Martha Scott was an American actress who appeared in many films, stage plays, and television shows. She was best known for her roles in epic movies such as The Ten Commandments and Ben-Hur, as well as her debut film role as Emily in Our Town, for which she received an Oscar nomination. She died on May 28, 2003, at the age of 90, from natural causes. This article will pay tribute to her life and career, and explore the factors that contributed to her death.
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Early Life and Career
Martha Scott was born on September 22, 1912, in Jamesport, Missouri, to Walter and Letha Scott. Her mother was a second cousin of President William McKinley. She developed an interest in acting in high school, and pursued a degree in drama from the University of Michigan. She started her professional career with the Globe Theatre Troupe, performing Shakespeare plays at the Century of Progress world’s fair in Chicago in 1934.
She moved to New York City and found success on Broadway, especially with her role as Emily Webb in Thornton Wilder’s play Our Town, which premiered in 1938. She reprised the role in the 1940 film adaptation, directed by Sam Wood, and earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She also won a Donaldson Award for her stage performance.
Film and Television Roles
Martha Scott appeared in many films throughout her career, often playing the mother or wife of the leading man. She worked with Charlton Heston four times, playing his mother in The Ten Commandments (1956) and Ben-Hur (1959), and his wife in Design for a Stained Glass Window (1954) and The Tumbler (1960). She also played the mother of Kirk Douglas in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946), and the mother of Elvis Presley in Loving You (1957).
She also had roles in films such as The Desperate Hours (1955), The Buccaneer (1958), Airport 1975 (1974), and The Turning Point (1977). She received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in Sayonara (1957), opposite Marlon Brando.
She was also active in television, appearing in shows such as Robert Montgomery Presents, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Twilight Zone, The Fugitive, Gunsmoke, The Waltons, Dallas, and Cheers. She won an Emmy Award for her guest role in The Bob Newhart Show in 1977.
Personal Life and Death
Martha Scott was married three times. Her first husband was radio producer Carlton Alsop, whom she married in 1940 and divorced in 1946. Her second husband was composer Mel Powell, whom she married in 1946 and remained with until his death in 1998. They had two children, a son and a daughter. Her third husband was pianist Nathan Scott, whom she married in 2000 and survived her.
She died on May 28, 2003, in Van Nuys, California, from natural causes. She was 90 years old. She was cremated and her ashes were scattered at sea. She is survived by her two children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Martha Scott Cause of Death: A Conclusion
Martha Scott was a versatile actress who had a long and successful career in film, stage, and television. She was known for her roles in epic movies such as The Ten Commandments and Ben-Hur, as well as her debut film role as Emily in Our Town, for which she received an Oscar nomination. She died on May 28, 2003, at the age of 90, from natural causes. She left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a loving family. She will be remembered as one of the great actresses of her generation.
