Geneva Mitchell was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Broadway musicals and early films such as “Adam’s Eve,” “Her Wedding Night,” and “Morning Glory.” Born on February 3, 1908, in Medaryville, Indiana, she captured attention on the stage as “The Pogo Girl” and became a notable figure in entertainment during the 1920s and 30s.
Personal and Family Life
Geneva Doris Mitchell grew up in a theatrical family; her mother, Verna, was a Ziegfeld Follies showgirl after her father’s death when Geneva was just one year old. At the age of 14, she started performing in the Follies and quickly made a name for herself. She eloped with millionaire Robert Savage in March 1922 but they separated shortly after due to her young age. Geneva had multiple marriages, including to publicity agent Jack Hayes and financier Harry J. Bryant, the latter of which also ended in divorce.
Career Highlights
Geneva’s entertainment career started with the Ziegfeld Follies as a chorus girl, and she later appeared in Broadway productions. She transitioned to film in the late 1920s, making her mark with small parts in various movies. Her notable roles included appearances alongside the Three Stooges and in films like “Restless Nights” and “The World Gone Mad.” However, her career faced challenges due to her struggles with alcoholism, and she eventually retired from acting in 1946.
Death and Legacy
Geneva Mitchell passed away on March 10, 1949, in Los Angeles due to acute pancreatitis and cirrhosis of the liver, complications from her long battle with alcoholism. She was just 41 years old at the time of her death. Geneva was cremated, and her ashes were placed in the Chapel of the Pines Crematory in Los Angeles. Her legacy remains in her contributions to stage and early cinema, where she is remembered as a vibrant performer.