The Actress
Peggy Wood
Peggy Wood was born on February 9, 1892 in Brooklyn, New York, and was a major stage and film actress whose career spanned over six decades. She began her career in the theater and established herself as a talented actress before transitioning into film in the 1930s. Peggy Wood began singing lessons at the age of eight and made her debut as a singer in 1910 in the chorus of the operetta Naughy Marietta.
Role in the movie
However, she is best known for her role as Mother Abbess, the wise and compassionate head of the abbey where Maria is a postulant, in the popular movie “The Sound of Music” (1965). Her portrayal of the wise and kind Mother Superior, who stands by Maria in difficult times, became one of the emotional highlights of the movie. Her performance of the song “Climb Ev'ry Mountain” in particular remains unforgettable for many viewers and shows her impressive vocal abilities, which radiated deep compassion and strength.
Further career
She was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in “The Sound of Music” as well as a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress, capping off a long and impressive career. She continued her acting work into her later years, appearing in many more plays and television productions.
Peggy Wood died on March 18, 1978 at the age of 86. Her role in “The Sound of Music” remains a lasting legacy that demonstrates her extraordinary ability to portray characters with depth and humanity.
Did you know?
Although Peggy Wood had been an accomplished singer earlier in her career, she no longer felt capable of performing the demanding song “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” herself at the time of filming The Sound of Music. For this reason, her singing parts in the movie were dubbed afterward. Professional singer Margery MacKay took on the task and provided the singing voice for the Mother Abbess in the corresponding scenes.
Peggy Wood was born on February 9, 1892, and therefore already 72 years old when the filming of The Sound of Music began in March 1964. Despite her advanced age, she took on the role of Mother Abbess, whose wisdom and warmth she embodied perfectly with her calm and dignified acting.