Florence La Badie

Florence La Badie was an American actress best known for her roles in “The Million Dollar Mystery,” “The Portrait of Lady Anne,” and “The Woman in White.” Born on April 27, 1888, in New York City, she became a prominent star in the early days of cinema.

Personal and Family Life

Florence La Badie was born as Florence Russ and was adopted by a couple named LaBadie. She grew up partially in Montreal, Canada, and received her education in both Montreal and New York. After finishing high school, she worked as a model before pursuing a career in acting in 1908 and quickly found her footing in the film industry.

Career

La Badie’s career started with small roles but gained traction when she joined Thanhouser Film Company in 1911. She became one of their most successful leading actresses, working there until her untimely demise in 1917. Her popularity was bolstered by her appearances in fan magazines, and she was known for being a companion of film mogul Marcus Loew during her life.

Death and Legacy

Florence La Badie tragically died on October 13, 1917, after suffering from septicemia due to injuries sustained in a car accident. The incident occurred on August 28, 1917, when the car she was driving plunged down an embankment after its brakes failed. Her death marked her as the first major female motion picture star to pass away, leaving a significant impact on the film industry and her fans.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Enoch Arden: Part II 1911-06-15
The Portrait of Lady Anne 1912-07-23 Lady Anne
The Million Dollar Mystery 1914-01-02 Florence Gray Hargreave
The Mohammedan’s Conspiracy 1914-05-11 Nan – Lord Trevor’s Ward
The Fugitive 1916-08-12 Margery Carew
The Cat’s Paw 1914-03-16 Nan Tremaine – Lord Trevor’s Ward
Tannhäuser 1913-07-14 Venus
Getting Even 1909-09-12
The Primal Call 1911-06-21 A Servant
The Woman in White 1917-07-01
Flying to Fortune 1912-03-12 The Wealthy Old Man’s Daughter
Rejuvenation 1912-04-22 The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter
Cymbeline 1913-03-27 Imogen
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde 1912-01-16 Jekyll’s Sweetheart
The Girl of the Grove 1912-04-04 The Girl
The Saleslady 1912-05-06
The Manicure Lady 1911-05-18 The Rival’s Girlfriend
A Strange Meeting 1909-08-01
The Rose of Kentucky 1911-08-24
The Return of Draw Egan 1916-10-14 Towns Woman (uncredited)
Petticoat Camp 1912-11-29
Star of Bethlehem 1912-12-24 Mary
The Evidence of the Film 1913-01-10 Sister of Messenger Boy
Cinderella 1911-12-21 Cinderella
The Marble Heart 1913-05-11 Marie
Crossed Wires 1915-06-28 Flo Drake
The Voice of Conscience 1912-09-02 The Orphan’s Rival
Enoch Arden 1911-06-15 Enoch’s Teenage Daughter
East Lynne 1912-01-26 Barbara Drew
Comata, the Sioux 1909-09-09
The Pillory 1916-10-08
Divorce and the Daughter 1916-12-03
Under Two Flags 1912-07-02 The Silver Pheasant
In The Chorus 1911-09-15 The Daughter Grown Up
David Copperfield 1911-10-17 Em’ly as a Woman
Through the Breakers 1909-12-06
Fighting Blood 1911-06-28 The Son’s Girlfriend
The Buddhist Priestess 1911-09-12
My Baby’s Voice 1912-03-29 The Telephone Operator
Jilted 1912-05-14
Jess 1912-05-21 Jess’s Sister, Bess
The Ring