Born May Belle Elsas in 1897, Mary Ellis trained as a lyric soprano and began her professional career at the Metropolitan Opera. In 1918, she created the role of Genovieffa in the world premiere of Giacomo Puccini's Suor Angelica. She transitioned to musical theatre and achieved major success on Broadway, most notably originating the title role in Rudolf Friml's hit 1924 operetta Rose-Marie at the Imperial Theatre. She also showcased her versatility by performing in Shakespearean plays, including portraying Kate in The Taming of the Shrew.
In 1930, Ellis immigrated to England, where she spent the majority of her remaining career. She became a prominent figure in London's West End, earning widespread acclaim for her leading roles in the original productions of Ivor Novello's musicals, specifically Glamorous Night in 1935 and The Dancing Years in 1938.
During World War II, Ellis paused her performing career to conduct welfare work in hospitals. Following the war, she returned to the London stage, appearing in works by celebrated playwrights such as Noël Coward, Terence Rattigan, and William Shakespeare. Her career eventually expanded into film, television, and radio, including a role in the 1960 film The 3 Worlds of Gulliver. Her performing career spanned over fifty years of her remarkably long 105-year life.
