Mary Johnson, born Astrid Maria Carlsson, was a Swedish stage and screen actress who lived from 1896 to 1975. Born in Eskilstuna, Sweden, she was raised in a humble household. At the age of 15, she left her hometown to pursue her passion for acting in Stockholm.
Mary's journey in the acting world began when she joined Karin Swanström's theatre company. She married actor Karl Gerhard in 1913 and made her stage and screen debut two years later. Her breakthrough role came in 1919 with the film "Snows of Destiny," directed by Mauritz Stiller.
Mary Johnson remarried in 1920 to Norwegian actor Einar Rød. She continued to act in Swedish films and tour theaters in Norway. The German film company Trianon-Film spotted her talent and offered her leading roles until the company went bankrupt. She then worked with Rex-Film, starring in films such as "The Wild Duck/Das Haus der Luges" in 1926.
Mary Johnson went on to star in 10 more German films before falling in love with and marrying the famous German actor Rudolf Klein-Rogge in 1932. However, their happiness was short-lived as they lost most of their assets and artistic careers due to the rise of Hitler and World War II. They were forced to move to their summerhouse in Graz, Austria, where Mary Johnson did not return to the screen or stage.
Rudolf Klein-Rogge made only one minor appearance in the film "Hexen" in 1949 before his death in 1955. Mary Johnson returned to Sweden and settled in Stockholm, living a quiet life until her death in 1975.
