Mary Wickes was born Mary Isabella Wickenhauser in St. Louis, Missouri on June 13, 1910.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1930.  She received the Distinguished Alumni Citation from Washington University in 1955.  Later she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts Degree from Washington University in 1969.  Wickes was an actress who had a long career on stage, in film, and on television in performances including Oklahoma!, Sister Act, and The Father Dowling Mysteries.  She died in Los Angeles, California on October 22, 1995.

Many films and television shows that include Mary Wickes are available from the WashU Libraries:

Wickes was a well-known character actress with a long career in theater, TV, and film.  She was often cast as a nun, nurse, housekeeper or in other supporting-type roles.  Suggested reading to explore these topics: