Mabel Albertson (July 24, 1901 - September 28 1982) was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, USA, and was the older sister of Academy Award-winning actor Jack Albertson and one-time mother-in-law of Academy Award winning actress Cloris Leachman.
She is best known as "Phyllis Stephens", Darrin's interfering mother on the television sitcom Bewitched, who inevitably ended her stays at the Stephens' home by saying, "Frank [her husband], take me home. I've got a sick headache."
She also played Donald Hollinger's mother on That Girl, Howard Sprague's mother on The Andy Griffith Show, Dick Preston's mother on The New Dick Van Dyke Show, and Mrs. Van Hoskins, a wealthy woman whose jewels are stolen, in the screwball comedy, What's Up, Doc?
She died of Alzheimer's disease on September 28, 1982 at the age of 81, in Santa Monica, California. Mabel Albertson's remains were cremated and scattered in the Pacific Ocean.
Often erroneously described as a sister of actor Frank Albertson. Mabel Albertson and her actor brother Jack Albertson were born and raised in Massachusetts to Russian immigrants. Their mother's maiden name was Kraft. Frank Albertson was a native of Minnesota, raised there and in Washington, by parents of Irish heritage. His mother's maiden name was Healy.
