Mary Ford was an American actress best known for her roles in Speed Racer (2008), Casino (1995), and Carol (2015).
Personal and Family Life
Born on July 7, 1924, in El Monte, California, Mary Ford was originally named Iris Colleen Summers. She married famous guitarist Les Paul on December 29, 1949, and they had three children together before divorcing in 1964. Mary also married Donald Hatfield. Tragically, a daughter born prematurely in 1954 passed away just four days after her birth.
Career Highlights
Mary started her singing career at a high school radio station and later played guitar. Her breakthrough came when she appeared on the Jimmy Wakely Radio Show, guest-starring with Gene Autry in 1944. Alongside Les Paul, she became part of one of the most popular musical duos in the 1950s, achieving two #1 hits with “How High the Moon” and “Mockingbird Hill.” The couple earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for their contributions to music.
Death and Legacy
Mary Ford passed away on September 30, 1977, in Arcadia, California, due to complications from pneumonia and diabetes. Her contributions to the music industry and her performances have left a lasting legacy, especially through her work with Les Paul, which continues to influence musicians today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Les Paul – Live in New York | 2010-08-24 | Herself |
| Montana Plains | 1944-12-04 | Singer |
| The Dick Clark Show | 1958-02-15 | Self |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self – Singer |
| The Millionaire | 1955-01-19 | Miss Minnesota |
| What’s My Line? | 1950-02-02 | Self – Mystery Guest |
| The Bell Telephone Hour | 1959-01-12 | Self |