Claire Alexander was an American actress who is best known for her roles in films like Charlie, the Hero, The Ransom, and Beach Nurse.
Personal and Family Life
Born Clara Cecilia Alexander on January 6, 1897, in New York City, Claire’s family moved to California during her teenage years. Her father, Thomas Alexander, worked as a technical director at MGM studios. Claire won Hollywood’s first bathing beauty contest in 1915, which helped launch her acting career. She gained fame for her petite stature, standing at just four feet ten inches tall.
Career Highlights
Claire made her film debut in A Girl Of Yesterday alongside Mary Pickford. She quickly became a leading lady in silent films, appearing in over fifty movies between 1916 and 1917, including Jerry’s Picnic and Jerry Takes Gas. However, her hectic schedule led to exhaustion, necessitating a brief hospitalization.
Death and Legacy
On November 16, 1927, Claire tragically passed away from double pneumonia at the young age of thirty. She is laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles, California. Although her career was cut short, Claire is remembered as a notable figure in early cinema and a pioneer among actresses of her time.
Filmography
| Title | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Charlie, the Hero | Short | 1919 |
| A Pair of Deuces | Short | 1919 |
| Child of M’sieu | Short | 1919 |
| Jerry’s Best Friend | Short | 1917 |
| Jerry’s Double Cross | Short | 1917 |
| Jerry’s Boarding House | Short | 1917 |
| Jerry Takes Gas | Short | 1917 |
| Jerry and the Burglars | Short | 1917 |
| Jerry’s Victory | Short | 1917 |
| Jerry’s Lucky Day | Short | 1917 |
| Jerry in Yodel Land | Short | 1917 |