Mary Philips

More information about Mary Philips and Kenneth Mackenna can be found in: Mielziner Family Papers, 1890–1935, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, New York, New York and through MGM. Numerous photos of Mary Philips and articles can be viewed.

Mary Philips's career would later expand into films. One of her fondest memories was the role she played as Helen Ferguson in A Farewell to Arms (1932). Her complete filmography is listed below.

During the later days of Kenneth's life, both Mary's mother, Anna Philips, and Kenneth's mother, Ella Lane McKenna Friend (March 18, 1873 – February 2, 1968), lived with them in their home in Brentwood, California. Following Kenneth's death and the death of her own mother, Anna, Mary later moved to a lovely apartment overlooking the Pacific Palisades in Santa Monica. She was generous to her extended family, and both she and Kenneth made major contributions to charitable organizations, colleges and to the arts. Their home was frequented by the adopted son of Jo Mielziner, Michael, and by her cousin, Lucille Hackett and her children. Ms. Philips was a gracious lady of the golden age of the theatre and of film. When she would go out to dinner in Santa Monica in the early 1970s, she was often observed to still wear white gloves. Read Less