Mari Aldon was an American actress best known for her roles in Distant Drums, The Barefoot Contessa, and Summertime. Born Maria Aldona Paulius on November 17, 1925, in Skaudvile, Lithuania, she had a brief yet memorable career in the film industry.
Personal and Family Life
Mari Aldon was married to Hollywood director Tay Garnett from August 13, 1953, until his death on October 3, 1977. The couple had one child together. Born to Anthon John Paulius and Antonina Slepovitch, Mari also had a sibling named Janet Helen Paulius. She trained for six years as a ballet dancer before transitioning to acting, which was encouraged by her husband.
Career Highlights
Aldon’s acting career included her standout performance as Judy Beckett in the film Distant Drums (1951), where she starred alongside Gary Cooper. Although she appeared in a handful of major films, much of her work was in television, where she gained some recognition. She was also seen in The Barefoot Contessa (1954) and Summertime (1955), but her roles were mostly fleeting. Despite not leaving an enduring mark in film history, her graceful presence was appreciated during her time.
Death and Legacy
Mari Aldon passed away on October 31, 2004, in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the cause of her death undisclosed. Her contributions to film and television have been remembered by fans of classic cinema, even though her body of work was limited. Aldon’s legacy lives on through her performances that captured the charm and elegance of her era.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Barefoot Contessa | 1954-09-29 | Myrna |
| Distant Drums | 1951-12-25 | Judy Beckett |
| Summertime | 1955-06-21 | Phyl Yaeger |
| This Woman Is Dangerous | 1952-02-09 | Ann Jackson |
| Mask of Dust | 1954-12-10 | Patricia Wells |
| The Tanks Are Coming | 1951-10-31 | Patricia Kane |
| Tangier Incident | 1953-02-01 | Millicent |
| A Woman’s Vengeance | 1948-03-02 | Girl (uncredited) |
| Live a Little, Love a Little | 1968-10-23 | Minor Role (uncredited) |
| Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison | 1951-05-18 | |
| The Locket | 1946-12-20 | Mary (uncredited) |
| Tomorrow Is Another Day | 1951-08-08 | Dance Hall Hostess |
| The Deputy | 1959-09-12 | Priscilla |