Mary Virginia Martin was an American actress and singer. A muse of Rodgers and Hammerstein, she originated many leading roles on stage over her career, including Nellie Forbush in South Pacific (1949), the title character in Peter Pan (1954), and Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music (1959). She was named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 1989. She was the mother of actor Larry Hagman.
Martin in 1939
Martin in promotional photo for the original production of The Sound of Music
Martin portraying Peter Pan on stage, in 1954
Star for Recording on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1560 Vine Street, Hollywood: She also has one for Radio at 6609 Hollywood Blvd.
Rodgers and Hammerstein was a theater-writing team of composer Richard Rodgers (1902–1979) and lyricist-dramatist Oscar Hammerstein II (1895–1960), who together created a series of innovative and influential American musicals. Their musical theater writing partnership has been called the greatest of the 20th century.
Rodgers (left) and Hammerstein (right) watching auditions at the St. James Theatre on Broadway in 1948
Program for Fly With Me, 1920
"What's the Use of Wond'rin' " from Carousel (1947)
The final tableau in South Pacific (1949)
