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Mary Lou Bagley is a well-known Seacoast actress living in South Berwick, Maine. She has portrayed a diversity of characters on area stages including: Ouiser in Steel Magnolias for which she received the Spotlight on the Arts Award for Best Actress in a Play 2003; Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; Lola in Come Back, Little Sheba; Sister George in The Killing of Sister George; Olive Madison in The Odd Couple, Female Version; Reverend Mother in Nunsense; Charlotte Schoen in Lettice and Lovage; Colleen in Chinese Checkers; and herself in, Collage: Zany Bits & Some Serious Stuff.

Her film experience includes commercials (remember the “Driver Nun” in the five-nuns-in-a-car spot on TV!), educational/industrial films, documentaries, a docu-drama, and feature films. She most recently wrapped on Sternman in a principal role filmed on Vinalhaven, Maine in the Spring of 2005.

The working title of the film Sternman has changed to Islander. The film garnered excellent reviews at the LA Film Festival and was well-received as the opening night film at the Maine International Film Festival in July. It is appearing at select theatres including The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH (November, 2006). Click here to visit the film's official website and view the trailer, with glimpses of Mary Lou.

Mary Lou is a member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Click here to download film/stage resume (PDF)

Review samplings

“The cast could hardly have been better, individually and as an ensemble. Mary Lou Bagley (Colleen) had the right edge of disdain mixed with jiggers of self-pity and clinks of good will. Her voice is a smoky treat. Her expressions mesmerize and her concerns become yours without becoming heavy-handed.”

-- of Chinese Checkers by Jeffrey B. Aronson, Special to the York County Star (1992)

“Durham Stage Company’s production boasts two incredible performances – Mary Lou Bagley as Lola and Budd Peters as Doc. ... Together these performances are honest. The emotions are real. This is what acting should strive for. I was moved. I was emotionally drained. I was affected by these performances. Bravo!”

-- of Come Back, Little Sheba by Tom Frey

“Mary Lou Bagley plays the role of Sister Mary Regina as if it were written for her.”

-- of Nunsense by Tom Frey

“Particularly riveting performances are given by Mary Lou Bagley as Sister Mary Regina, Mother Superior, who had the audience guffawing during her drunken monologue in “An Unexpected Discovery.”

-- of Nunsense by Martha Harrah

“Mary Lou Bagley kept a character, which could have easily been lost in sentiment, real and moving.”

-- of The Vagina Monologues by Jeanné McCartin

“Bagley brings great empathy to her role of Lotte, ... At ease in her role, she proves the perfect foil for Lettice’s humor again and again -- occasionally surprising the audience when her own wit sparks a funny line or two, as well.”

-- of Lettice and Lovage by Phyllis Ring, RCN Staff, Exeter News Letter