Mary Treen was an American actress best known for her roles in It’s a Wonderful Life, The Joey Bishop Show, and Willy. She became a familiar face in Hollywood for her ability to bring humor to various characters throughout her career.
Personal and Family Life
Mary Treen was born Mary Louise Summers on March 27, 1907, in St. Louis, Missouri. After her father passed away when she was an infant, she was raised by her mother, who performed under the name Helene Sullivan, along with her stepfather, a physician. Treen attended both Westlake School for Girls and a convent where she participated in school plays.
Career Highlights
Treen started her career in vaudeville before moving into films in the 1930s. Standing 5’9″, she formed a musical comedy duo and later became known for her roles in many comedies and dramas. Some of her notable films include Kentucky Moonshine, I Love a Soldier, and the classic It’s a Wonderful Life, where she played Cousin Tilly. In television, she gained recognition as Hilda Hinkelmeyer on The Joey Bishop Show.
Death and Legacy
Mary Treen passed away from cancer on July 20, 1989, in Newport Beach, California, at the age of 82. After her death, she was cremated, and her ashes were scattered at sea. Treen is remembered as a dependable character actress who left a mark on both film and television during her long career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| It’s a Wonderful Life | 1946-12-20 | Cousin Tilly |
| Strange Impersonation | 1946-03-16 | Talkative nurse |
| Bundle of Joy | 1956-12-12 | Matron |
| The Sad Sack | 1957-11-27 | Sgt. Hansen |
| Girl in 313 | 1940-05-31 | Jenny, Hotel Maid |
| The Joey Bishop Show | 1961-09-20 | Hilda |
| The Andy Griffith Show | 1960-10-03 | Clara Lindsey |
| I Love a Soldier | 1944-07-12 | Cecilia ‘Cissy’ Grant |
| Willy | 1954-09-18 | |
| Happy Days | 1974-01-15 | Miss Prism |