as Mrs. Dolley; "The Shepherd of the Hills" (1941) with John Wayne, as Granny Becky; "Tennessee Johnson" (1942) as Mrs. Fisher; one of my favorite comedies, "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944) as Katie; "Murder, He Says" (1945) as Mamie Johnson; "The Egg and I" (1947) as Ma Kettle, which began the "Kettle" series; "The Long, Long Trailer" (1954) as Mrs. Hittaway; "Friendly Persuasion" (1956) as the Widow Hudspeth and "The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm" (1957) again as ma Kettle, in her last film. She guest starred on "December Bride" and Wagon Train" TV series. She died on April 10, 1975 in Los Angeles, California after a long battle with cancer.
From Great Character Actors, Page 2.
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