Margaret Nillie Hildegard Hayden was born in New York City on June 19, 1883 to William Richardson and Katherine Elizabeth (Farson) Hayden.[2] Her father was a theatrical producer.[3] She had a brief career as a theatrical actress under the name Marguerite Hayden,[4] including a 1903 touring production of The Earl of Pawtucket and roles in A Romance of Athlone and Terence.