Margaret Wycherly was born in London, England on October 26, 1881. She was predominately a stage actress, continuing stage work even after performing in films. Her first film role came when she appeared in The Fight (1915) at 34 years old. It was not until 1929 that audiences got another glimpse of her in The Thirteenth Chair (1929). Playing largely character roles, one of her finest performances was as Gary Cooper 's mother in Sergeant York (1941). She later gave stellar performances in The Yearling (1946) and Forever Amber (1947). She appeared on the then-new medium of television on "The Philco Television Playhouse" (1948). After a small role in The President's Lady (1953), Margaret retired at age 72. Three years later, on June 6, 1956, she died at age 74.

Mother with writer Bayard Veiller of writer Anthony Veiller .