McCambridge, Mercedes

Born March 16, 1916, Joliet, Illinois; Died 2004. Actress and radio performer. Mercedes McCambridge was born on March 16, 1916, in Joliet, Illinois, to Irish Catholic immigrant parents. A theatre major at Mundelein College, she was discovered while a member of the college's verse-speaking choir, catapulting her career in radio and later film and television. While still in school, Mercedes embarked on her professional life with a five-year contract with the National Broadcasting Company for radio-drama. After graduating from Mundelein College in 1937, McCambridge moved to New York to further her acting career in theater. Throughout her career in film and theatre, McCambridge won national recognition -- including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and two Golden Globes for Best Supporting Actress and Most Promising Newcomer, Female, all for her role in "All the King's Men" (1949). McCambridge's filmography includes "All the King's Men" (1949), a leading role in the cult classic "Johnny Guitar" (1954), an Oscar-nominated role in "Giant" (1956), among many others. Although she continued to regularly perform throughout the 1960s, McCambridge only gained widespread notoriety again when she portrayed the voice of the demon in "The Exorcist" (1973). When not acting, Mercedes devoted her time to educating the public about alcoholism and rehabilitation. She was never shy to voice her opinion on the Hollywood film industry, politics, and women's rights, and she continued to be outspoken until her death in 2004.

From the description of Mercedes McCambridge papers, 1935-2004. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 423702305