Mary Alice - Actor Profile

Mary Alice

Acting
Freshness: Jan 25, 2026
35Total Films
8.5 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 3, 1936
Birth Place: Indianola, Mississippi, USA

About Mary Alice

Mary Alice was born on December 3, 1936 in Indianola, Mississippi, USA to parents Ozelar Jurnakin (Smith) and Sam Smith. She was an actress, known for The Matrix Revolutions (2003), Awakenings (1990) and Malcolm X (1992). She taught in Elementary School before her acting career took off. When she was still a struggling actress doing stage plays, she made a living doing her castmate's laundry for a salary of $200 a week. She was a lifelong liberal Democrat, feminist, and civil rights activist. Was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2000. She retired from acting in 2005. She died of natural causes on July 27, 2022 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA. Upon her death, she was buried with her siblings at Oak Wood Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois, in regard for her last wishes.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Mary Alice reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 35 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Mary Alice's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 49% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Mary Alice remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Vernon Johns Story, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Mary Alice Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Mary Alice's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Mary Alice.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2004 The Burly Man Chronicles - Hit Similar →
2004 The Matrix Recalibrated Self Hit Similar →
2003 What I Want My Words to Do to You Self Hit Similar →
2003 The Matrix Revolutions The Oracle Hit Similar →
2002 Sunshine State Eunice Stokes Average Similar →
2001 The Last Brickmaker in America Dorothy Cobb Super Hit Similar →
2000 The Photographer Violet Flop Similar →
1999 Catfish in Black Bean Sauce Dolores Williams Flop Similar →
1999 The Wishing Tree Mattie Hit Similar →
1998 Down in the Delta Rosa Lynn Sinclair Average Similar →
1996 Bed of Roses Alice Average Similar →
1995 Heading Home Mary Jones Flop Similar →
1995 Ray Alexander: A Menu for Murder - Flop Similar →
1994 The Mother Black Lady Flop Similar →
1994 The Inkwell Evelyn Flop Similar →
1994 The Vernon Johns Story Altona Super Hit Similar →
1993 A Perfect World Lottie Super Hit Similar →
1993 Life with Mikey Mrs. Gordon Average Similar →
1992 Malcolm X School Teacher Super Hit Similar →
1990 The Bonfire of the Vanities Annie Lamb Average Similar →
1990 Awakenings Nurse Margaret Super Hit Similar →
1990 To Sleep with Anger Suzie Hit Similar →
1989 The Women of Brewster Place Fannie Michael Hit Similar →
1985 Charlotte Forten's Mission: Experiment in Freedom Blind Lily Flop Similar →
1984 Teachers Linda Ganz Average Similar →
1984 Beat Street Cora Hit Similar →
1984 The Killing Floor Lilah Dean Hit Similar →
1983 The Brass Ring Mrs. Hauser Hit Similar →
1982 A House Divided: Denmark Vesey's Rebellion Beck Average Similar →
1980 Joshua's World Housekeeper Flop Similar →
1979 Lawman Without a Gun Minnie Hayward Flop Similar →
1976 Just an Old Sweet Song Helen Mayfield Hit Similar →
1976 Sparkle Effie Hit Similar →
1974 The Education of Sonny Carson Moms Flop Similar →
1974 Sty of the Blind Pig Alberta Warren Flop Similar →

Mary Alice - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Mary Alice?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Mary Alice is "The Vernon Johns Story" with a rating of 8.5/10.

How many movies has Mary Alice acted in?

Mary Alice has been featured in at least 35 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Mary Alice?

Other notable films include "Awakenings", "The Last Brickmaker in America", and "A Perfect World".