Ethlyne Clair was an American actress who is best known for her roles in silent comedies, Westerns, and serials, including “The Vanishing Rider,” “Queen of the Northwoods,” and “The Newlyweds and Their Baby.” She was a prominent figure in the late 1920s.
Personal and Family Life
Ethlyne Clair was born Ethlyne Claire Williamson on November 23, 1904, in Talladega, Alabama. Throughout her life, she was married three times, first to Richard Lonsdale Hinshaw, then to Ern Westmore, with whom she had one child, and finally to Merle Arthur Frost Jr., who she remained with until his death in 1968. Her marriages reflect both her public persona and personal struggles.
Career
Ethlyne Clair began her career during the silent film era and quickly became recognized for her vibrant performances. As a WAMPAS Baby Star of 1929, she starred in various films, especially Westerns alongside famous cowboys. Unfortunately, her career was affected negatively when sound films emerged, and her voice did not match the industry standards, leading to her early retirement.
Death and Legacy
Ethlyne Clair passed away on February 27, 1996, in Los Angeles, California, following complications from ulcer surgery. Despite her brief career, she left a mark in the world of silent films and is remembered as a talented actress from the early 20th century. Her legacy persists in the archives of early American cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| God’s Gift to Women | 1931-04-13 | Yvonne, a Party Girl (uncredited) |
| From Headquarters | 1929-04-27 | Innocencia |
| The Newlyweds’ Christmas Party | 1927-12-05 | Snookums’ Mother |
| Show of Shows | 1929-11-21 | Performer in ‘Ladies of the Ensemble’ Number (uncredited) |
| Second Choice | 1930-01-04 | Edith Pemberton |
| The Vanishing Rider | 1928-01-16 | Mary Allen |
| Wild Blood | 1929-02-10 | Mary Ellis |
| Guardians of the Wild | 1928-09-15 | Madge Warren |
| Painted Ponies | 1927-09-25 | Pony Blenning |
| Riding for Fame | 1929-08-19 | Kitty Barton |
| A Hero on Horseback | 1927-06-10 | Ollie Starbuck |
| Jane’s Sleuth | 1927-06-22 | Jane |
| Three Miles Up | 1927-09-04 | Nadine Worthing |
| Queen of the Northwoods | 1929-05-21 | Miss Moreau |
| Snookums’ Tooth | 1926-09-22 | Snookums’ Mother |