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Born
1881-09-20
Santa Barbara, CA
(Mary Elizabeth Bush)
Died
1964-07-04   (82)
Los Angeles, CA
(Cardiac deceomposition)

Often cited as NYC's first policewoman; this is not true. Actually, Ms. Payson was assigned as a "special" policewoman for a 1915 exposition in San Francisco, and the event was given a lot of publicity. Her role was to patrol the fairgrounds and discourage "mashers" from bothering women. She later served a similar function at a Los Angeles area carnival, again receiving press coverage. Reportedly, she was hired by the Sennett Studios to keep crewmen from bothering the Sennett Bathing Beauties; from there, she picked up roles in Mack's comedies and her film career was launched.

Acting Credits (11)

Film or Short Title Featuring Role
DANCING LADY (1933) Ted Healy and His Stooges Jail matron
POP GOES THE EASEL (1935) Moe, Larry and Curly Art student
HOI POLLOI (1935) Moe, Larry and Curly Curly's burly dance partner
A PAIN IN THE PULLMAN (1936) Moe, Larry and Curly Woman with hat
SLIPPERY SILKS (1936) Moe, Larry and Curly Burly woman on street
DIZZY DOCTORS (1937) Moe, Larry and Curly Larry's wife
FROM NURSE TO WORSE (1940) Moe, Larry and Curly Admissions nurse
COOKOO CAVALIERS (1940) Moe, Larry and Curly Mackerel customer
IN THE NAVY (1941) Shemp Howard (Solo) Battleaxe wife at radio station
AN ACHE IN EVERY STAKE (1941) Moe, Larry and Curly Maid
HEY MOE! HEY DAD! (2015) Miscellaneous Appearances archive footage

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