Mariette Hartley, born Mary Loretta Hartley on June 21, 1940, is an American actress who carved a distinctive path in both film and television over several decades. Perhaps best known to the public for her witty, long-running series of commercials with James Garner in the 1970s and 1980s, Hartley’s career is marked by a diverse range of dramatic roles that showcased her depth and versatility. She emerged as a promising talent in the early 1960s, quickly establishing herself as a compelling presence on screen.

Hartley’s early career was defined by significant film roles that placed her alongside legendary directors. She made a memorable debut in Sam Peckinpah’s western Ride the High Country (1962), playing Elsa Knudsen, a role that required her to hold her own against screen icons Randolph Scott and Joel McCrea. Two years later, she appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller Marnie (1964), portraying Susan Clabon, a co-worker of the titular character played by Tippi Hedren. She also starred in John Sturges’ space drama Marooned (1969) as Betty Lloyd, the wife of an astronaut stranded in orbit. These early big-screen credits established her as a serious actress capable of handling complex material.

While her film work was notable, Hartley’s television career was vast and equally impressive. She appeared extensively on the small screen, landing a recurring role as Claire Morton on the ABC prime-time soap opera Peyton Place (1965). She was a frequent guest star on the classic CBS Western Gunsmoke, playing various characters across multiple episodes. However, it was her partnership with James Garner that brought her into the homes of millions. As the face of Polaroid camera commercials, the duo’s natural, comedic chemistry made them one of the most beloved advertising duos of the era. This partnership also led to a guest-starring role on Garner’s series The Rockford Files, for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1980. Hartley’s later television work included roles in series like The Incredible Hulk and Law & Order, as well as numerous made-for-TV movies, demonstrating her enduring appeal and adaptability in the industry.