Ethel Shannon

Ethel Shannon was an American actress best known for her roles in various silent films, including “Maytime,” “The Buckaroo Kid,” and “Lightning Romance.” She gained fame during the 1920s but retired from acting in 1927.

Personal and Family Life

Ethel Shannon was born on May 22, 1898, in Colorado. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her mother, Agnes, worked as a housekeeper to support the family. After finishing high school, Ethel moved to Los Angeles, where she began her career as a film extra. She was married twice, first to broker Robert Cary in 1923, but they divorced after two years. Later, she married screenwriter Joseph Jackson in 1927.

Career

Ethel began her film career in 1919, co-starring with Bert Lytell in “Easy To Make Money.” She became known for her red hair and starred in several comedies and dramas throughout the 1920s. Despite her success, she retired from the film industry after marrying Joseph Jackson and becoming a full-time mother. She returned briefly to acting in 1935 but struggled with personal issues following her husband’s tragic death.

Death and Legacy

Ethel Shannon died on July 10, 1951, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 53 from cirrhosis of the liver, which was exacerbated by her struggles with alcoholism. Her legacy lives on through her performances in silent films, and she was posthumously remembered as one of the prominent WAMPAS Baby Stars of 1923.

Filmography