Florence Lee was an American actress, best known for her roles in the 1920s films like “Fight and Win,” “The Blood Test,” and several comedy shorts. She was born Florence Catherine Lee on July 20, 1902, in Chicago, Illinois, and became a notable figure in early cinema.
Personal and Family Life
Florence was the daughter of Norwegian immigrants, Oscar J. Lee and Augusta Olsen. After her parents divorced, her mother remarried and the family eventually moved to Los Angeles, where Florence began her acting career around 1920. She married Teddy Hayes in 1922, who was friends with boxing champ Jack Dempsey, and later she divorced him in 1926.
Career
Florence gained popularity in Hollywood, appearing in various films and short films during the 1920s. She was recognized for her beauty and emotional performances, highlighted in a 1923 review of her film, “The Blood Test.” After a brief modeling career in the 1930s, she married engineer Albert Clifford Kelley in 1944, remaining active in the industry until the 1970s.
Death and Legacy
Florence Lee passed away on June 26, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy of early film performances. She was remembered as one of the notable actresses of the silent film era and for her contributions to cinema during a transformative time in Hollywood.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1926 | Man Rustlin’ | Mary Wilson |
| 1925 | The Re-Creation of Brian Kent | |
| 1924 | The Health Farm Wallop | Short |
| 1924 | An Eyeful | Joyce |
| 1924 | Between Fires | Ethel Dowling |
| 1924 | The College Cowboy | Short |
| 1924 | Bring Him In | Police Commissioner’s Daughter |
| 1924 | All’s Swell on the Ocean | Police Commissioner’s Daughter |
| 1924 | A Sagebrush Vagabond | Ann Paterson |
| 1924 | Fight and Win | Police Commissioner’s Daughter |
| 1924 | Growing Better | Ruth Burnett, his daughter |
| 1923 | Blood Test | |
| 1921 | At Your Service | Short |
| 1921 | The Whizbang | Short |
| 1921 | Third Class Male | Short |