Mary Sinclair; Model and 1950s Television Actress

Mary Sinclair, whose model-perfect appearance earned her a CBS contract in the early days of live television in the 1950s, has died. She was 78.

Sinclair died Sunday in Phoenix, publicist and personal friend Suzanne Wickham said Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Born and reared in San Diego, Sinclair moved to New York City to become a Conover model in the 1940s. She befriended theatrical personalities including producer Hal Prince and producer-playwright George Abbott, whom she married in April 1946 and divorced in 1951.

She also caught the attention of CBS board chairman William S. Paley, who gave her one of the first acting contracts negotiated by that network.

Sinclair appeared primarily in the live drama programs that were in vogue in the 1950s, such as “Playhouse 90,” “Studio One” and “The U.S. Steel Hour.” She also had guest roles on early series including “The Untouchables” and “Woman with a Past.”

She appeared in only one major motion picture, as Lela Wilson in “Arrowhead” in 1953, starring Charlton Heston, Brian Keith and Katy Jurado with Jack Palance as an Apache Indian chief. Although Paramount offered Sinclair more films, she returned to New York, saying she preferred to work in television.

Largely retiring from the small screen in the 1960s, Sinclair turned to painting, studying with artist Fleur Cowles. Sinclair specialized in oils of flowers, animals and portraits of friends.

After living in Italy for a few years, in the 1970s she moved to Los Angeles, where she directed local theater. She had retired to Phoenix.

Wickham said any memorial contributions can be sent to the Motion Picture and Television Fund, 22212 Ventura Blvd., Suite 300, Woodland Hills, CA 91364-1530.