Florence Turner was an American actress who is best known for her roles in early silent films such as “A Tale of Two Cities,” “The Old Wives’ Tale,” and “The Anarchist’s Wife.” She gained fame in the 1910s as “The Vitagraph Girl” and made significant contributions to both film and theater.
Personal and Family Life
Florence Turner was born on January 6, 1885, in New York City. She was the daughter of Frances Turner and began performing at a young age, pushed into show business by her mother. Turner was not only an actress but also took an interest in production, founding her own film company.
Career Highlights
Turner became one of the first prominent female stars to achieve widespread recognition in the film industry during her career. She worked for Vitagraph Studios and starred in numerous films, including theatrical adaptations and original works. However, her popularity faded after World War I, leading to her shift towards smaller roles in Hollywood.
Death and Legacy
Florence Turner passed away on August 28, 1946, at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodland Hills, California. She died largely forgotten, but her ashes remain in the Chapel of the Pines Crematory, alongside other historical figures in Hollywood. Turner is remembered as one of the first publicized film stars, paving the way for future generations of actors.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| A Window on Washington Park | 1913-04-29 | The Old Man’s Daughter |
| A Tale of Two Cities | 1911-02-20 | Lucie Manette |
| The Old Wives’ Tale | 1921-01-01 | Constance Barnes |
| The Anarchist’s Wife | 1912-11-17 | The Anarchist’s Wife |
| Daisy Doodad’s Dial | 1914-03-31 | Daisy Doodad |
| The Overland Stage | 1927-01-31 | Alice Gregg |
| East Is East | 1916-09-02 | Victoria Vickers |
| Taxi! | 1931-12-29 | Trial Spectator (uncredited) |
| Janice Meredith | 1924-12-08 | Bit |
| Richard III | 1908-09-26 | |
| Uncle Tom’s Cabin | 1910-07-26 | Topsy |
| When Persistency and Obstinacy Meet | 1912-10-08 | Dorothy Ellis |