Mercedes McCambridge All the King’s Men 1950

Mercedes McCambridge as Sadie Burke in All the King’s Men
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role 1950

Mercedes McCambridge All the King's Men 1950
Mercedes McCambridge All the King’s Men 1950

SEX WORKER ROLE

Connie in Cages 1963

Character Is A Prostitute

Mercedes McCambridge in Cages 1963
Mercedes McCambridge in Cages 1963

After a 15-year absence from the stage, Mercedes returned to the boards in the off-Broadway play “Cages.” This production, written by Lewis John Carlino, consists of two one-act segments: “Epiphany” and “Snowangel.” It is the last act that features the hooker role. The plot revolves around a man named John, who has hired a hooker named Connie. He doesn’t want sex. John wants Connie to dress up and act like the girl he once met in a museum. Then act out scenes between the two that only exist in his mind. Mercedes got some of the best reviews of her career.

Unfortunately, attendance was sparse, which led McCambridge to say about her experience:

“People gripe about there being nothing new in the theater. But when there is, they don’t come.”

Mercedes McCambridge in 1963
Mercedes McCambridge in Rehearsal 1963

To read more about other Oscar-winning actresses playing characters working in the sex trade industry, please continue perusing Oscar Hookers

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