Biografia

Had retired in 1959 and was living at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodland Hills, California, when she was approached by Walt Disney Pictures to play the Bird Woman in Mary Poppins (1964). She at first refused, but Walt Disney was so set on having her in his film that he personally visited her at the MPCH and eventually persuaded her to take the role.

Had appeared in four films that were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Via col vento (1939), Furore (1940), Alba fatale (1943) and Mary Poppins (1964). Of those, Via col vento (1939) is a winner in the category.

She has appeared in five films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: Via col vento (1939), Furore (1940), Alba fatale (1943), Sfida infernale (1946) and Mary Poppins (1964).

She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6735 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on February 8, 1960.

Had appeared in six films directed by John Ford: Furore (1940), Sfida infernale (1946), In nome di Dio (1948), La carovana dei mormoni (1950), Il sole splende alto (1953) and L'ultimo urrà (1958).