Mercedes McCambridge papers, 1935-2004.

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  • Collection ID WLA2006.87
  • Creator Names McCambridge, Mercedes.
  • Title Mercedes McCambridge papers, 1935-2004.
  • Physical description 3 linear feet.
  • Collection arrangement Series 1: Biographical, 1935-2004. Series 2: Professional, 1949-2000. Subseries 2A: Scripts, 1948-1991. Subseries 2B: Writings, 1981, n.d. Series 3: Photographs 1947-1973, n.d. Series 4: Awards, 1971-1995. Series 5: 3-D Objects and Oversized Materials 1949-1965 ; Organized alphabetically within each series.
  • Biographical or Historical Note Born March 16, 1916, Joliet, Illinois; Died 2004. Actress and radio performer. Mercedes McCambridge was born on March 16, 1916, in Joliet, Illinois, to Irish Catholic immigrant parents. A theatre major at Mundelein College, she was discovered while a member of the college's verse-speaking choir, catapulting her career in radio and later film and television. While still in school, Mercedes embarked on her professional life with a five-year contract with the National Broadcasting Company for radio-drama. After graduating from Mundelein College in 1937, McCambridge moved to New York to further her acting career in theater. Throughout her career in film and theatre, McCambridge won national recognition -- including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and two Golden Globes for Best Supporting Actress and Most Promising Newcomer, Female, all for her role in "All the King's Men" (1949). McCambridge's filmography includes "All the King's Men" (1949), a leading role in the cult classic "Johnny Guitar" (1954), an Oscar-nominated role in "Giant" (1956), among many others. Although she continued to regularly perform throughout the 1960s, McCambridge only gained widespread notoriety again when she portrayed the voice of the demon in "The Exorcist" (1973). When not acting, Mercedes devoted her time to educating the public about alcoholism and rehabilitation. She was never shy to voice her opinion on the Hollywood film industry, politics, and women's rights, and she continued to be outspoken until her death in 2004.
  • Collection summary The Mercedes McCambridge Papers consists of 3 linear feet and spans the years 1935 to 2000. The papers are organized into five series and alphabetically within each series. The material within this collection consists of paper, objects, and photographs. The Oscar and Golden Globes are available for viewing by pre-approved request due to their fragile condition.
  • Access and usage restrictions Some restrictions may apply.
  • Finding Aids Note Finding aid available in repository; folder level.
  • Location of Other Archival Materials Note See Also: The Mundelein College records, photograph collection, and Leatare Players scrapbook at the Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago.
  • Names
    • McCambridge, Mercedes Archives.
    • Stevenson, Adlai E. (Adlai Ewing), 1900-1965.
    • Bernhardt, Sarah, 1844-1923 Autographs.
    • Loyola University Chicago. Women and Leadership Archives.
  • Subjects
    • Actresses United States.
    • Alcoholism Treatment United States.
    • Academy Awards (Motion pictures)
  • Uniform Title
    • All the king's men (Motion picture : 1949)
    • Giant (Motion picture)
  • Finding aid URL Finding aid to the Mercedes McCambridge papers http://www.luc.edu/media/lucedu/wla/pdfs/McCambridge,%20Mercedes.pdf