Mary was nominated for an Emmy for "Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actress" for her work in The Gertrude Berg Show.
Mary and Lucille Ball were neighbors and the closest of friends for many years.
Mary served as the live-action reference model for the villain Cruella De Vil in Disney's animated feature One Hundred and One Dalmatians.
Mary was a volunteer at the Hospital of the Good Samaritan in Los Angeles for several years.
Mary is a longtime friend of playwright Abby Conrad.
Mary: (Remarking on comedy) I love playing good comedy with a heart, comedy which touches the audience.
Mary: (On acting) I can't stand those who talk only acting. That's pretty bad.
Mary: (On her personality) Women like me. They think I'm wholesome or something.