Mary Carlisle
Actor
About Mary Carlisle
Mary Carlisle was a prominent American actress, singer, and dancer who became one of the most recognizable ingénues of 1930s Hollywood. Born Gwendolyn Witter in Boston, she moved to Los Angeles as a young child following her father's death and was eventually discovered by producer Carl Laemmle Jr. while dining at the Universal Studios commissary. Although her initial start was delayed by child labor laws, she signed with MGM in 1930 and quickly transitioned from uncredited background roles to featured parts in major productions like 'Grand Hotel' (1932). Her career reached a turning point in 1932 when she was selected as a WAMPAS Baby Star, a prestigious promotional honor for promising young actresses. She is perhaps best remembered for her three-film partnership with Bing Crosby, which solidified her status as a leading lady in musical comedies. After appearing in over 60 films, Carlisle retired from the screen in 1943 to focus on her marriage to actor and executive James Blakeley and later managed a high-end beauty salon in Beverly Hills. She lived to the remarkable age of 104, passing away in 2018 as the last surviving member of the WAMPAS Baby Stars.
The Craft
On Screen
Carlisle was celebrated for her 'wholesome ingénue' persona, characterized by a sweet, angelic appearance and a natural, bubbly screen presence. She excelled in musical comedies, where her training as a singer and dancer allowed her to play the quintessential 'girl next door' or the romantic interest of major stars. Despite her delicate looks, she was capable of holding her own in fast-paced Pre-Code comedies and later transitioned effectively into more dramatic B-movie leading roles.
Milestones
- Discovered at age 14 by Carl Laemmle Jr. at the Universal commissary
- Signed a contract with MGM in 1930 as a dancer and actress
- Named a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1932 alongside Ginger Rogers and Gloria Stuart
- Cast in the Academy Award-winning 'Grand Hotel' (1932) as Mrs. Hoffman
- Achieved leading lady status starring opposite Bing Crosby in 'College Humor' (1933)
- Starred in the cult horror classic 'Dead Men Walk' (1943) before retiring
- Awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960
- Became the last surviving WAMPAS Baby Star after the death of Barbara Kent in 2011
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- WAMPAS Baby Star (1932)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (6679 Hollywood Blvd, awarded February 8, 1960)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Mary Carlisle epitomized the 'Golden Age' ingénue, representing a specific type of youthful, blonde beauty that was highly sought after by major studios in the 1930s. Her image was used extensively in promotional campaigns, and she was a frequent subject of fan magazines and cigarette cards of the era. As one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars, she was part of a select group of women who defined the 'next generation' of Hollywood talent during the transition from silent films to talkies.
Lasting Legacy
Her legacy is defined by her longevity and her association with the peak of the Hollywood studio system. By living to 104, she served as a living link to the silent era and the early days of MGM. She is remembered by film historians as the quintessential Bing Crosby leading lady and as a symbol of the 'WAMPAS' era of star-making. Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame ensures her place among the legends of the industry.
Who They Inspired
While she did not found a specific school of acting, her career path—from chorus girl to leading lady—served as a blueprint for many aspiring actresses in the 1930s. Her ability to maintain a wholesome image while navigating the demanding studio system influenced how studios marketed young female talent as 'relatable' stars.
Off Screen
Carlisle was born into a religious family and educated at a convent in Boston before moving to Hollywood. She was married to British-born actor and 20th Century Fox executive James Edward Blakeley from 1942 until his death in 2007. The couple had a long and stable marriage of nearly 65 years. After her retirement from acting, she became the manager of the Elizabeth Arden Salon in Beverly Hills, where she worked for many years.
Education
Educated at a convent in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston; later attended high school in Los Angeles.
Family
- James Edward Blakeley (1942–2007)
Did You Know?
- She was the last surviving WAMPAS Baby Star, outliving all other members of the prestigious group.
- She lied about her ability to tap dance to get her first MGM contract, then took a crash course in one day to pass the audition.
- Her uncle, Robert Carlisle, was a film editor who helped her get her first uncredited extra work.
- She was discovered by Carl Laemmle Jr. while she was eating lunch with her mother.
- She famously refused to confirm her exact birth date or age to the public or even her own family for decades.
- After retiring from acting, she managed the Elizabeth Arden Salon in Beverly Hills for over 20 years.
- She appeared in the same class of WAMPAS Baby Stars as Ginger Rogers and Gloria Stuart.
- Her first screen appearance was at age 9 as an extra in the silent film 'Long Live the King' (1923).
In Their Own Words
As a star, I would have to apply myself more strenuously than I have ever worked in my life... The business of being a star is serious, anyway, and that would consume most of my time.
I love working, so long hours and constant study wouldn't alarm me in the least.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mary Carlisle?
Mary Carlisle was a popular American actress and singer known for her roles as a wholesome ingénue in 1930s musical comedies. She was a 'WAMPAS Baby Star' and famously starred in three films with Bing Crosby.
What films is Mary Carlisle best known for?
She is best known for 'College Humor' (1933), 'Double or Nothing' (1937), and 'Doctor Rhythm' (1938), all starring Bing Crosby. She also appeared in the classic 'Grand Hotel' (1932) and the horror film 'Dead Men Walk' (1943).
When was Mary Carlisle born and when did she die?
She was born on February 3, 1914, in Boston, Massachusetts, and died on August 1, 2018, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 104.
What awards did Mary Carlisle win?
While she did not win an Oscar, she was honored as a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1932 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Why did Mary Carlisle retire from acting?
She retired in 1943 shortly after her marriage to James Blakeley to focus on her family life and later pursued a second career managing a luxury beauty salon.
Was Mary Carlisle the last WAMPAS Baby Star?
Yes, following the death of Barbara Kent in 2011, Mary Carlisle became the last surviving member of the WAMPAS Baby Stars until her own death in 2018.
Learn More
Films
2 films
