Ilion High School - Class of 1967

Utica Daily Observer - December 29, 1977

Serial's Mary Ryan Fenelli

Ilion Actress Wins Role in ABC's "Ryan's Hope" By Luci Squiers

Article 5

Serial's Mary Ryan Fenelli
Ilion Actress Wins Role in ABC's "Ryan's Hope" By Luci Squiers

ILION - Local viewers tuning into the ABC Television Network's award-winning daytime serial, "Ryan's Hope," may find themselves studying the face of Mary Ryan Fenelli a little bit closer than that of the other regulars.

That's because Mary Ryan Fenelli is Mary Carney, daughter of Mrs. Mary Margaret Carney of 12 Crescent St., Ilion, and the late Dr. Theodore Carney.

Ms. Carney will make her first appearance Jan 6 joining the cast of "Ryan's Hope" regulars.

Its co-executive producers, Claire Labine and Paul Avila Mayer said of Ms. Carney, "Her multiple dramatic talents are just what we are looking for in the new Mary Ryan."

The producers also noted that Ms. Carney "bears more than a passing resemblance to hor TV mother Helen Gallagher."

FOR THE ILION NATIVE, the role marks a long climb from her first starring role as Julie Jordan in "Carousel while attending Ilion High School where she graduated in 1967. She also attended Annunciation School.

Her mother said she learned of her audition for the new role just a couple months ago.

"All we knew was that Marv auditioned for the part and was waiting to hear." Mrs Carney said.

However, Ms. Carney was not just sitting and waiting.

She recently finished a musical in Philadelphia, "The Utter Glory of Morrissey Hall" prior to her arrival in New York, where she is currently in rehearsal Off-Broadway for her role as Desdemona in Othello" with Earl Hyman.

Ms. Carney graduated with a B A in theater Arts from State University of New York at Albany. Following graduation, she went to London where she continued her acting studies in a two and one half year course at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.

While there, she participated in several productions by the Chanticleer Theater including Senaca's "Oedipus and Promises."

WHEN SHE RETURNED to the United States, Ms. Carney began acting at Barter Theater in Virginia, starring in the title role of "The Diary of Anne'Frank," and productions of The Torehbearers," "Straightjacket" and "The Devil's Disciple."

At the Carney family home in Ilion, all are excitedly waiting for her Jan 6 television debut.

Mrs Carney said "We're all excited. Many people in the area know of Mary's career but probably have not followed it this far."

Anticipating her daughter's heavy schedule, Mrs. Carney said it will probably be spring before she comes home for a visit.

Her brothers and sisters include Bridget Goddard of Poughkeepsie, Kathleen Donahue of Ilion, Patrick of New York City and Roberta, Aileen, Erin, Shawn and Theodore, all at home.

Ryan's Hope airs at 12:30 to 1 pm, Monday through Friday.