You probably think you know her from those old Polaroid ads. Or maybe you're a Trekkie who remembers her as the woman trapped in a frozen wasteland. Honestly, Mariette Hartley is one of those actresses who has lived a thousand lives on screen, yet most people still ask, "Wait, what's she from again?"
It’s a funny thing. She spent years being the most famous woman on television who wasn't actually a housewife, even though everyone thought she was married to James Garner. They weren't. She actually had to wear a T-shirt that said "I am not Mrs. James Garner" just to get through her day. That’s the kind of career she’s had—ubiquitous, brilliant, and slightly misunderstood.
The Polaroid Years and the "Mrs. James Garner" Myth
Let's talk about those commercials. In the late 70s and early 80s, Hartley and Garner did about 300 commercials for Polaroid. They were basically 30-second sitcoms. The chemistry was so natural, so sharp, and so lived-in that the entire country was convinced they were a real couple.
She won three Clio Awards for those spots. Think about that. Most actors hope for one career-defining role; she defined an entire era of advertising by just being witty and charming next to a camera. But the "wife" label stuck so hard it nearly overshadowed her actual work. It’s kinda wild when you realize she was simultaneously doing some of the most intense dramatic work on television.
That Incredible Hulk Episode (and the Emmy that Changed Everything)
If you want to see why Hartley is a heavyweight, you have to watch "Married," the two-part season premiere of The Incredible Hulk from 1978.
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She played Dr. Carolyn Fields. She’s a psychologist who is dying of a terminal illness and, in a desperate twist of fate, ends up marrying David Banner. It’s heartbreaking. It’s not your typical "monster of the week" stuff. Hartley brought a raw, grounded vulnerability to a show about a giant green man, and the industry noticed.
She won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for that role. It was a huge moment. It proved that "the Polaroid lady" had some serious acting chops. She wasn't just a sidekick; she was a lead.
From Star Trek to Hitchcock: A Diverse Filmography
Before the Hulk and the cameras, Hartley was a Peckinpah girl. She made her film debut in the 1962 classic Ride the High Country. She was only about 21 or 22, and she held her own against legends like Randolph Scott and Joel McCrea. That’s a hell of a way to start.
Then came the Hitchcock era. She played Susan Clabon in Marnie (1964). Working with Alfred Hitchcock is a badge of honor, but Hartley’s career didn't stop there. She popped up in:
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- Star Trek: The Original Series: She played Zarabeth in "All Our Yesterdays." She’s the one who falls for Spock in the past. If you’re a sci-fi fan, she is royalty.
- The Twilight Zone: "The Long Morrow." Another classic.
- Peyton Place: She did a 32-episode run as Dr. Claire Morton.
- Columbo: She appeared in multiple episodes, always bringing that specific "Hartley" intelligence to the screen.
She even did a remake of The African Queen in 1977, taking on the role originally played by Katharine Hepburn. Talk about big shoes to fill.
The Later Years: 9-1-1 and Staying Relevant
A lot of actors from the "Golden Age of TV" sort of fade away. Mariette didn't. Most recently, you might have spotted her on the hit show 9-1-1 as Patricia Clark. She still has that same spark.
She’s also been incredibly open about her personal life. Her 1990 biography, Breaking the Silence, didn't pull any punches. She talked about her family's history with suicide and her own struggles. It turned her into a major advocate for mental health, working with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Basically, she used her fame to do something that actually matters. That’s rare.
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How to Watch Her Best Work Today
If you're looking to dive into the Mariette Hartley movies and tv shows catalog, don't just stick to the highlights.
- Watch "Married" (The Incredible Hulk): It’s on most streaming platforms that carry classic TV (like Peacock or Amazon). It holds up.
- Find the Star Trek episode: "All Our Yesterdays" is Season 3, Episode 23. It’s essential Spock lore.
- Check out Ride the High Country: If you like Westerns, this is one of the best ever made.
- YouTube the Polaroid ads: Seriously. They are a masterclass in chemistry.
Her career is a reminder that being a "working actor" doesn't mean you aren't a star. She did the work, won the awards, and stayed human through all of it. Whether she's playing a scientist, a pioneer woman, or a witty spokesperson, she’s always just... Mariette. And that’s why we’re still talking about her in 2026.
Your next move: If you really want to appreciate her range, find a copy of her 2022 film Our (Almost Completely True) Love Story. It's a romantic comedy she co-wrote and starred in with her husband, Jerry Sroka. It’s the perfect bookend to a career built on genuine connection.