Mary Forbes (born 1882/1883 – died 22 July 1974) was a British film actress. She appeared in more than 130 films between 1919 and 1958. The date and year of her birth have not been confirmed. Her legal name was Mrs. Ethel Louise Taylor (later Quartermaine), according to her son's 6 November 1904 baptismal record which records his parents' names as Ernest John and Ethel Louise Taylor; however, her maiden name is unknown. The lengths of her two known marriages are also unknown.

She made her first public appearance on the concert platform giving recitals. Her acting debut was in 1908 on the London stage at Aldwych Theatre. She took over management of the Ambassadors Theatre in 1913 and had several years experience on stage in Britain and America before her appearances in Hollywood films. Her children, Ralph and Brenda, were also actors.

Biography

Mary Forbes apparaît au cinéma entre 1919 et 1958. Hormis quelques films britanniques en début de carrière, elle tourne surtout des films américains, à partir de 1929, s'étant installée aux États-Unis.

Pour la télévision, elle participe à quelques séries de 1954 à 1958 (dont un épisode d’Alfred Hitckcock présente en 1955).

Au théâtre, elle joue à Broadway, dans six pièces, entre 1913 et 1945.

Elle est la mère des acteurs Brenda Forbes (1909-1996) et Ralph Forbes (1896-1951).