Mary Carvellas (May 3, 1924 – October 18, 2013), better known as Mary Carver, was an American actress whose career spanned more than 60 years.[1][2] She may be best known for her role as matriarch Cecilia Simon on the series Simon & Simon appearing in 153 episodes from 1981 to 1989 over eight seasons.[1]

Mary Carver
Mary Carver in Simon & Simon, 1988
Born
Mary Carvellas

(1924-05-03)May 3, 1924
DiedOctober 18, 2013(2013-10-18) (aged 89)
Spouse
(m. 1952; div. 1968)
Children2, including Lia Sargent

Early life

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Carver was born in Los Angeles, the daughter of John and Carmen (née Delmar) Carvellas.[3] Carver graduated from Hollywood High School and Los Angeles City College.[4]

Career

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Carver appeared in the Broadway production of Out West of Eighth in 1951. She appeared on Broadway in The Shadow Box in 1977 and in Fifth of July during the 1980s.[1]

Her films included From Here to Eternity (1953), Pay or Die (1960), I Never Promised You a Rose Garden (1977), Protocol (1984), Best Seller (1987), Arachnophobia (1990), and Safe (1995).[1]

Her television roles included Simon & Simon, The Donna Reed Show, ER, The Guardian, Gunsmoke (1956 title character-“Anne” - in “Chester’s Mail Order Bride” - S1E34), Lou Grant, Lux Video Theatre, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mannix, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, McCloud, Quincy, M.E., The Rockford Files, Star Trek: Enterprise, and The Twilight Zone.[1][2]

In addition to acting, Carver taught within the theater department of the University of Southern California.[1]

Personal life

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Carver married film director Joseph Sargent in 1952. They had two daughters, Athena Sargent and voice actress Lia Sargent,[1] and divorced in 1968.

Death

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Carver died on October 18, 2013, following a brief illness at her home in Woodland Hills, California.[1][2] She was 89 years old.[3] She was survived by her daughters.[1]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1951 Goodbye, My Fancy Joan Wintner Uncredited
1953 From Here to Eternity Nancy Uncredited
1956 Bigger Than Life Saleslady Uncredited
1956 Emergency Hospital Anna Banks Uncredited
1958 Kathy O' Marge
1959 The Wild and the Innocent Bit Role Uncredited
1960 Pay or Die Mrs. Rossi
1968 The Virginian Mrs Baldwin saison 6 episode 11 (To bear witness)
1970 Dream No Evil Policewoman
1972 Glass Houses
1977 3 Women Nurse Uncredited
1977 I Never Promised You a Rose Garden Eugenia
1984 Protocol Mrs. Davis
1987 Best Seller Cleve's Mother
1990 Arachnophobia Margaret Hollins
1995 Safe Nell

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Barnes, Mike (2013-10-27). "'Simon & Simon' Star Mary Carver Dies at 89". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  2. ^ a b c "Mary Carver". Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. 2013-10-27. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  3. ^ a b "Mary Carver obituary". Los Angeles Times. 2013-10-27. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  4. ^ "Mary Carver Wins First Film Role". Valley Times. California, North Hollywood. November 7, 1950. p. 13. Retrieved April 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
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