Actress. Originally considered for the role of ‘Scarlet’ O’Hara’, she played ‘Maybelle Merriwether’ in the classic picture “Gone With the Wind” (1939). Born and raised in the Deep South (some sources state her year of birth as 1920), she attended Howard College (now Samford University) in Alabama. During this period, she was discovered and experienced some uncredited roles with MGM. Mary was among several actresses who were under consideration for playing ‘Scarlet O’Hara”; the part ended up going to Vivien Leigh. More roles of substance were found during the 1940s which included her playing ‘Alice MacKenzie’ in the classic Hitchcock picture “Lifeboat” (1944). She appeared regularly on TV during the 1950s and had a recurring part as ‘Catherine Harrington’ in the series “Peyton Place” (1964). She retired from acting during the 1960s after totaling roughly fifty film and television credits. She was the recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. (bio by: C.S.)  Family links:  Spouse:  Leon Shamroy (1901 – 1974)