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Cummings, Mary Elliott, 1917-2000

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1917 - 2000

Biographical History

Mary Elliott Cummings (1917-2000) was an actress and then a manager for her husband's, Robert Cummings, career.

Mary Elliott Daniels was born on October 25, 1917 in Gaffney, South Carolina to parents Hoyle Holmes Daniels and Eva Mae Good. She participated in singing, dancing and beauty contests throughout her youth, and was crowned South Carolina's Azalea Queen in 1935. She then went on to sing in nightclubs and became a model and actress in California for the beginnings of her early career. In 1942-1944, Mary participated in a tour in the South Pacific, entertaining the troops in World War II with various acting performances. On March 3, 1945, she married Hollywood actor Robert Cummings in Riverside, California. Once married, she left acting and became a mother of five children with Cummings. She also became the manager of her husband's financial investments. During the years of 1969-1970, the Cummings separated and divorced. She worked alongside many charity organizations throughout her life. She died on April 9, 2000 in Los Angeles, California.

Citation:
FamilySearch, via www, accessed January 13, 2020 (Mary Elliott Daniels; born on Oct. 25, 1917 in Gaffney to Hoyle and Eva Mae Daniels; active in singing, dancing and competing in contests in youth; won Azalea Queen in 1935; worked in nightclubs, was an actress and model; South Pacific tour; married Robert Cummings on March 3, 1945; charity; died April 9, 2000 in Los Angeles, CA)

Robert and Mary Elliott Cummings, approximately 1890-1990 (manager of husband's financial dealings; mother of 5 children; divorced in 1969-1970)

Found in 34 Collections and/or Records:

Robert and Mary Elliott Cummings papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2129
Scope and Contents Contains papers, photographs, and audio-visual materials dealing with both Robert and Mary Cummings' careers. Most of the materials deal with Robert's career in film, stage, radio, and the production of his television program "The Bob Cummings Show." These include correspondence, photographs, audio-visual materials such as audiotapes, videotapes and various 8mm and 16mm film reels. Also included are numerous financial and investment records on various production companies run by Cummings and...
Dates: approximately 1880-1990; Majority of material found within 1940-1970

Real estate--Salton Sea, Gogerty property documents and correspondence, 1959-1968

 Series — Box 106: Series 5, Folder: 6
Identifier: MSS 2129 Series 5
Scope and Contents From the Series:

Materials include records of business such as real estate investments, financial statements, ledger books, correspondence for business contracts, invoices, and tax records with insurance statements. Contains investments in companies such as McCullough Oil Company, and Cummings' other businesses. Dates range from 1939 to 1979.

Dates: 1959-1968

Robert and Mary Elliott audio-visual material on aviation, approximately 1958-1959

 Sub-Series
Identifier: MSS 2129 Series 6 Sub-Series 3
Scope and Contents

Contains video recordings of Robert Cummings' visit to the Air Force Academy. Dated 1958 to 1959.

Dates: approximately 1958-1959

Robert and Mary Elliott Cummings audio-visual material on family life, approximately 1950-1965

 Sub-Series
Identifier: MSS 2129 Series 2 Sub-Series 3
Scope and Contents

Contains family home videos made by the Cummings family in and around their Beverly Hill home. Videos document family gatherings and history, school events, and the children's participation in extracurricular activities. Dated approximately 1950-1965.

Dates: approximately 1950-1965

Robert and Mary Elliott Cummings audio-visual material on movies, 1942-1954

 Sub-Series
Identifier: MSS 2129 Series 9 Sub-Series 3
Scope and Contents

Materials include the video recordings of a few of Robert Cummings movies. These are "Kings Row" (1942), "Princess O'Rourke" (1943), and "Dial M for Murder" (1954). Dates range from 1942 to 1954.

Dates: 1942-1954

Robert and Mary Elliott Cummings audio-visual material on stage and radio, 1939-1966

 Sub-Series
Identifier: MSS 2129 Series 11 Sub-Series 3
Scope and Contents

Include Robert Cummings's various stage and radio performances on vinyl discs and audio reels (14AT). Performance locations include the Lux Radio Theatre and Screen Director's Playhouse. Dated 1949 to 1954.

Dates: 1939-1966

Robert and Mary Elliott Cummings audio-visual material on television shows, approximately 1950-1961

 Sub-Series
Identifier: MSS 2129 Series 10 Sub-Series 3
Scope and Contents

Materials include television shows that Robert Cummings appeared on or performed in. These include "Twelve Angry Men" (1955), "Bomber's Moon" (1958), and TV broadcasts for various events. Dates range from approximately 1950 to 1961.

Dates: approximately 1950-1961

Robert and Mary Elliott Cummings correspondence, 1942-1980

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2129 Series 3
Scope and Contents

Materials contain letters and business correspondence regarding Robert and Mary's financial investments, as well as general familial and friend letters. It also has Robert's career contracts and expense accounts for career trips, and lawsuit papers from 1969 to 1978. Dates range from 1942 to 1978, and locations vary from different major cities around the United States, such as Los Angeles and New York City.

Dates: 1942-1980

Robert and Mary Elliott Cummings financial records, 1943-1972

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2129 Series 4
Scope and Contents

Materials include legal documents such as income tax returns, real estate investment records, corporate invoices and contracts of business agreements. Contains information regarding the Cummings' 1060 Corporation, Laurel Productions, and oil investments. Dates range from 1943 to 1972.

Dates: 1943-1972

Robert and Mary Elliott Cummings general manuscripts, 1934-1967

 Sub-Series
Identifier: MSS 2129 Series 12 Sub-Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains various awards, plaques, and other recognitions given to Robert Cummings over the course of his career for his acting and service. Dated from 1934 to 1967.

Dates: 1934-1967