Marie[citation needed] Virginia Payne (June 19, 1908[1] - February 9, 1977 in Cincinnati, Ohio) was an American radio actress, best known for her 27-year role as the title character in the radio soap opera Ma Perkins.

[3] Noting the 25th anniversary of Ma Perkins, Time described Payne in 1957: While she attended the University of Cincinnati, she performed in student productions and was the vice president of the club.

[5] After the long run of Ma Perkins came to an end, Payne did theater.

She appeared on Broadway in the Betty Comden - Adolph Green musical comedy, Fade Out - Fade In (1964–65), and Paul Zindel's play, And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little (1971).

[6] Until one month before her death from cancer, she played Mrs. Bedwin in a production of Oliver!