**Margaret Wycherly (1881-1956)** was an American actress known for her long and distinguished career as a character actress in film. Specializing in roles of strong and often maternal older women, sometimes tormented or stoic, she left an indelible mark with memorable performances.

Among her most significant films are *Sergeant York* (1941), where she excelled in the role of the devoted mother, and *The Yearling* (1946), as Ma Baxter, a resilient mother. However, it is for her portrayal of Ma Jarrett in *White Heat* (1949) that she is most remembered. Her depiction of Cody's (James Cagney) formidable and possessive mother became iconic, defining an archetype of the "gangster mother." Her ability to infuse depth and dignity into her supporting characters made her a beloved and respected figure in classic cinema.