Marsha Mason Biography

(Actress)

Birthday: April 3, 1942 (Aries)

Born In: St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Marsha Mason is a prominent American actress and director. She is a four-time Academy Award nominee for her work in the films ‘Cinderella Liberty’, ‘The Goodbye Girl’, ‘Chapter Two’ and ‘Only When I Laugh’. The first two films also earned her Golden Globe Awards. On television, she is known for appearing in the sitcom ‘Love of Life’ as well as in the drama ‘Frasier’, the latter of which garnered her an Emmy Award nomination. The talented actress has also worked extensively on stage, most notably in a revival of ‘The Prisoner of Second Avenue’. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Mason grew up alongside her younger sister. After completing her high school education from Nerinx Hall High School, she graduated from Webster University before making her film debut. From 1965 to 1970, Mason was married to actor Gary Campbell. Her second marriage, to screenwriter Neil Simon, lasted for ten years. She has no children.
2
Quick Facts

Age: 82 Years, 82 Year Old Females

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Gary Campbell (m. 1965 – div. 1970), Neil Simon (m. 1973 – div. 1983)

father: James Joseph Mason

mother: Jacqueline Helena Mason

Actresses Directors

Height: 5'4" (163 cm), 5'4" Females

Notable Alumni: Webster University

U.S. State: Missouri

City: St. Louis, Missouri

More Facts

education: Webster University

  • 1

    What movies has Marsha Mason starred in?

    Marsha Mason has starred in movies such as "The Goodbye Girl," "Cinderella Liberty," "Only When I Laugh," "Chapter Two," and "Heartbreak Ridge."
  • 2

    What is Marsha Mason's acting style known for?

    Marsha Mason is known for her natural and authentic acting style, often portraying strong and complex female characters with depth and emotion.
  • 3

    Has Marsha Mason ever worked in theater?

    Yes, Marsha Mason has an extensive background in theater, having appeared in numerous stage productions on and off Broadway throughout her career.
  • 4

    What is Marsha Mason's approach to preparing for a role?

    Marsha Mason is known for her dedication to research and preparation for her roles, often delving deep into the character's background and motivations to bring authenticity to her performances.
  • 5

    How has Marsha Mason's career evolved over the years?

    Marsha Mason's career has evolved from being a successful film actress in the 1970s and 1980s to also establishing herself as a reputable theater actress and director, showcasing her versatility and talent across different mediums.
Childhood & Early Life
Marsha Mason was born on April 3, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, to James Joseph Mason and Jacqueline Helena. She has a younger sister named Linda.
She attended Nerinx Hall High School and later graduated from Webster University. While at Webster, Mason performed in a number of theatrical productions.
Continue Reading Below
Career
Marsha Mason made her film debut with the 1968 western ‘Beyond the Law’. From 1971 to 1972, she played Judith Cole in the television series ‘Love of Life’. Soon after this, she starred alongside Susan Anspach and George Segal in ‘Blume in Love’.
In 1977, she played Paula McFadden in ‘The Goodbye Girl’, a romantic comedy-drama focussing on an odd trio: a struggling artist who has rented an apartment from his friend, the current occupant who is his friend's ex-girlfriend and her young daughter. Mason’s performance was critically appreciated and earned her an Academy Award nomination for best actress.
She next starred in the films ‘The Cheap Detective’ and ‘Chapter Two’. During the 1980s, she had roles in a number of movies including ‘Only When I Laugh’, ‘Max Dugan Returns’ and ‘Heartbreak Ridge’.
Mason commenced the next decade with her supporting role of Janice Morrison in the motion picture ‘Stella’ which starred Bette Midler. In 1991, she appeared in the black comedy fantasy flick ‘Drop Dead Fred’. That year, she also joined the cast of the soap opera ‘Sibs’.
During 1997 and 1998, the actress portrayed the character of Sherry Dempsey in the sitcom ‘Frasier’.
Following guest appearances in the dramas ‘The Education of Max Bickford’, ‘Lipstick Jungle’ and ‘Army Wives’, Mason was cast in the recurring role of Pat Spence in the sitcom ‘The Middle’ in 2010.
From 2015 to 2016, she featured as Dr. Kinsey Sherman in two episodes of ‘Madam Secretary’. During this time, she also joined the cast of ‘Grace and Frankie’ as Arlene, a role she is playing till date.
Major Works
In 1973, Marsha Mason was cast as Maggie Paul in ‘Cinderella Liberty’, a romantic drama film adapted from Daryl Ponicsan’s novel of the same name. The movie is about a sailor who develops romantic feelings for a prostitute and becomes her son’s surrogate father. Mason’s performance garnered her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress and also earned her a Golden Globe Award.
Family & Personal Life
Marsha Mason married actor Gary Campbell in 1965 and eventually separated from him. They divorced in 1970. She later married playwright Neil Simon. The couple stayed married from 1973 to 1983.
The actress had a farm in Abiquiu that grew organic herbs. In the 1990s, she sold herbs to other companies before starting a line of bath and body and wellness products called "Resting in the River".
Facts About Marsha Mason
Marsha Mason is an accomplished gardener and has a passion for cultivating beautiful flowers and plants in her spare time.
She is an avid animal lover and has adopted several rescue pets over the years, including dogs and cats.
Marsha Mason is known for her excellent culinary skills and enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
She is a talented painter and often uses art as a form of relaxation and self-expression.
Marsha Mason is a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness and has supported various organizations that promote mental well-being.

Awards

Golden Globe Awards
1978 Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical The Goodbye Girl (1977)
1974 Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Cinderella Liberty (1973)

How To Cite

Article Title
- Marsha Mason Biography
Author
- Editors, TheFamousPeople.com
Website
- TheFamousPeople.com
URL
https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/marsha-mason-44051.php

People Also Viewed

Sabrina Carpenter Biography
Sabrina Carpenter
(American)
 
Blake Lively Biography
Blake Lively
(American)
 
Jennifer Lopez Biography
Jennifer Lopez
(American)
 
Jenna Ortega Biography
Jenna Ortega
(American)
 
Kristen Bell Biography
Kristen Bell
(American)
 
Winona Ryder Biography
Winona Ryder
(American)
 
Sydney Sweeney Biography
Sydney Sweeney
(American)
 
Margaret Qualley Biography
Margaret Qualley
(American)