Marlyn Mason, a talented individual, was born on August 7, 1940, in the city of San Fernando, California, and commenced her illustrious career in the performing arts at the tender age of 5.
Her parents, being supportive and encouraging, arranged for her to receive professional singing and piano lessons, which would later serve as a solid foundation for her future endeavors.
At the age of 9, she made her television debut on the popular "Doye O'Dell Show", a local program that provided her with a platform to showcase her skills.
Subsequently, she was cast in several stage productions with the esteemed Players' Ring Theatre troupe in Hollywood, which further honed her craft and expanded her repertoire.
Some of her notable roles during this period included musical adaptations of "Tom Sawyer" and "Heidi", as well as the more serious and dramatic legit plays "Pick Up Girl" and "The Crucible".
Marlyn's professional journey in television began in 1956, when she was just 16 years old, with a series of appearances on the popular television show "Matinee Theatre". This marked the start of her ascent to becoming a staple in the television industry, as she went on to establish herself as a regular guest star on numerous popular television programs throughout the 1960s.
Some of the notable television shows she appeared on during this period include "My Three Sons", a family sitcom that aired from 1957 to 1965, as well as the classic sitcom "Father Knows Best", which aired from 1954 to 1960. She also made guest appearances on "Gomer Pyle", a popular sitcom that aired from 1964 to 1969, and "Hey Landlord", a sitcom that aired from 1966 to 1967.
In addition to her comedic roles, Marlyn also appeared in dramatic roles on various television shows. These included "Burke's Law", a crime drama that aired from 1963 to 1966, as well as the medical dramas "Ben Casey" and "Dr. Kildare", which aired from 1961 to 1966 and 1961 to 1966, respectively. She also appeared on the western series "Laredo", which aired from 1964 to 1967, and the classic western series "Bonanza", which aired from 1959 to 1973.
Furthermore, Marlyn's television credits also include appearances on "Run for Your Life", a crime drama that aired from 1965 to 1969, "The Invaders", a science fiction series that aired from 1967 to 1968, and "Perry Mason", a crime drama that aired from 1957 to 1966. Throughout her career, Marlyn established herself as a talented and versatile actress, capable of taking on a wide range of roles in various genres.
Marlyn's initial foray into the world of singing, which began with a series of early lessons, ultimately yielded a most impressive outcome when she was handpicked to share the spotlight in television-musical adaptations of the classic productions "Brigadoon" and "Carousel". Her subsequent appearance in the Broadway musical "How Now, Dow Jones" marked a significant milestone in her career.
Despite the mixed reviews that the musical itself received, Marlyn's performance was met with widespread critical acclaim, earning her a reputation as a talented and accomplished singer.
Marlyn embarked on her cinematic journey in 1960, making her film debut with an uncredited role in the motion picture "Because They're Young", marking the beginning of her association with the silver screen. However, it would take nearly a decade for her to reappear on the big screen, where she would eventually secure her most iconic and enduring cinematic role as the love interest of the renowned rock and roll musician Elvis Presley in the 1969 film "The Trouble with Girls".
Marlyn's acting career took off in the early 1970s, when she secured a steady position in the short-lived yet highly acclaimed television series "Longstreet".
From the dawn of the 1980s, Marlyn's professional trajectory has unfolded with a measured cadence, characterized by intermittent yet significant appearances in the realms of film and television. While her pace may have slowed, her creative endeavors have persisted, yielding a diverse array of cinematic endeavors, including a select few short films that have garnered attention and acclaim.
One such example is the 20-something-minute production "Model Rules", a cinematic endeavor that showcases Marlyn's multifaceted talents as a performer. This project, much like its contemporaries, "Big" and "The Bag", exemplifies her ability to adapt and excel within the constraints of a short film format.
In addition to her on-screen presence, Marlyn has also ventured behind the camera, assuming the roles of writer and producer on various projects. This dual creative capacity has enabled her to bring her unique vision to life, imbuing her work with a distinct voice and perspective that sets it apart from the crowd.
