Pamela Mason (10 March 1916 – 29 June 1996) was a British actress, author, and screenwriter who appeared in several British films.

Early life and personal life

Born Pamela Ostrer in Westgate-on-Sea (or Southend-on-Sea according to one source), Mason was the daughter of Isidore (1889-1975) and Helen Ostrer. Isidore Ostrer was the president of the Gaumont British Picture Corporation.

Pamela left school at age 9 and age 16, married Roy Kellino. She began acting in 1934, and in 1939 she and Kellino made their first film together I Met a Murderer (1939).

While on the set of I Met A Murderer, she met actor James Mason and began an affair with him. Shortly afterwards, she divorced Kellino to marry Mason. They had two children: daughter Portland (1948–2004), and son Morgan (who is married to Belinda Carlisle, the lead singer of The Go-Go's). Portland Mason was named for Portland Hoffa, the wife of the American radio comedian Fred Allen; the Allens and the Masons were friends. She remained married to Mason until 1964.[1]

She filed suit for divorce from James Mason in 1962.

Film

Mason went on to appear in various films including Lady Possessed (1952), The Child (1954), Sex Kittens Go to College (1960), and The Sandpiper.

Television

Mason guest starred on Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, Playhouse 90, Love, American Style, and The New Dick Van Dyke Show.

She appeared as a contestant on the 18 February 1960 episode of the TV quiz program You Bet Your Life, hosted by Groucho Marx.

She also hosted two talk shows The Pamela Mason Show from 1965–1966, and The Weaker (?) Sex from 1968-1969.

Writing

In addition to acting, Mason authored several books including Marriage Is the First Step Toward Divorce and The Female Pleasure Hunt.

Business

Mason was the controlling stockholder of Illingworth, Morris, a British textile firm, ran a mail-order vitamin company, and managed property in Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California.

Death

On 29 June 1996, Mason died of heart failure at her home in Beverly Hills, California. She was survived by her daughter and her son.[1]She is buried in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.