Oscar Actors: Garson, Greer, “Mrs. Miniver”–Refusing to Playing Mother of Grown-Up

There’s a good deal of irony in Greer Garson’s winning the Best Actress Oscar, for William Wyler’s Mrs. Miniver in 1942?

My Oscar Book:

Garson accepted the maternal role reluctantly, having been badgered into it by MGM head Louis B. Mayer, who was her greatest fan on the lot.

Garson objected to playing the mother of a grown-up son, played by Richard Ney, who in real-life was 12 years younger than her. However, later on, in 1943, Garson went on to marry him.

Their marriage, however, did not last long; they divorced four years later.

Garson was not the only actress at the time who was hesitant or reluctant to play mothers, for fear that it would damage their sexual appeal and youthful screen image.

Norma Shearer, in what would become her last career phase at MGM, had also turned down role of Mrs. Miniver for the same reason.

Oscar Actors: Garson, Greer, “Mrs. Miniver”–Refusing to Playing Mother of Grown-Up

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