Dr. Mary Albright
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| Mary Albright | |
|---|---|
 Jane Curtin as Dr. Mary Albright |
|
| First appearance | "Brains and Eggs" |
| Last appearance | "The Thing That Wouldn't Die: Part 2" |
| Cause/Reason | End of the series |
| Information | |
| Species | Earthling |
| Gender | Female |
| Age | 44 as of "Dick the Vote" |
| Year of birth | c. 1952 |
| Occupation | Anthropology professor |
| Title | "Doctor of Philosophy" |
| Family | George Albright (father - not biologically) Martha Albright (mother) Roy Albright (brother) Renata Albright (sister) Tiffany (niece) |
| Portrayed by | Jane Curtin Jodi Johnson (as a child in "Dick-In-Law") |
| Created by | Bonnie and Terry Turner |
Dr. Mary Margaret Albright, Ph.D. is a fictional character who was played by Jane Curtin in the American situation comedy 3rd Rock from the Sun.
[edit] Programme Biography
Mary works as a professor of Anthropology at the fictional Pendelton State University, in Rutherford, Ohio. She and the 'father' of the alien group, who works there as a Physics professor, were forced to share an office. While Dick Solomon was attracted to her almost instantly, Mary took a long time to warm to Dick.
After their initial success, Dick and Mary enjoyed an on-off relationship; Dick would often annoy Mary, causing her to grow angry and seemingly break up with him. However, in the next episode, they are nearly always back together (notable exception: when Dick was engaged to Mary, then discovered another alien had been sent to masquerade as his wife, leading Mary to believe he is committing polygamy. Even then, she forgave him.)
When Dick and his 'family' are called back to the home planet, Mary discovers Dick's alien identity; she is initially persuaded to return with them. However, she realises how much she would miss Earth, so she and Dick bid farewell. In an alternative ending, Dick returns and abducts her.
Mary used to own fish, before Dick was left to look after them as Mary was on a conference - he introduced an angel fish, which ate all the others. Mary was angry with Dick for killing her fish, so Dick bought her a dog to compensate. After breaking off their engagement, Mary tries to get rid of the dog, but realises she loves him. She and Dick later get back together, making Mary relieved she didn't get rid of her dog.
From hints in the show, we can tell Mary used to drink a lot and often used her feminity to get what she wanted from men. We also know, from references and one episodes about her parents, that her father had affairs and her mother drank a lot. Mary comes from a seemingly average and trashy family, but she and sister Renata (Dick marries her, in order to divorce her and get her to promise she will not build a library at Pendelton that will cast a shadow in Mary's office) have become successful - Renata is rich, while Mary is a professor and doctor. Renata was played by guest star Megan Mullally (best known for playing Karen Walker on Will & Grace).
For approximately six months during the sitcom's 4th season, Mary served as dean of Pendleton's School of Arts and Sciences. However, she lost this job and returned to her role as professor after she was caught breaking in to friend and colleague Judith's office after Dick convinced her that Judith was after her job.
