Audrey Munson was an American actress who is best known for Inspiration, Purity, and Heedless Moths. She gained fame in the early 20th century as a model and actress, and she is recognized as one of the first nude stars in film.
Personal and Family Life
Born on June 8, 1891, in Rochester, New York, Audrey was the only child of Edgar and Katherine Munson. After her parents divorced, she lived with her mother. At 17, both moved to New York City where she began a modeling career, eventually posing for many prominent sculptures and monuments across the city.
Career Highlights
Munson’s modeling led to several notable roles in film, beginning with the 1915 movie Inspiration, which featured full nudity and stirred public controversy. Despite her initial success, a connection to a high-profile murder case in 1919 overshadowed her career, leading her to make personal appearances and write newspaper stories to stay in the public eye.
Death and Legacy
Audrey Munson lived in relative obscurity for many years until she was committed to St. Lawrence State Hospital due to mental health issues. She passed away on February 20, 1996, at the age of 104. Munson’s legacy as a pioneering figure in film history and as a top artist’s model endures, leading to continued interest in her life story.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1915 | Inspiration | The Model |
| 1916 | Purity | Virtue |
| 1918 | The Girl o’ Dreams | Norma Hansen |
| 1921 | Heedless Moths | Story “Studio Secrets; Life Story” |