Corliss Palmer was an American actress best known for her roles in “Honeymoon Lane,” “A Man’s Past,” and “The Return of Boston Blackie.” She was born on July 25, 1899, in Edison, Georgia, and her birth name was Helen Corliss Palmer.
Personal and Family Life
Corliss was one of six siblings and faced tragedy early in life when her father passed away when she was just ten years old. After high school, she worked various jobs, including at a grocery store and a movie theater. In 1920, she gained fame by winning a contest and was named “the most beautiful girl in America,” which helped launch her acting career.
Career
Corliss made her film debut in a short film in 1922. Despite initial popularity, her career faltered after her first marriage to Eugene V. Brewster, a media publisher who promoted her work. Following personal struggles, including a marriage marked by excessive spending and alcoholism, her roles diminished, and she faced difficulties in maintaining her career. Her final film appearance was in 1931.
Death and Legacy
Corliss Palmer passed away on August 27, 1952, in a psychiatric hospital in Camarillo, California, due to chronic myocarditis. She was 53 years old at the time of her death. Initially buried in an unmarked grave, her fans later funded a headstone in her memory, ensuring that her legacy lived on.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Bromo and Juliet | 1926-09-19 | Madge |
| Fashion News | 1928-11-06 | Self |
| The Return of Boston Blackie | 1927-08-01 | Sylvia Markham |
| Clothes Make the Woman | 1928-06-04 | |
| Broadway Fever | 1929-01-01 | Lila Leroy |
| A Man’s Past | 1927-10-01 | Sylvia Cabot |
| Scarlet Youth | 1928-01-01 | |
| The Night Bird | 1928-09-16 | Blonde |
| From Farm to Fame | 1922-10-01 | Corliss Palmer |
| Honeymoon Lane | 1931-07-25 | Betty Royce |