Mary Carvellas (May 3, 1924 – October 18, 2013), better known as Mary Carver, was an American actress whose career spanned more than 60 years. She may be best known for her role as matriarch Cecilia Simon on the series Simon & Simon appearing in 153 episodes from 1981 to 1989 over eight seasons.
Early life Carver was born in Los Angeles, the daughter of John and Carmen (née Delmar) Carvellas. Carver graduated from Hollywood High School and Los Angeles City College.
Career Carver appeared in the Broadway production of Out West of Eighth in 1951. She appeared on Broadway in The Shadow Box in 1977 and in Fifth of July during the 1980s.
Her films included From Here to Eternity (1953), Pay or Die (1960), I Never Promised You a Rose Garden (1977), Protocol (1984), Best Seller (1987), Arachnophobia (1990), and Safe (1995).
Her television roles included Simon & Simon, The Donna Reed Show, ER, The Guardian, Gunsmoke (1956 title character-“Anne” - in “Chester’s Mail Order Bride” - S1E34), Lou Grant, Lux Video Theatre, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mannix, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, McCloud, Quincy, M.E., The Rockford Files, Star Trek: Enterprise, and The Twilight Zone.
In addition to acting, Carver taught within the theater department of the University of Southern California.
Personal life Carver married film director Joseph Sargent in 1952. They had two daughters, Athena Sargent and voice actress Lia Sargent, and divorced in 1968.
Death Carver died on October 18, 2013, following a brief illness at her home in Woodland Hills, California. She was 89 years old. She was survived by her daughters.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1951 Goodbye, My Fancy Joan Wintner Uncredited1953 From Here to Eternity Nancy Uncredited1956 Bigger Than Life Saleslady Uncredited1956 Emergency Hospital Anna Banks Uncredited1958 Kathy O' Marge 1959 The Wild and the Innocent Bit Role Uncredited1960 Pay or Die Mrs. Rossi 1963 The Twilight Zone Betty O'Brien Season 4 Episode 15: "The Incredible World of Horace Ford"1968 The Virginian Mrs Baldwin Season 6 Episode 11: "To Bear Witness"1970 Dream No Evil Policewoman 1972 Glass Houses 1977 3 Women Nurse Uncredited1977 I Never Promised You a Rose Garden Eugenia 1977 The Rockford Files Receptionist 1 Season 3 Episode 22: "Dirty Money, Black Light"1984 Protocol Mrs. Davis 1987 Best Seller Cleve's Mother 1990 Arachnophobia Margaret Hollins 1995 Safe Nell
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