Mary Kornman (born Mary Agnes Evans, December 27, 1915 – June 1, 1973) was an American

child actress The term child actor or child actress is generally applied to a child acting on stage or in movies or television. An adult who began their acting career as a child may also be called a child actor, or a "former child actor". Closely associated t ...

who was the leading female star of the ''

Our Gang ''Our Gang'' (also known as ''The Little Rascals'' or ''Hal Roach's Rascals'') is an American series of comedy short films chronicling a group of poor neighborhood children and their adventures. Created by film producer Hal Roach, also the ...

'' series during the

Pathé Pathé or Pathé Frères (, styled as PATHÉ!) is the name of various French businesses that were founded and originally run by the Pathé Brothers of France starting in 1896. In the early 1900s, Pathé became the world's largest film equipment ...

silent era.

''Our Gang''

She was born as Mary Agnes Evans, the daughter of Verna Comer, who appeared in several films, and David Lionel Evans. Her stepfather,

Hal Roach Harry Eugene "Hal" Roach Sr.Randy Skretvedt, Skretvedt, Randy (2016), ''Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies'', Bonaventure Press. p.608. (January 14, 1892 – November 2, 1992) was an American film and television producer, director, a ...

′s still-photo cameraman Eugene Kornman adopted Mary after he and Mary's mother were married in 1921. After

Peggy Cartwright Peggy Cartwright (November 14, 1912 – June 12, 2001) was a Canadian silent film actress and the leading lady of the ''Our Gang'' comedy series during the silent film era. She appeared in four short films released in 1922 (and, possibly, the in ...

, who appeared in only four or five ''

'' episodes, Mary became the leading lady of the series, appearing in more than 40 episodes. Kornman was one of the series′ biggest stars during its early years between 1922 and 1926. Maltin, Leonard and Bann, Richard W. (1977, rev. 1992). ''The Little Rascals: The Life and Times of Our Gang'', p. 249. New York: Crown Publishing/Three Rivers Press. After outgrowing the Our Gang series, she and fellow Our Gang alumnus Johnny Downs spent several years performing as a team on the college and vaudeville circuits.

Mildred Kornman

Her younger sister, Mildred. was also a

. Mildred was featured as a regular in ''

'' from 1926–28, and made further appearances until 1935. She had no speaking roles and appeared when many children were needed for a scene such as a classroom. She later achieved a degree of fame as an adult

fashion model A model is a person with a role either to promote, display or advertise commercial products (notably fashion clothing in fashion shows) or to serve as a visual aid for people who are creating works of art or to pose for photography. Thoug ...

known as ''Ricki VanDusen''. When asked in 1960 what she thought of being part of ''Our Gang'', Mildred Kornman replied "It was fun being a gang member. It was play. I have no regrets...We didn't have to be talented, which is natural for kids ... I think we had a privileged childhood working in those films."

Later years and death

Mary continued working with ''Our Gang'' co-star

Mickey Daniels Richard Daniels Jr. (October 11, 1914 – August 20, 1970) known professionally as Mickey Daniels, was an American actor. Signed by Hal Roach in 1921, he was, along with Joe Cobb, Jackie Condon, Jackie Davis, Mary Kornman, and Ernie Morrison, ...

into adulthood, as evidenced by some publicity shots from the era. She appeared with Mickey in the teen version of

, ''

The Boy Friends ''The Boy Friends'' is a series of American Pre-Code comedy short films released between 1930 and 1932. The series consisted of fifteen films and was spun off from the long running ''Our Gang'' film series (also known as ''The Little Rascals'' ...

''. In 1934, she married Leo Tover, a cameraman, but divorced approximately five years later. Throughout the 1930s, she continued to appear in many features such as the serial '' Queen of the Jungle'' (1935), and '' The Desert Trail'' (1935) starring

John Wayne Marion Robert Morrison (May 26, 1907 – June 11, 1979), known professionally as John Wayne and nicknamed The Duke or Duke Wayne, was an American actor who became a popular icon through his starring roles in films made during Hollywood's Go ...

. She retired from the screen in 1940. She later married Ralph B. McCutcheon, a horse trainer on some of her Western films. Mary spent the rest of her life devoted to him. They had no children. They both spent their remaining years on their ranch with the horses. She kept close with her Hollywood acquaintances and friends. When asked if Mary was as kind and genuine a person as she appeared to be onscreen, her sister Mildred replied, "She was all of that and more." Mary became gravely ill in the early 1970s and was eventually diagnosed with

cancer Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal b ...

. She died on June 1, 1973, aged 57. Her widower died two years later. They are interred at Linn Grove Cemetery,

Greeley, Colorado Greeley is the home rule municipality city that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Weld County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 108,795 at the 2020 United States Census, an increase of 17.12% since the 201 ...

.Official website
marykornman.com; accessed September 7, 2015.

Filmography

'' Our Gang Shorts''

*''

The Champeen ''The Champeen'' is the seventh ''Our Gang'' short subject comedy released. The ''Our Gang'' series (later known as "The Little Rascals") was created by Hal Roach in 1922, and continued production until 1944. Plot After getting caught for stea ...

'' (1923) - Mary *''

The Cobbler The Cobbler ( gd, Beinn Artair) is an mountain located near the head of Loch Long in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is a Corbett, and is an important site for rock climbing in the Southern Highlands. Many maps include the name Ben Arthur (an a ...

'' (1923) - Mary, 'Little Miss Riches' *'' The Big Show'' (1923) - Mary *''

A Pleasant Journey ''A Pleasant Journey'' is a 1923 silent short comedy film and the tenth ''Our Gang'' short subject comedy released. The ''Our Gang'' series (later known as "The Little Rascals") was created by Hal Roach in 1922, and continued production until 19 ...

'' (1923) - Mary *'' Dogs of War'' (1923) - Mary *''

Lodge Night ''Lodge Night'' is the 15th ''Our Gang'' short subject comedy released. The ''Our Gang'' series (later known as "The Little Rascals") was created by Hal Roach in 1922, and continued production until 1944. Synopsis Joe arrives as the new boy in ...

'' (1923) - Mary *'' July Days'' (1923) - Mary *'' No Noise'' (1923) - Mary *'' Stage Fright'' (1923) - Mary *'' Derby Day'' (1923) - Mary *'' Tire Trouble'' (1924) - Mary *''

Big Business Big business involves large-scale corporate-controlled financial or business activities. As a term, it describes activities that run from "huge transactions" to the more general "doing big things". In corporate jargon, the concept is commonly ...

'' (1924) - Mary *'' The Buccaneers'' (1924) - Mary *'' Seein′ Things'' (1924) - Mary *'' Commencement Day'' (1924) - Mary *'' Cradle Robbers'' (1924) - Mary *'' Jubilo, Jr.'' (1924) - Mary *'' It′s a Bear'' (1924) - Mary *'' High Society'' (1924) - Mary *'' The Sun Down Limited'' (1924) - Mary *'' Every Man for Himself'' (1924) - Mary *''

Fast Company ''Fast Company'' is a monthly American business magazine published in print and online that focuses on technology, business, and design. It publishes six print issues per year. History ''Fast Company'' was launched in November 1995 by Alan Web ...

'' (1924) - Mary *'' The Big Town'' (1925) - Mary *''

Circus Fever ''Circus Fever'' is a 1925 American short silent comedy film directed by Robert F. McGowan. It was the 35th ''Our Gang'' short subject released. Plot As described in a review in a film magazine, Farina contacts "speckled fever," and, in orde ...

'' (1925) - Mary *''

Dog Days The dog days or are the hot, sultry days of summer. They were historically the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius (known colloquially as the "Dog Star"), which Hellenistic astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden ...

'' (1925) - Mary *''

The Love Bug ''The Love Bug'' is a 1968 American comedy film directed by Robert Stevenson and the first in a franchise by Walt Disney Productions and distributed by Buena Vista Distribution that starred an anthropomorphic pearl-white, fabric-sunroofed 19 ...

'' (1925) - Mary *'' Shootin′ Injuns'' (1925) - Mary *''

Ask Grandma ''Ask Grandma'' is a 1925 American short silent comedy film directed by Robert F. McGowan. It was the 39th ''Our Gang'' short subject released. Plot Mickey's overprotective mother is trying to raise her son as a gentleman by dressing him li ...

'' (1925) - Mary *'' Official Officers'' (1925) - Mary *''

Boys Will Be Joys ''Boys Will Be Joys'' is a 1925 American short silent comedy film directed by Robert F. McGowan. It was the 41st ''Our Gang'' short subject released. Cast The Gang * Joe Cobb as Joe * Jackie Condon as Jackie * Mickey Daniels as Mickey * Joh ...

'' (1925) - Mary *'' Mary, Queen of Tots'' (1925) - Mary *''

Your Own Back Yard ''Your Own Back Yard'' is a 1925 American short silent comedy film directed by Robert F. McGowan. It was the 43rd ''Our Gang'' short subject released. Cast The Gang * Allen Hoskins - Farina * Joe Cobb - Joe * Jackie Condon - Jackie * Mickey ...

'' (1925) - Mary *'' Better Movies'' (1925) - Mary *'' One Wild Ride'' (1925) - Mary *''

Good Cheer ''Good Cheer'' is a 1926 American short silent comedy film directed by Robert F. McGowan. It was the 46th ''Our Gang'' short subject released. Plot As described in a film magazine review, the Gang is assembled in front of a big store window ...

'' (1926) - Mary *'' Buried Treasure'' (1926) - Mary *'' Monkey Business'' (1926) - Mary *''

Baby Clothes ''Baby Clothes'' is a 1926 American short silent comedy film directed by Robert F. McGowan. It was the 49th ''Our Gang'' short subject released. Cast * Joe Cobb as Joe * Jackie Condon as Jackie * Mickey Daniels as Mickey * Johnny Downs as J ...

'' (1926) - Mary *'' Uncle Tom′s Uncle'' (1926) - Mary *'' Thundering Fleas'' (1926) - Mary *''

Shivering Spooks ''Shivering Spooks'' is a 1926 short silent comedy film directed by Robert F. McGowan. It was the 52nd ''Our Gang'' short subject released. One of the child actors, Johnny Downs, went on to become a successful character actor and starred with ...

'' (1926) - Mary *'' The Fourth Alarm'' (1926) - Mary *''

Fish Hooky ''Fish Hooky'' is a 1933 ''Our Gang'' short comedy film directed by Robert F. McGowan. It was the 120th (32nd talking episode) ''Our Gang'' short that was released. Plot Wheezer, Dickie, Uh-huh, and Stymie choose to play hooky from school agai ...

'' (1933) - Mary (Guest Appearance) *''

Reunion in Rhythm ''Reunion in Rhythm'' (also known as ''Our Gang Follies of 1937'') is a 1937 ''Our Gang'' short comedy film directed by Gordon Douglas. It was the 150th ''Our Gang'' short (151st episode and 62nd talking episode) that was released. Plot A f ...

'' (1937) - Mary (Guest Appearance)

'' The Boy Friends Shorts''

*''Doctor′s Orders'' (1930) - Mary *''Bigger and Better'' (1930) - Mary *''Ladies Last'' (1930) - Mary *''Blood and Thunder'' (1931) - Mary *''High Gear'' (1931) - Mary *''Love Fever'' (1931) - Mary *''Air-Tight'' (1931) - Mary *''Call a Cop!'' (1931) - Mary *''Mama Loves Papa'' (1931) - Mary *''The Kick-Off!'' (1931) - Mary *''Love Pains'' (1932) - Mary *''The Knock-Out'' (1932) - Mary *''Too Many Women'' (1932) - Mary *''Wild Babies'' (1932) - Mary

Other Shorts and Feature Length Films

* ''

Are These Our Children? ''Are These Our Children?'' is a 1931 American pre-Code drama film directed by Wesley Ruggles and written by Howard Estabrook. The film stars Eric Linden, Ben Alexander, Beryl Mercer, Mary Kornman, Arline Judge, and Rochelle Hudson. The fi ...

'' (1931) - Agnes "Dumbbell" * '' Exposure'' (1932) - Eileen Foster - Socialite (uncredited) * '' Me and My Pal'' (1933, Short) - Bridesmaid (uncredited) * ''

Bondage Bondage may refer to: Restraints *Physical restraints **Bondage (BDSM) Bondage in the BDSM subculture, is the practice of consensually tying, binding, or restraining a partner for erotic, aesthetic, or somatosensory stimulation. A partn ...

'' (1933) - Bit in Record Store (uncredited) * '' College Humor'' (1933) - Amber Davis * ''

Neighbors' Wives ''Neighbors' Wives'' is a 1933 American pre-Code drama film directed by B. Reeves Eason and starring Dorothy Mackaill, Tom Moore and Mary Kornman.Dooley, p. 338 Cast * Dorothy Mackaill as Helen McGrath * Tom Moore as John McGrath * Mary Korn ...

'' (1933) - Mary McGrath * ''

Please ''Please'' is a word used in the English language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. Derived from shortening the phrase "if you please" or "if it please(s) you", the term has taken on substantial nuance based on its i ...

'' (1933, Short) - Beth Sawyer * '' Flying Down to Rio'' (1933) - Belinha's Friend (uncredited) * '' Just an Echo'' (1934, Short) * ''

The Quitter ''The Quitter'' is a 1916 American silent Western film directed by Charles Horan and starring Lionel Barrymore. It was produced by Rolfe Photoplays and distributed by Metro Pictures. A copy is reportedly held at Nederlands Filmmuseum, now c ...

'' (1934) - Annabelle Hibbs * ''

Picture Brides ''Picture Brides'' is a 1933 American Pre-Code adventure film, directed by Phil Rosen. The film stars Dorothy Mackaill, Regis Toomey and Alan Hale. Plot Four mail order brides from New Orleans and a young girl conned into a non-existing job in ...

'' (1934) - Mataeo Rogers * ''

Strictly Dynamite ''Strictly Dynamite'' is a 1934 American pre-Code film directed by Elliott Nugent and starring Lupe Vélez and Jimmy Durante. Premise Norman Foster plays a poet whose life changes when he begins writing comedy for Durante and develops an infatu ...

'' (1934) - Party Girl (uncredited) * ''

Madame Du Barry Jeanne Bécu, Comtesse du Barry (19 August 1743 – 8 December 1793) was the last '' maîtresse-en-titre'' of King Louis XV of France. She was executed, by guillotine, during the French Revolution due to accounts of treason—particularly bei ...

'' (1934) - Sweet Pea (uncredited) * ''

Smokey Smith Ernest Alvia "Smokey" Smith (3 May 1914 – 3 August 2005) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was the last living ...

'' (1935) - Bess Bart * ''

'' (1934) - Annabelle Hibbs * ''

Roaring Roads ''Roaring Roads'' is a 1935 American action film directed by Charles E. Roberts and Ray Nazarro. It featured three actors from the ''Our Gang'' films: David Sharpe, Mary Kornman and Mickey Daniels. It was the second and last film in the series ' ...

'' (1935) - Mary McDowell * '' The Desert Trail'' (1935) - Anne * '' Adventurous Knight'' (1935) - Annette * '' Queen of the Jungle'' (1935, Serial) - Joan Lawrence / Mary Lawrence * '' The Calling of Dan Matthews'' (1935) - Kitty Marley * '' Swing It, Professor'' (1937) - Joan Dennis * '' Youth on Parole'' (1937) - Mae Blair * '' King of the Newsboys'' (1938) - Peggy * '' That Certain Age'' (1938) - Friend (uncredited) * ''

I Am a Criminal ''I Am a Criminal'' is a 1938 American crime film directed by William Nigh and written by John W. Krafft. The film stars John Carroll, Kay Linaker, Craig Reynolds, Martin Spellman, Lester Matthews and Mary Kornman. The film was released on Dece ...

'' (1938) - Alice Martin * ''

Zenobia Septimia Zenobia ( Palmyrene Aramaic: , , vocalized as ; AD 240 – c. 274) was a third-century queen of the Palmyrene Empire in Syria. Many legends surround her ancestry; she was probably not a commoner and she married the ruler of the cit ...

'' (1939) - Townswoman (uncredited) * '' On the Spot'' (1940) - Ruth Hunter (final film role)

Errata

There is some discrepancy concerning which of the early ''

'' films Mary actually appeared in. According to The Lucky Corner website, Mary did not appear in any of the following four films. :*'' One Terrible Day'' (1922), listed by the Internet Movie Data Base :*''

Young Sherlocks ''Young Sherlocks'' is a 1922 American silent short subject comedy film, the fourth entry in Hal Roach's ''Our Gang'' series. Directed by Robert F. McGowan and Tom McNamara, the two-reel short was released to theaters in November 1922 by Pat ...

'' (1922), listed by the Internet Movie Data Base and by Maltin and Bann :*'' Saturday Morning'' (1922), listed by the Internet Movie Data Base :*'' A Quiet Street'' (1922), listed by the Internet Movie Data Base

References

External links

* * * *
The Lucky Corner
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kornman, Mary 1915 births 1973 deaths Actresses from Idaho American film actresses American child actresses Deaths from cancer in California People from Idaho Falls, Idaho Burials in Colorado 20th-century American actresses Hal Roach Studios actors Our Gang