Albertson, Mabel, 1901-1982

Mabel Albertson (1901-1982), actress and writer, worked steadily on stage, in films, and on radio and television, for over forty years. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, on July 24th, 1901, Mabel Albertson was the sister of actor Jack Albertson. After graduating from the New England School of Speech and Expression, Mabel moved directly into professional stage work in stock, vaudeville, and night clubs, appearing with Jimmy Durante. During the 1930s she became prominent in radio, co-starring with comedian Phil Baker on THE ARMOUR HOUR (1933-35), later on NBC's DRESS REHEARSAL (1936-37), with Joe Rines and Pinky Lee, to which she also contributed script ideas, dialog, and gags. In 1937 Mabel Albertson married radio writer Ken England. Her film career took off in the 1950s with character roles in such movies as SHE'S BACK ON BROADWAY (1953), ABOUT MRS. LESLIE (1954) with Shirley Booth, FOREVER DARLING (1956) with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, THE LONG HOT SUMMER (1958), and DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP (1959). In the 1960s, Mabel Albertson appeared on most of the top-rated series on television, including GUNSMOKE, PERRY MASON, THE MUNSTERS, BONANZA, and THAT GIRL, and became best known for her continuing role on BEWITCHED as Elizabeth Montgomery's mother-in-law. Mabel Albertson retired from acting in the mid-1970s and died, of Alzheimer's disease, on September 28, 1982, at the age of 81.