Mabel Ida Albertson

Mabel Ida Albertson (July 24, 1901 – September 28, 1982)

Albertson was probably best known for her role as Phyllis Stephens, Darrin's neurotic, interfering mother, on the television sitcom Bewitched. She was born in Massachusetts, her younger brother was actor Jack Albertson. Albertson's mother, a stock actress, supported the family by working in a shoe factory. Mabel later moved to California and became involved with the Pasadena Playhouse. Albertson guest-starred as the mother of Marilyn Munster's would-be suitor in the first broadcast episode of The Munsters, "Munster Masquerade". During 1972–1973, she played Mabel, the mother-in-law of Paul Lynde on The Paul Lynde Show. She was also memorable as Jerry Lewis' mother-in-law in Don't Give Up the Ship (1959), as George Hamilton's mother in All the Fine Young Cannibals (1960) or the domineering mother-in-law of poor Anthony Franciosa in Period of Adjustment (1962). Albertson's Broadway credits include The Egg (1962) and Xmas in Las Vegas (1965). She was married twice, and had two children, including George Englund. Englund was, at one point, married to Cloris Leachman. According to Leachman, Mabel Albertson died on September 28, 1982, of Alzheimer's disease at St. John's Hospital, after suffering seven years of poor health. She was 81 years old, her body was cremated and the ashes scattered in the Pacific ocean.