Mary Mendum was born on February 21, 1952, in a humble setting outside of Chicago, where she was raised in a poor family. Her early life laid the foundation for her future endeavors, and she began her acting career in the early 1970s, starring in stage productions alongside her then-boyfriend Michael Butler, including notable performances in "Hair" and "Lenny".
As she transitioned to the big screen, Mary started appearing in films with small yet pivotal roles in adult pictures directed by Chuck Vincent. Her provocative presence also landed her nude layouts in prominent men's magazines, further solidifying her reputation as a talented and daring actress.
However, it was her iconic portrayal of Anne in Radley Metzger's movie The Image (1975) that cemented her status as a cult cinema icon. Mary's remarkable range and talent were showcased in a string of outstanding performances as often frustrated characters in Joseph W. Sarno's softcore gems, including Confessions of a Young American Housewife (1974),Laura's Toys (1975),and Abigail Lesley Is Back in Town (1975).
Her versatility as an actress was also demonstrated in her delightful comic turn as both meek and repressed chemist Dr. Shirley Jekyll and her more uninhibited and sexually aggressive alter ego Sherry Hyde in the amusing tongue-in-cheek romp The Switch or How to Alter Your Ego (1974).
Outside of her acting career, Mary was a gifted cook and seamstress, showcasing her multifaceted personality. Unfortunately, Mary Mendum decided to retire from acting in 1977, bringing an end to her remarkable journey in the entertainment industry.
Mary Mendum's life came to a tragic end on July 17, 2012, when she died in Boca Raton, Florida, due to an accidental drowning resulting from a fall.
