A highly talented radio performer, who then appeared on the big screen, winning a best supporting Oscar for her screen debut. Although despite a career full of supporting roles, in recent years she has become something of a cult figure. Her memorable voice-over for the demon child in The Exorcist - has secured her place in movie history. Ironically, she took Warner Bros to court over her being uncredited for the role, which was probably the most important in the film.

Since the early 1980s Mercedes enjoyed a quiet retirement. She was a special guest star at the 70th Annual Anniversary Academy Awards in 1998 along with many other Oscar winners. Mercedes also made special television appearances to discuss her role in The Exorcist at the 30th Anniversary of the films release.

She died in La Jolla in California on 2nd March 2004 from natural causes.



Born 5:00am - CST Of Irish Catholic extraction, and educated at Catholic schools. Was a member of Orson Welles' Mercury Theater, together with Agnes Moorehead, with whom she appeared as Endora's old nemesis, Carlotta, in an episode of "Bewitched" (1964). Was nominated for Broadway's 1972 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Dramatic) for "The Love Suicide at Schofield Barracks." Profiled in "Killer Tomatoes: Fifteen Tough Film Dames" bu Ray Hagen and Laura Wagner (McFarland, 2004). Suffered from bronchitis for the most part of her life. She later revealed she was able to use this to her advantage for the chilling, unearthly breathing of the demon in The Exorcist (1973).