Mary Martin Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

Mary Virginia Martin was born on December 1, 1913, in Weatherford, Texas and she was an American stage and screen actress and singer.

Martin studied voice and dance in her youth and initially taught dance in Texas before moving to California in the late 1930s. Her professional breakthrough came when she was cast in the Broadway production of Leave It to Me! (1938), where her performance of “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” launched her career. Martin subsequently appeared in One Touch of Venus (1943), Rhythm on the River (1940) and The Great Victor Herbert (1939).

Martin became closely associated with the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein. In 1949, she originated the role of Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, a performance for which she received the first of several Tony Awards. In 1954, she starred in the title role of Peter Pan, which she performed on Broadway and later in televised adaptations. Another landmark role followed with her creation of Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music (1959), earning her an additional Tony Award.

Alongside her stage career, Martin toured internationally, appeared on television specials, and participated in USO entertainment programs. Her professional work continued into the 1970s with additional stage appearances and concert performances. She published her autobiography, My Heart Belongs…, in 1976.