1. – Fay Holden, You’re Only Young Once, 1937. A Family Affair bred the Hardy Family saga. But young Andy’s parents were changed from this first sequel. Due mainly to the ill-health of Lionel Barrymore, Lewis Stone reigned as Judge Hardy for 14 films across eleven years, with the British Fay as the all-American Ma – a role Byington regained in the 1936-40 Jones Family series.
2. – Lela E Rogers, The Major and The Minor, 1942. Director Billy Wilder was buying Byington as Ginger Rogers’ mother, until she suggested her own Mom. Although she had eight of her scripts filmed, this was her one and only acting job.
3. – Marjorie Main, Gentle Annie, 1944. After four weeks, the ’42 shooting was stopped by WS Van Dyke’s health and re-started in ’44 with a whole new cast. Byington was replaced by her long-time lover, Marjorie – yet to be made a star by Ma Kettle.
Birth year: 1893Death year: 1971Other name: Casting Calls: 0