Actress. Best known for playing Romana in the popular British series “Doctor Who”. Born to poverty-stricken Estonian immigrants in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, in the northern region of England, she was not introduced to the English language until she attended primary school. With aspirations of becoming an actress Mary was able to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and following graduation, she became a player with the Birmingham Repertory Company. This was followed with a recurring role on the long-running TV soap opera “Coronation Street” and later her part of Sigi in the thriller picture “The Odessa File” (1974). She was cast in the part of Romana opposite Tom Baker in the series “Dr. Who”, during the show’s run from 1978 to 1979. From that point on, Mary remained busy with an abundant of television roles in such programs as “Brookside” (1993 to 1994), “Paradise Heights” (2002) and “EastEnders” (2009). She died following a lengthy battle with cancer.