Mary Lee was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “Cowboy and the Senorita,” “Ridin’ on a Rainbow,” and “Angels with Broken Wings.” Born on October 24, 1924, in Centralia, Illinois, she had a notable career in film before passing away on June 6, 1996, in Sacramento, California.
Personal and Family Life
Mary Lee, born Mary Lee Wooters, married Harry J. Banan on November 12, 1943. The couple had two children together. After her husband’s passing in 1990, she continued to focus on her family and her career in entertainment.
Career Highlights
Mary Lee began her film career at a young age and made her first appearance in “Nancy Drew… Reporter” in 1939. As a teenager, she starred in nine Gene Autry westerns where she often sang and provided comedic relief. She became well-known through her appearances in various short features and various films throughout the 1940s.
Death and Legacy
Mary Lee passed away on June 6, 1996, in Sacramento, California, though the specifics of her death remain undisclosed. She is remembered for her contributions to the film industry, particularly in the Western genre, and her performances alongside iconic figures like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Nancy Drew… Reporter | 1939-02-18 | Mary Nickerson |
| Cowboy and the Senorita | 1944-05-13 | Chip Williams |
| South of the Border | 1939-12-15 | Patsy |
| Song of Nevada | 1944-08-05 | Kitty Hanley |
| Back in the Saddle | 1941-03-14 | Patsy |
| Rancho Grande | 1940-03-22 | Patsy Dodge |
| Angels with Broken Wings | 1941-05-27 | Mary Wilson |
| Carolina Moon | 1940-07-14 | Patsy Stanhope |
| The Singing Hill | 1941-04-25 | Patsy |
| Ride, Tenderfoot, Ride | 1940-09-05 | Patsy Randolph |
| Nobody’s Darling | 1943-08-27 | Janie Farnsworth |
| Three Little Sisters | 1944-07-31 | Sue Scott |
| Barnyard Follies | 1940-10-05 | Bubbles Martin |
| Melody and Moonlight | 1940-10-10 | Ginger O’Brien |
| Gaucho Serenade | 1940-05-09 | Patsy Halloway |
| Shantytown | 1943-04-20 | Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Gorty |
| Melody Ranch | 1940-09-15 | Penny Curtis |
| Ridin’ on a Rainbow | 1941-01-24 | Patsy Evans |