[1] Mayo was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 23, 1895, and spent time as a stage actress[2] before moving to Hollywood in 1914 to pursue an acting career.

That year, she received her first role, in the film Michael Arnold and Doctor Lynn opposite Robert Z. Leonard.

[3][4] In 1916, she appeared in four films, including The Return of Eve[5] and The Strange Case of Mary Page.

[7][8] She also filmed locations scenes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with the cast and crew of The Misleading Lady around this same time.

[9] In 1916's The Strange Case of Mary Page, she wore "$10,000 worth of gowns designed by Lady Duff Gordon (Lucile), the famous modiste.