MARY EMERY

October 4, 1896

Mary Emery was born Margarita Cabazos on October 4, 1896 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, although she was raised in Texas. She made 14 film and TV appearances form 1935 and 1952, all in uncredited bit roles before appearing twice on “I Love Lucy” in the series’ 4th and 6th seasons. She was also a Flemenco dancer and sometimes used the name Amora Emery.  

Her screen debut was in a now-lost silent film titled Craig’s Wife, based on the play of the same name.  Her first talkie was 1935′s Love Me Forever, which also featured Spring Byington, star of Desilu’s “December Bride” (1954-59).

Emery continued doing small roles in films, first working with Lucille Ball in The Fuller Brush Girl in 1950.  Her uncredited role was described as ‘Woman Watching TV Fashion Show’! 

Emery was cast as Madre Ricardo for her Latin heritage and her passing resemblance to Desi Arnaz’s real mother, Dolores de Acha (right). Being in The Fuller Brush Girl probably didn’t hurt either!

Coincidentally, Mary Emery was born on the same date (October 4) as Kathryn Card, who played Mrs. McGillicuddy, Lucy’s mother for nine episodes!  Card was four years older. The two never shared any scenes together. 

Emery’s television debut came in “Lucy’s Mother-In-Law” (ILL S4;E7). Mother Ricardo has come from Cuba to see her grandson. Unfortunately for Lucy, she speaks no English! 

In the episode, Lucy meets her Cuban mother-in-law for the first time. To help bridge the language barrier, she enlists the help of Ricky’s new mind-reading act.

She returned as Mrs. Ricardo when “The Ricardos Visit Cuba” (ILL S6;E9) in December 1956.

Like Lucy Ricardo / Lucille Ball, Ricky’s / Desi’s father was out of the picture. During the trip, Little Ricky meets his Abuela and Tio Alberto for the first time. 

This was Mary Emery’s last screen appearance. She retired from acting and died in Los Angeles in 1988 at age 81, just eight months before Desi’s real mother Dolores.