Childhood & Early Life
Mariette was born Mary Loretta Hartley, on June 21, 1940, in New York City, to Mary "Polly" Ickes, a manager and saleswoman, and Paul Hembree Hartley, an account executive. Her younger brother, Paul, is an author and research philosopher. The famous psychologist John B Watson, who proposed the methodological behaviorism approach, was Mariette’s maternal grandfather.
Mariette and legendary actor John Houseman studied together at the 'Repertory Stratford.' At the age of 14, Mariette was coached by award-winning actor Eva Le Gallienne at Lucille Lortel's ‘White Barn Theatre.' Mariette's theater credits mostly include plays by Chekov and Shakespeare. After a year of college, Mariette joined the 'American Shakespeare Festival' with John Houseman. In 1965, Mariette graduated from 'Carnegie Institute of Technology' (now 'Carnegie Mellon University'). In 1993, she received an honorary degree from 'Rider College.'
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Career
Mariette bagged her first acting project at the 'White Barn Theater' in Westport, Connecticut, when she was an 8-year-old child. Years later, in 1958, Mariette made her debut with a brief and uncredited role in the film 'From Hell to Texas.' She then bagged a role in the 1962 western movie 'Ride the High Country.'
Toward the beginning of the 1960s, Mariette did several stage plays. She was also a member of the 'UCLA Theater Group.' Some of the local plays featuring Mariette were 'The Merchant of Venice,' 'Mrs. Warren's Profession,' 'Buffalo Gals,' and 'The Seagull.'
Mariette won a 'Drama-Logue Award' for 'Trojan Women' and an 'Ovation' nomination for her remarkable performance in 'Enchanted April.' She was part of the plays 'The Sisters Rosensweig,' for which she received a 'Drama-Logue Award'; 'Death Trap'; and 'Copenhagen,' which earned her a 'Broadway Ovation Award.'
In 1962, Mariette was seen in an episode of the 'CBS' western drama 'Gunsmoke.' Mariette was cast in the supporting role of ‘Susan Clabon’ in the 1964 Alfred Hitchcock-directed psychological thriller movie 'Marnie.'
In 1963, Mariette was seen in the guest role of ‘Evelyn Crown’ in the 'ABC’ drama 'Channing' and as ‘Hagar’ in 'ABC' western series 'The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters.' She also guest-starred in an episode of the 'CBS' anthology series 'The Twilight Zone.' In 1964, Mariette appeared as ‘Kate Andrews’ in one episode and as ‘Maria Peterson’ in another episode of the 'NBC' series 'The Virginian.'
Mariette was cast as ‘Jessica,’ ‘Sister Blandina,’ ‘Tiger Lil / Miss Millett, and ‘Cynthia Fallon’ in the radio and TV anthology series 'Death Valley Days.' She has acted in several science-fiction films and TV movies, such as 'Marooned' (1969), 'Earth II' (1971), and 'Genesis II' (1973). She played ‘Zarabeth’ in an episode of the 'NBC' series 'Star Trek.' Some of Mariette’s other films are 'Barquero' (1970), 'The Magnificent Seven Ride!' (1972), 'Improper Channels' (1981), 'O'Hara's Wife' (1982), 'Encino Man' (1992), and 'Novel Romance' (2006).
In 1978, she appeared as ‘Dr. Carolyn Fields’ in two episodes of the 'CBS' 'Marvel' comic-based series 'The Incredible Hulk.' Her role in the series won Mariette an 'Emmy Award.' She was cast as ‘Dr. Inga Halvorsen’ in an episode of the 'CBS' war comedy–drama 'M-A-S-H.' Later, she was seen in two TV films, namely, 'The Halloween That Almost Wasn't,' or 'The Night Dracula Saved The World' (1979), and 'My Two Loves' (1986).
In the 1990s, Mariette toured as a cast member of the revival of the mystery play 'Deathtrap.' She hosted the long-running educational documentary series 'Wild about Animals.' In 2006, Mariette was seen in her own show, 'If You Get to Bethlehem, You've Gone Too Far.' Mariette was also seen in the 2003 revival of the ‘Broadway' play 'Cabaret.'
From 2003 to 2011, Mariette played the recurring role of ‘Lorna Scarry’ in the 'NBC’ crime-drama series 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.' In 2014, Mariette graced the stage as Eleanor of Aquitaine, the queen consort of France, in the play 'The Lion in Winter' by 'Colony Theater Company.'
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In January 2018, Mariette was seen as ‘Patricia Clark,’ an Alzheimer’s patient, in seven episodes of the 'Fox' procedural drama '9-1-1.'
Other Ventures
Mariette is the founder of 'Maraday Production Company.' She is the national spokesperson of the 'American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.'
Mariette is an honorary member of several associations, such as the 'Actors' Equity Association,' the 'Screen Actors Guild,' the 'American Federation of Television and Radio Artists,' the 'Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,' and 'Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.'
Mariette has co-authored her biography, titled 'Breaking the Silence,’ along with playwright Anne Commire. The book was published in 1990.
Family & Personal Life
Mariette got married to John Seventa in 1960, but the couple divorced 2 years later. She then married Patrick Boyriven, on August 13, 1978. She had met him in 1973, while auditioning for a commercial. Mariette has two children, Sean and Justine, from her second marriage. Mariette and Patrick divorced in 1996. In 2005, Mariette got married for the third time, to Jerry Sroka.
Facts About Mariette Hartley
Mariette Hartley is known for her unique talent of being able to cry on cue, a skill that has earned her critical acclaim in various acting roles.
She is a published author and has co-written several books, showcasing her versatility as a creative individual beyond her acting career.
Mariette Hartley is a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness and has been actively involved in various organizations supporting this cause.
In addition to her successful acting career, she is also a talented painter and has exhibited her artwork in galleries around the world.
Mariette Hartley has a great sense of humor and is known for her quick wit, making her a delightful presence both on and off the screen.
