19 Facts About Martha Scott

Martha Scott was featured in major films such as Cecil B DeMille's The Ten Commandments, and William Wyler's Ben-Hur.

Martha Scott originated the role of Emily Webb in Thornton Wilder's Our Town on Broadway in 1938, and later recreated the role in the 1940 film version.

Martha Scott was the daughter of Letha and Walter Alva Scott.

Martha Scott's mother was a second cousin of US President William McKinley.

The Scott family remained in Jamesport until Martha was 13 years old.

Martha Scott furthered this interest by attending the University of Michigan.

Martha Scott's accolades included a teaching certificate, as well as accomplishing a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Martha Scott received a career boost right out of college, when she appeared with the Globe Theatre Troupe in a series of Shakespeare productions at the Century of Progress world's fair in Chicago in 1934.

Two years later, Martha Scott reprised the role of Emily in her film debut when Our Town was made into a movie.

Martha Scott's critically acclaimed performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Martha Scott found steady movie work for the next four decades, appearing in major epics such as The Ten Commandments, Ben-Hur, The Desperate Hours, and Airport 1975.

In 1968, Martha Scott joined Henry Fonda and Robert Ryan in forming a theatrical production company called the Plumstead Playhouse.

Martha Scott began appearing in TV roles in the medium's early days.

Martha Scott had recurring roles as Bob Newhart's mother on The Bob Newhart Show, the mother of Colonel Steve Austin on both The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman, as well as Patricia Shepard, Sue Ellen and Kristin's mother on Dallas during its early years and later during the 1986 season.

Martha Scott played the role of Jennifer Talbot, Terri Brock's nasty grandmother, on General Hospital for six months, which ended when her character was murdered and stuffed in a drain pipe.

Martha Scott's final acting role on television was in 1990 in the movie Daughter of the Streets.

Martha Scott was married twice, first to radio producer and announcer Carleton William Alsop from 1940 to 1946, and then to jazz pianist and composer Mel Powell from 1946 until his death in 1998.

Martha Scott died on May 28,2003, in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, aged 90, from natural causes.

Martha Scott was interred next to Powell in the Masonic Cemetery in her native Jamesport, Missouri.