The veteran actress, known to many simply as she, rose to prominence in the ‘90s with her memorable performance as Sister Mary Lazarus in both Sister Act and its sequel, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. But long before that iconic role brought her into the spotlight, her journey in acting began much earlier—way back in 1935, when she made a brief appearance in the short film Watch the Birdie. That early cameo marked the start of what would become a lasting career. Born to Isabella and Frank Wickenhauser, she was their only child and remained unmarried throughout her life. And though some may not know her name right away, her legacy as she continues to resonate with fans of classic Hollywood and uplifting comedies alike.
She received her sole Primetime Emmy nomination throughout her career, thanks to her remarkable performance in a supporting role on The Gertrude Berg Show. It was a standout moment that truly highlighted her talent. She, of course, made a lasting impression with that role, and it remains one of the key achievements in her professional journey. While she took on many roles over the years, this particular recognition stood out as a defining point in her career.