Martha Scott
Actor
About Martha Scott
Martha Scott was an American actress whose career spanned over five decades across stage, film, and television. Born in Missouri in 1912, she first gained critical acclaim for originating the role of Emily Webb in Thornton Wilder's Broadway production of 'Our Town' in 1938. She made her film debut reprising this role in the 1940 movie adaptation, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in her very first screen performance. Throughout her career, Scott demonstrated remarkable versatility, appearing in everything from historical dramas and religious epics to soap operas and miniseries. She was particularly known for her portrayals of strong, maternal figures in films like 'The Ten Commandments' (1956) and 'Ben-Hur' (1959). In her later years, she found success on television with a long-running role on 'General Hospital' and an Emmy-nominated performance in 'The Thorn Birds' (1983). Scott continued acting well into her 80s, maintaining her reputation as a consummate professional until her death in 2003 at age 90.
The Craft
On Screen
Martha Scott was known for her naturalistic and emotionally authentic acting style, bringing a quiet strength and depth to her performances. She had a remarkable ability to convey complex emotions with subtle facial expressions and a controlled, dignified presence. Her theatrical background gave her a foundation in classical techniques, but she adapted seamlessly to the more intimate requirements of film and television. Scott specialized in portraying women of substance—mothers, wives, and figures of moral authority—with a warmth and sincerity that resonated with audiences. Her performances were marked by an understated elegance and a thoughtful approach to character development.
Milestones
- Broadway debut in 'Our Town' (1938)
- Academy Award nomination for 'Our Town' (1940)
- Role as Yochabel in 'The Ten Commandments' (1956)
- Portrayal of Miriam in 'Ben-Hur' (1959)
- Emmy nomination for 'The Thorn Birds' (1983)
- Long-running role as Sister Mary Paul on 'General Hospital' (1976-1985)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1960)
Nominated
- Academy Award for Best Actress for 'Our Town' (1940)
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Special for 'The Thorn Birds' (1983)
Special Recognition
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6126 Hollywood Blvd
- University of Michigan Hall of Fame inductee
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Martha Scott made a significant cultural impact through her portrayal of Emily Webb in both the stage and film versions of 'Our Town,' helping to establish this quintessential American play in the national consciousness. Her performances in religious epics like 'The Ten Commandments' and 'Ben-Hur' helped define the archetype of the dignified, faithful maternal figure in Hollywood cinema. Scott's career demonstrated the successful transition from stage to film to television, paving the way for future generations of actors to work across multiple mediums. Her long-running television role in 'General Hospital' helped establish the legitimacy of soap opera acting and brought classical training to daytime television.
Lasting Legacy
Martha Scott's legacy endures through her iconic performances that have become part of American film history. Her portrayal of Emily Webb remains the definitive interpretation for many theater and film enthusiasts. As one of the few actresses to successfully transition from Broadway's golden age through Hollywood's studio system and into television's golden age, she represents the versatility and longevity possible in a performing arts career. Scott's work in religious epics helped establish a template for portraying biblical figures with both reverence and human emotion. Her dedication to her craft across five decades serves as an inspiration for actors seeking to maintain relevance and artistic integrity throughout their careers.
Who They Inspired
Martha Scott influenced subsequent generations of actors through her naturalistic acting style and her ability to bring depth to maternal and authority figures. Her successful transition from stage to screen provided a model for theater actors seeking to adapt their techniques for film and television. Scott's performances in religious and historical films influenced how actresses approached similar roles, emphasizing the importance of finding humanity within iconic characters. Her work on television helped elevate the artistic standards of soap operas and miniseries, demonstrating that complex, nuanced performances were possible in all mediums. Many actresses who later played maternal figures in film and television have cited Scott's dignified, emotionally authentic approach as an influence.
Off Screen
Martha Scott was married twice during her lifetime. Her first marriage was to producer and screenwriter Carleton W. Alsop from 1940 to 1946. In 1946, she married jazz pianist and composer Mel Powell, who won a Pulitzer Prize for music, and they remained together until his death in 1998. The couple had two children together, a daughter named Mary and a son named Powell. Scott was known for her private nature off-screen, rarely discussing her personal life in interviews. She was actively involved in charitable work, particularly supporting arts education and children's hospitals.
Education
University of Michigan (graduated with a degree in drama)
Family
- Carleton W. Alsop (1940-1946)
- Mel Powell (1946-1998)
Did You Know?
- She was nominated for an Academy Award for her very first film role
- She originated the role of Emily Webb on Broadway before reprising it in the film
- She appeared in two of the most successful biblical epics: 'The Ten Commandments' and 'Ben-Hur'
- She was a founding member of the Actors Studio
- Her husband Mel Powell won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1990
- She appeared in over 50 films and television shows during her career
- She was a direct descendant of American Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen
- She continued acting until just a few years before her death at age 90
- She turned down the lead role in 'Mrs. Miniver' (1942), which went to Greer Garson
- She was a skilled pianist and often played for her own amusement on film sets
In Their Own Words
'I never thought of myself as a movie star. I was always an actress who happened to work in movies.' - Interview in 1985
'The stage teaches you discipline and the camera teaches you intimacy. You need both to be a complete actor.' - Acting class lecture, 1978
'Playing Emily Webb changed my life. Thornton Wilder taught me that the simplest truths are the most profound.' - On 'Our Town'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Martha Scott?
Martha Scott was an American actress known for her distinguished career spanning stage, film, and television over five decades. She originated the role of Emily Webb in 'Our Town' on Broadway and in the 1940 film, earning an Academy Award nomination for her screen debut. Scott appeared in numerous classic films including 'The Ten Commandments' and 'Ben-Hur,' and later found success on television in 'General Hospital' and 'The Thorn Birds.'
What films is Martha Scott best known for?
Martha Scott is best known for 'Our Town' (1940), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for her film debut as Emily Webb. She also gained widespread recognition for her roles in major Hollywood epics like 'The Ten Commandments' (1956) as Yochabel and 'Ben-Hur' (1959) as Miriam. Her television work included memorable performances in 'The Thorn Birds' (1983) and a long-running role on 'General Hospital.'
When was Martha Scott born and when did she die?
Martha Scott was born on September 22, 1912, in Jamesport, Missouri, and passed away on May 28, 2003, in Van Nuys, California, at the age of 90. She maintained an active career for over 50 years, from her Broadway debut in 1938 until her retirement in the 1990s.
What awards did Martha Scott win?
Martha Scott received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her debut performance in 'Our Town' (1940). She also earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role in 'The Thorn Birds' (1983). Additionally, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 and was inducted into the University of Michigan Hall of Fame.
What was Martha Scott's acting style?
Martha Scott was known for her naturalistic and emotionally authentic acting style, characterized by quiet strength and subtle emotional depth. Her theatrical background provided classical technique, which she adapted to create intimate, nuanced performances for film and television. Scott specialized in portraying dignified maternal and authority figures with warmth and sincerity, bringing humanity to iconic roles in religious and historical films.
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Films
1 film
