Marie Lorraine


Isabella Mercia McDonagh, also known as Marie Lorraine, was an Australian actress who often worked in collaboration with her sisters Paulette and Phyllis. Isabella, alongside her two sisters made history by owning and running a film production company, therefore becoming the first Australian women to do so.
She visited Hollywood in 1934 but did not elect to stay on and make a career there.

Early Life

Isabella Mercia McDonagh was born 3 January, 1899 at Macquaire Street in Sydney Australia, becoming one of seven children born to John McDonagh, a medical practitioner, and Annie Jane. Since her father was a surgeon to a theatrical company, she was familiar with the entertainment industry and as a young girl, showed an interest in acting. She entered the film industry with her sisters Paulette, writer and director of all their films, and Phyllis who became the art director, publicist and producer.

Awards