Anita King was an American actress who is best known for The Girl of the Golden West, Anton the Terrible, and The Heir to the Hoorah. She was a pioneering figure in her field, gaining fame for her roles in silent films.
Personal and Family Life
Anita King was born Anna Keppen on August 14, 1884, in Michigan City, Indiana. Over her lifetime, she was married three times: first to James Stuart McKnight, with whom she divorced in 1927, later to Thomas Morrison McKenna, who passed away in 1942, and finally to Timothy McKenna until his death around 1945.
Career Highlights
Before becoming an actress in 1915, Anita King was a race car driver and made history by being the first woman to drive across the United States alone. She starred in several films, particularly working with director Cecil B. DeMille. Known as “The Paramount Girl,” she often played roles of racing drivers and performed her own stunts.
Death and Legacy
Anita King passed away on June 10, 1963, from a heart attack in Hollywood, California. Her contributions to early cinema and pioneering achievements as a female driver and actress left a lasting legacy in the film industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Carmen | 1915-10-31 | Gypsy Girl |
| The Virginian | 1914-09-07 | Mrs. Ogden (uncredited) |
| The Girl of the Golden West | 1915-01-04 | Wowkle |
| The Man From Home | 1914-11-09 | Helene, Countess De Champigney |
| Chimmie Fadden | 1915-06-28 | Fanny, His Daughter |
| Mistaken Identity | 1919-07-20 | Vivian Taylor |
| Maria Rosa | 1916-05-07 | Ana, Carlos’ Wife |
| The Golden Fetter | 1917-01-25 | Faith Miller |
| The Squaw Man’s Son | 1917-07-26 | Wah-na-gi |