Clarice Vance was an American actor who is best known for her work in vaudeville, particularly as “The Southern Singer,” and for her recordings during the early 1900s.
Personal and Family Life
Clarice Vance was born on March 14, 1871, in Louisville, Kentucky. She married Moses Gumble in 1904, who was a songwriter and managed Remick Music Publishing. Their marriage placed them in the New York theater scene, but they divorced in 1914. Vance was known for her impressive height of over six feet, which made her a striking figure in the theatrical world.
Career Highlights
Vance gained fame in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly for her performances featuring “coon songs.” She was a prominent vaudeville headliner and recorded popular songs like “I’m Wise” and “He’s a Cousin of Mine.” Her successful career included a 26-week engagement at the Palace of Varieties in London and a starring role in the Broadway musical “A Skylark” in 1910. Despite her success, her presence in theater declined after her divorce and by the late 1920s, she faded from public view.
Death and Legacy
Clarice Vance passed away on August 24, 1961, in Napa, California. At the time of her death, she had no known friends or family, and her significant contributions to vaudeville went largely unrecognized for many years. Her legacy endures through her recordings, which are still cherished today, and her work is mentioned by those who remember her as one of the greats of vaudeville.
Filmography
| Year | Film/TV Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1924 | Daughters of the Night | Mrs. Dabb |
| 1922 | Down to the Sea in Ships | Nahoma – Patience’s Indian Servant (uncredited) |