Mary Margaret Wood was an American actress, renowned for her versatility and range across stage, film, and television. Her most iconic role was as the titular character in the CBS television series "Mama," earning her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Wood's breakthrough performance came as Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, in the 1960 CinemaScope production "The Story of Ruth." She also made a lasting impression as the gentle and wise Mother Abbess in the beloved film "The Sound of Music," earning nominations for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Born with a natural talent for singing, Wood studied voice in France under the tutelage of the legendary soprano Emma Calve. Upon returning to the United States, she became an early member of the Actors' Equity Association, spending nearly five decades on the stage. Wood's stage debut was in 1910 as part of the chorus for "Naughty Marietta." She went on to star in numerous musicals, including "Maytime," where she introduced the song "Will You Remember," and "The Merchant of Venice," in which she played the role of Portia.
Wood's early career was marked by her success in London and New York, where she starred in numerous musicals, including the original London production of Noel Coward's operetta "BITTER SWEET." Her notable stage credits also include the New York premiere of "Blithe Spirit" in 1941.
Wood's few film appearances include roles in "Jalna," "A Star is Born," "Call It a Day," "The Housekeeper's Daughter," "The Bride Wore Boots," "Magnificent Doll," and "Dream Girl." She also co-starred with comedian Imogene Coca on Broadway in "The Girls in 509" and appeared in a one-act play, "Opening Night," alongside Ruth Gates in 1963.
In her later years, Wood continued to work in television, starring as matriarch Marta Hansen in the popular TV series "Mama" from 1949 to 1957. She also had a recurring role as Dr. Kate Nolan in the ABC-TV soap "One Life to Live" from 1969.
Wood's literary endeavors included the publication of her autobiography, "How Young You Look," in 1941, followed by an update, "Arts and Flowers," in 1963. She also wrote a biography of actor John Drew, Jr., a novel called "The Star Wagon," and co-authored a play called "Miss Quis." Throughout her career, Wood received numerous awards for her theatrical work and served as president of the American National Theater and Academy for a time.
