Mary Martin: The Legendary Singer
A Bio of the Living Legend
Mary Martin was born on December 1, 1913, in Weatherford, Texas. Her parents were Preston Martin, a lawyer, and his wife, Juanita Presley. Mary’s parents divorced when she was five years old, and she and her brother, Lawrence, were sent to live with their grandmother in Mineral Wells, Texas.
Martin attended high school in Mineral Wells, where she participated in school activities and sang in the school choir. After graduating, she attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she sang in the university choir and performed in student productions.
Age and Relationships
Mary Martin passed away in 1990 at the age of 76. She was married four times in her life. Her first marriage was to Ben Hagman, who she married in 1930 and divorced in 1936. She then married Richard Halliday in 1940, and they were married until his death in 1973. In 1976, Martin married Robert D. Klein, who she was married to until his death in 1984. Her fourth and final marriage was to her former music director and arranger, Larry Hagman, who she was married to until her death.
Children and Height
Martin had two children, a son, Larry Hagman, who became famous for his role as J.R. Ewing on the TV show Dallas, and a daughter, Heller Halliday. Martin was 5 feet, 7 inches tall.
Career
Mary Martin’s career began in the 1930s when she appeared on Broadway in the musical Leave It to Me! She then went on to star in numerous other Broadway productions, including One Touch of Venus, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music. Martin also appeared in movies, including a role in Night and Day, a biopic about the composer Cole Porter.
Martin is credited with helping to establish the modern Broadway musical. Her performances were known for their lively energy and exuberance. She had a gift for connecting with audiences and bringing them into the story. Her distinctive voice and charming personality made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Top Songs
Martin was known for her outstanding performances in many musicals, but these were some of her most popular songs:
- “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” from South Pacific
- “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” from Leave It to Me!
- “I Got Lost in His Arms” from Annie Get Your Gun
- “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music
- “A Wonderful Guy” from South Pacific
Net Worth
Mary Martin had a net worth of approximately $3 million at the time of her death.
FAQs
What was Mary Martin’s most famous role?
Mary Martin’s most famous role was as Maria von Trapp in the 1959 production of The Sound of Music. The musical became a huge success, and Martin’s performance earned her a Tony Award.
What was Mary Martin’s connection to J.R. Ewing?
Larry Hagman, who played J.R. Ewing on the TV show Dallas, was Mary Martin’s son. Hagman and Martin actually started their careers together, with Hagman working as Martin’s stage manager early in his career.
Did Mary Martin ever record an album?
Yes, Mary Martin released several albums during her career, including Mary Martin Sings Richard Rodgers Plays, which was released in 1956 and features Martin’s performances of songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals.
Did Mary Martin ever perform in a movie?
Yes, Mary Martin appeared in several movies during her career, including Night and Day, a 1946 biopic about composer Cole Porter. Martin played the role of Porter’s wife, Linda.
What made Mary Martin’s performances so special?
Mary Martin was known for her energy and charisma on stage. She had a distinctive voice and a natural ability to connect with audiences. Her performances were always full of life and joy.
Did Mary Martin have any famous co-stars during her career?
Yes, Mary Martin worked with many famous actors and performers during her career, including Ethel Merman, Bing Crosby, and Ezio Pinza.
What was Mary Martin’s last performance?
Mary Martin’s last performance was in a 1985 television special, Mary Martin: Hello, Dolly!, which was a celebration of her life and career.
What was Mary Martin’s favorite role?
Mary Martin often said that her favorite role was Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. She played the role several times during her career and felt a strong affinity for the character.
Did Mary Martin ever win any awards?
Yes, Mary Martin won several awards during her career, including four Tony Awards for her performances in One Touch of Venus, South Pacific, Peter Pan, and The Sound of Music.
Was Mary Martin ever involved in any charitable work?
Yes, Mary Martin was actively involved in several charitable organizations during her career, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the March of Dimes. She was also a supporter of programs that helped to bring music and the arts to children.
What was Mary Martin’s favorite place to perform?
Mary Martin loved performing on Broadway and considered it her home. She felt a deep attachment to the theater and the community that surrounded it.
Did Mary Martin ever perform in a non-musical role?
Yes, Mary Martin appeared in several non-musical roles during her career, including a role in the movie Beyond the Forest and a guest appearance on the TV show The Love Boat.
What was Mary Martin’s favorite song to perform?
Mary Martin’s favorite song to perform was “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” from the musical Leave It to Me!
What was Mary Martin’s greatest achievement?
Mary Martin’s greatest achievement was helping to establish the modern Broadway musical. Her performances and charisma helped to bring a new energy and excitement to the theater.
What was Mary Martin’s relationship with Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein?
Mary Martin had a close working relationship with both Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. She appeared in several of their productions, including South Pacific and The Sound of Music. Martin considered them to be among the greatest musical theater writers of all time.
What advice would Mary Martin give to aspiring performers?
Mary Martin believed that the key to success in the entertainment industry was passion and dedication. She encouraged aspiring performers to work hard, stay focused, and never give up on their dreams.
