Who is Marsha Mason? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Age: 82 Years, 82 Year Old Females

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Gary Campbell (m. 1965 – div. 1970), Neil Simon (m. 1973 – div. 1983)

father: James Joseph Mason

mother: Jacqueline Helena Mason

Actresses Directors

Height: 5'4" (163 cm), 5'4" Females

Notable Alumni: Webster University

U.S. State: Missouri

City: St. Louis, Missouri

More Facts

education: Webster University

Recommended For You

Recommended Lists:

Female Film Directors

Childhood & Early Life

Marsha Mason was born on April 3, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, to James Joseph Mason and Jacqueline Helena. She has a younger sister named Linda.

She attended Nerinx Hall High School and later graduated from Webster University. While at Webster, Mason performed in a number of theatrical productions.

Recommended Lists:

American Actresses

American Directors

Actresses Who Are In Their 80s

American Female Directors

Continue Reading Below

Career

Marsha Mason made her film debut with the 1968 western ‘Beyond the Law’. From 1971 to 1972, she played Judith Cole in the television series ‘Love of Life’. Soon after this, she starred alongside Susan Anspach and George Segal in ‘Blume in Love’.

In 1977, she played Paula McFadden in ‘The Goodbye Girl’, a romantic comedy-drama focussing on an odd trio: a struggling artist who has rented an apartment from his friend, the current occupant who is his friend's ex-girlfriend and her young daughter. Mason’s performance was critically appreciated and earned her an Academy Award nomination for best actress.

She next starred in the films ‘The Cheap Detective’ and ‘Chapter Two’. During the 1980s, she had roles in a number of movies including ‘Only When I Laugh’, ‘Max Dugan Returns’ and ‘Heartbreak Ridge’.

Mason commenced the next decade with her supporting role of Janice Morrison in the motion picture ‘Stella’ which starred Bette Midler. In 1991, she appeared in the black comedy fantasy flick ‘Drop Dead Fred’. That year, she also joined the cast of the soap opera ‘Sibs’.

During 1997 and 1998, the actress portrayed the character of Sherry Dempsey in the sitcom ‘Frasier’.

Following guest appearances in the dramas ‘The Education of Max Bickford’, ‘Lipstick Jungle’ and ‘Army Wives’, Mason was cast in the recurring role of Pat Spence in the sitcom ‘The Middle’ in 2010.

From 2015 to 2016, she featured as Dr. Kinsey Sherman in two episodes of ‘Madam Secretary’. During this time, she also joined the cast of ‘Grace and Frankie’ as Arlene, a role she is playing till date.

Recommended Lists:

Women Film & Theater Personalities

American Film & Theater Personalities

American Female Film & Theater Personalities

Aries Women

Major Works

In 1973, Marsha Mason was cast as Maggie Paul in ‘Cinderella Liberty’, a romantic drama film adapted from Daryl Ponicsan’s novel of the same name. The movie is about a sailor who develops romantic feelings for a prostitute and becomes her son’s surrogate father. Mason’s performance garnered her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress and also earned her a Golden Globe Award.

Family & Personal Life

Marsha Mason married actor Gary Campbell in 1965 and eventually separated from him. They divorced in 1970. She later married playwright Neil Simon. The couple stayed married from 1973 to 1983.

The actress had a farm in Abiquiu that grew organic herbs. In the 1990s, she sold herbs to other companies before starting a line of bath and body and wellness products called "Resting in the River".

1978	Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical	The Goodbye Girl (1977)
1974	Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama	Cinderella Liberty (1973)

Marsha Mason Biography