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Mary Wickes: Her Life and Legacy

Resources to explore more about the life of Mary Wickes, a WashU alum and well-known character actress, whose personal papers are located at University Archives.

Digital Exhibit In Character: The Life and Legacy of Mary Wickes

Mary Wickes Papers

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.

Biography

Watch

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

Read More

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:

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