(1885-1976)
Born Mary Ryan in Troy, New York, the actress took the name of her stepfather, booking agent Philip K. Nash, and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1900. She made her legitimate stage debut in Alice-Sit-by-the-Fire with Ethel Barrymore in 1905. She acted numerous roles on Broadway until 1933, after which she switched to motion pictures. She originated roles in such noteworthy successes as The City (1909), The Woman (1911), The New York Idea (1915), The Man Who Came Back (1916, and London in 1920), and Man and Woman (1920). Her sister Florence Nash (1888-1950) was also an actress.
The Historical Dictionary of the American Theater. James Fisher.