Marjorie Main
Actor
About Marjorie Main
Marjorie Main was a beloved American character actress whose career spanned over four decades in Hollywood, though she began her career on stage. Born Mary Tomlinson in 1890, she adopted her stage name when she entered show business to avoid confusion with another actress. She made her film debut in the early 1930s and quickly established herself as a reliable character player, often playing stern but good-hearted women, landladies, or mothers. Her breakthrough role came as Ma Kettle in 'The Egg and I' (1947), which spawned the popular Ma and Pa Kettle film series that ran through the 1950s. Main appeared in over 80 films, working with major stars like Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, and Judy Garland. Her distinctive voice, no-nonsense demeanor, and comedic timing made her one of Hollywood's most recognizable supporting actresses. She retired from acting in the late 1950s and spent her remaining years in California, leaving behind a legacy as one of cinema's most memorable character actresses.
The Craft
On Screen
Marjorie Main was known for her distinctive gravelly voice and no-nonsense, down-to-earth persona. She specialized in playing strong-willed, practical women who often served as comic relief but with underlying warmth and wisdom. Her acting style was naturalistic and unpretentious, drawing from her Midwestern roots and theatrical training. She had remarkable comedic timing and could deliver sharp, witty lines with deadpan expression. Main often played maternal figures but subverted expectations with her tough exterior and unexpected vulnerability. Her physical comedy, including her distinctive walk and mannerisms, became trademarks that audiences loved.
Milestones
- Stage debut in 1916 with stock theater companies
- Film debut in 'A House Divided' (1931)
- Academy Award nomination for 'The Egg and I' (1947)
- Starred in nine Ma and Pa Kettle films (1949-1957)
- Long-term contract with MGM Studios
- Final film appearance in 'The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm' (1957)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for 'The Egg and I' (1947)
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (1948)
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress (1956)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (located at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard)
- Inducted into the Indiana Hall of Fame
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Marjorie Main's portrayal of Ma Kettle created an enduring archetype of the rural American mother that resonated with post-war audiences. Her character represented the strength, resilience, and humor of working-class American women during a time of significant social change. The Ma and Pa Kettle films, though simplistic by modern standards, provided comfort and laughter to millions of Americans dealing with the aftermath of World War II and the onset of the Cold War. Main's success as a character actress helped pave the way for other non-traditional Hollywood stars who didn't fit the conventional leading lady mold. Her distinctive voice and persona became so iconic that they were frequently parodied and referenced in popular culture, including cartoons and television shows.
Lasting Legacy
Marjorie Main left an indelible mark on Hollywood as one of the most recognizable character actresses of the Golden Age. Her portrayal of Ma Kettle remains one of cinema's most beloved maternal figures, and the character's popularity has endured decades after the last film was released. Main demonstrated that character actors could achieve stardom and audience loyalty without being traditional romantic leads. Her work helped establish the importance of supporting roles in ensemble films and showed the commercial viability of films centered on unconventional protagonists. Today, film historians and classic movie enthusiasts celebrate Main for her authenticity, comic genius, and the genuine warmth she brought to every role. The Ma and Pa Kettle films continue to be shown on television and streaming services, introducing new generations to Main's unique talent.
Who They Inspired
Marjorie Main influenced generations of character actresses who followed, proving that distinctive personalities could become major stars without conforming to Hollywood beauty standards. Her naturalistic acting style and authentic portrayal of rural Americans influenced how filmmakers approached casting for working-class roles. Main's success with the Ma and Pa Kettle series demonstrated the commercial appeal of family-friendly comedies centered on unconventional protagonists, paving the way for future sitcoms and family films. Her ability to balance comedy with genuine emotion influenced later character actors like Cloris Leachman and Betty White. The archetype she created with Ma Kettle continues to appear in various forms in modern media, from television sitcoms to animated films.
Off Screen
Marjorie Main was known for being intensely private about her personal life, rarely giving interviews about her off-screen activities. She married Stanley LeFevre Krebs, a psychologist and author, in 1921, though the marriage ended in divorce. Unlike many Hollywood stars, she maintained a relatively simple lifestyle and was known for her frugality and practical nature. Main was deeply religious and a devoted Christian Scientist, which influenced many of her life decisions. She never had children and devoted her later years to her faith and charitable work. After retiring from acting, she lived quietly in Los Angeles, avoiding the Hollywood social scene.
Education
Attended Franklin College in Indiana for one year before leaving to pursue acting
Family
- Stanley LeFevre Krebs (1921-1932, divorced)
Did You Know?
- She changed her name from Mary Tomlinson to Marjorie Main to avoid confusion with another actress named Mary Tomlinson
- Despite playing rural characters, she was actually well-educated and came from a relatively comfortable background
- She was a devout Christian Scientist and often refused medical treatment
- Her distinctive voice was so recognizable that she was frequently hired for voice work and radio appearances
- She was 5'7" tall, quite tall for a woman of her era, which added to her commanding presence
- Main was an accomplished stage actress before transitioning to films, appearing in numerous Broadway productions
- She never learned to drive and relied on studio transportation throughout her career
- The Ma and Pa Kettle characters were so popular that they appeared in comic books and merchandise
- She was known for being extremely frugal, once famously reusing tea bags multiple times
- Main was one of the few actresses to successfully transition from silent films to talkies to television
- She turned down many roles that required her to compromise her Christian Science beliefs
- The success of the Ma and Pa Kettle films led to a short-lived television series in the 1960s
In Their Own Words
Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle!
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, but you can make a mighty fine pork chop!
I've been married to Pa Kettle for so long, I don't know whether I'm coming or going!
A woman's work is never done, especially when she's married to a man like Pa Kettle!
Some folks are born lucky, and some folks marry Pa Kettle!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Marjorie Main?
Marjorie Main was a beloved American character actress best known for playing Ma Kettle in the Ma and Pa Kettle film series. With her distinctive gravelly voice and no-nonsense personality, she became one of Hollywood's most recognizable supporting actresses during the Golden Age of cinema, appearing in over 80 films from the 1930s through the 1950s.
What films is Marjorie Main best known for?
Marjorie Main is most famous for the nine Ma and Pa Kettle films (1949-1957), beginning with 'The Egg and I' (1947). She also appeared in notable classics like 'Meet Me in St. Louis' (1944), 'The Harvey Girls' (1946), 'Oklahoma!' (1955), and 'The Bad Seed' (1956). Her role as Ma Kettle earned her an Academy Award nomination and made her a household name.
When was Marjorie Main born and when did she die?
Marjorie Main was born Mary Tomlinson on February 24, 1890, in Acton, Indiana. She passed away on April 10, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 85. Her career spanned from her film debut in 1931 until her retirement in 1957.
What awards did Marjorie Main win?
Marjorie Main received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Ma Kettle in 'The Egg and I' (1947). While she didn't win the Oscar, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Indiana Hall of Fame. Her lasting recognition comes from the enduring popularity of her film work.
What was Marjorie Main's acting style?
Marjorie Main was known for her naturalistic, down-to-earth acting style characterized by her distinctive gravelly voice and deadpan delivery. She specialized in playing strong-willed, practical women with hidden warmth, often bringing comic relief to films while maintaining emotional authenticity. Her performances drew from her Midwestern roots and theatrical background, creating characters that felt both familiar and uniquely memorable.
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Films
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