Mary Wickes, born Mary Isabella Wickenhauser on June 13, 1910, in St. Louis, Missouri, was an American actress known for her sharp wit and memorable supporting roles. She began her career on Broadway in 1934 with "The Farmer Takes a Wife" and transitioned to film in the late 1930s.

Mary Wickes often played prim, professional women such as secretaries, nurses, nuns, and housekeepers, who delivered sarcastic quips when the leading characters fell short of her high standards.

Some of her notable films include "Now, Voyager" (1942), "The Trouble with Angels" (1966), and "Sister Act" (1992), where she played Sister Mary Lazarus. She also lent her distinctive, gravelly voice to animated films like "Beauty and the Beast" (1991) and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1996). Throughout her career, she appeared in over 50 movies and more than a dozen plays.

Mary Wickes was known for her impeccable comedic timing and ability to steal scenes with her dry humor. She passed away on October 22, 1995, in Los Angeles, California.