Mary Forbes, English actress (d. 1974)

Mary Forbes: A Prolific British-American Actress of Stage and Screen

Mary Forbes, born Ethel Louise Young on 1 January 1883, embarked on a remarkable and extensive career that spanned both the British and American entertainment industries. A distinguished British-American film actress, she ultimately based her operations in the United States during her later years, where she passed away on 22 July 1974. Over a period of nearly four decades, from 1919 to 1958, Forbes built an impressive filmography, appearing in more than 130 motion pictures.

Early Life and Theatrical Foundations

Hailing from Hornsey, England, Mary Forbes's journey into performance began not on the dramatic stage but on the concert platform, where she gave recitals. This early exposure to public performance likely honed her stage presence and vocal skills. Her formal acting debut took place in 1908 on the prestigious London stage at the Aldwych Theatre, a prominent venue in the heart of West End theatre. Her talent soon brought her across the Atlantic, making her American stage debut in 1913 in the acclaimed play Romance at Maxine Elliott's Theatre, a significant Broadway establishment. Demonstrating her multifaceted capabilities beyond acting, Forbes also took on a managerial role, notably overseeing the Ambassadors Theatre in London in 1913. This leadership position, unusual for an actress of her time, underscored her business acumen and deep involvement in the theatrical world.

Transition to Hollywood and a Prolific Film Career

With several years of invaluable experience garnered on both British and American stages, Mary Forbes arrived in Hollywood well-prepared for the demands of the nascent film industry. Her extensive theatrical background provided a strong foundation for her screen performances. Throughout her prolific film career, Forbes became particularly known for her distinctive portrayal of aristocratic, refined, or formidable British women, often typecast in roles that capitalized on her elegant demeanor and precise diction. Her extensive film credits include notable works such as the 1932 adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms, the adventure classic Lives of a Bengal Lancer (1935), the historical drama The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939), the atmospheric The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945), and the acclaimed courtroom drama Witness for the Prosecution (1957), showcasing her enduring presence across various genres and decades of Hollywood filmmaking.

Personal Life, Marriages, and Family Legacy

Mary Forbes's personal life saw several significant unions and a legacy of acting within her family. Her first marriage, which occurred in the first quarter of 1904, was to Ernest J. Taylor. This union produced three children:

• Ralph Taylor, who later achieved recognition as an actor under the professional name Ralph Forbes.
• Dorothy Brenda Taylor, also known professionally as Brenda Forbes, who followed in her mother's footsteps to become a respected actress.
• Phyllis Mary Taylor, the middle child, who chose a different path and was not involved in the entertainment industry.

Forbes's second marriage in 1925 was to British actor Charles Quartermaine; however, this union eventually ended in divorce. In 1935, she married her third husband, Wesley Wall, an American businessman. This final marriage proved to be a lasting partnership, with the couple remaining together until Forbes's death in 1974.

Naturalization and Later Years

In a significant personal development, Mary Forbes officially became a naturalized United States citizen in 1943. This decision, made during the tumultuous years of World War II, solidified her ties to her adopted country. Notably, her application for citizenship included a character reference from Lucile Webster Gleason, herself a well-known actress and the wife of the prolific character actor James Gleason, highlighting Forbes's deep connections within the Hollywood community. She continued to reside in the United States until her passing in 1974, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in both British and American entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mary Forbes

Was Mary Forbes British or American?

Mary Forbes was born in England, making her British by birth. However, she became a naturalized United States citizen in 1943, spending her latter years and ultimately dying in the U.S. Therefore, she held both British heritage and American citizenship.

How many films did Mary Forbes appear in during her career?

Mary Forbes had an exceptionally prolific film career, appearing in more than 130 films over a period of nearly four decades, from her debut in 1919 until her final film in 1958.

Were any of Mary Forbes's children also involved in acting?

Yes, two of her three children from her first marriage to Ernest J. Taylor became successful actors: Ralph Taylor (known as Ralph Forbes) and Dorothy Brenda Taylor (known as Brenda Forbes), both establishing their own careers in the entertainment industry.