An influential socialite and the grandmother of Mary Tilford. She spreads Mary's malicious gossip to the school's parents, triggering the libel lawsuit. After the truth is revealed, she cooperates with the judge to publicly clear Martha and Karen's names and secure financial compensation.
Tess's aunt and a world-famous feminist. She advises Sam to marry Tess and later invites the couple to her Connecticut home after their marital troubles. Her own wedding serves as a catalyst for Tess's realization about marriage and inspiration for change.
Michel Strogoff’s mother, Martha, lives in the town he must pass through on his mission. Michel initially avoids seeing her to protect his identity, but reveals himself when Ivan Ogareff orders her flogged. Her recognition of her son and the danger she faces lead to Michel being exposed, and she dies during the journey.
Tom's supportive mother who believes in his potential despite town skepticism.
Fay is the wife in the Norwick family and one of the performers in its vaudeville juggling act. She shares the family's entertainment life but, as vaudeville declines, becomes part of the household's transition toward ordinary employment and a settled existence away from the stage.
Rachel's protective mother who hosts Andrew, orchestrates Rachel's escape from her abusive first husband, and arranges safe passage to Natchez to shield her daughter from scandal and danger.
Frances is Sam's wife. His bungled business schemes lead her to enter the workplace, leaving Sam to manage the home in her absence. Their daughter arrives with twin babies, and their son comes with his pregnant wife, adding to the family demands Sam must handle while Frances is away.
Walter's domineering mother who constantly harasses him. She initially supports the false psychiatrist's diagnosis but later attends the climax at the mansion, only to be confronted by Walter's newfound assertiveness.
Susan Throssel is Phoebe's older sister and a member of the family that runs the school on Quality Street. She shares Phoebe's initial belief that Dr. Valentine Brown is about to propose, and she is later involved in dealing with the consequences of the supposed niece's presence and the neighbors' suspicions.
A socialite who organizes the charity fundraiser at which Burleigh is scheduled to fight Speed. After Speed falls asleep during the bout, Burleigh is reluctant to retire without ever having been knocked out. Mrs. LeMoyne accidentally knocks him out, allowing him to retire with a clear conscience.
Wealthy Washington D.C. widow who initially refuses to adapt to wartime life, isolating herself from her family and friends. After her son's sacrifice and a change of heart, she reconciles with loved ones, marries Elliott Fulton, and transforms her home into a wartime support center.
A wise peddler who becomes the Wards' cook and housekeeper in exchange for room and board, Hannah helps Paul with practical ideas and guides him through setbacks. She is Peter's birth mother, though she had to give him up and he believes the Trimbles are his biological parents. She persuades Bradford not to reveal Peter's parentage.
Fay Bainter has 49 screen credits in a career dating back to 1934. Their work is anchored in the Edison Collection universe with 1 titles. Signature works include Woman of the Year, Mother Carey's Chickens, The Children's Hour. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Related entry on Wikidata (Q152888), public domain (CC0).
