Helene Chadwick was an American actress, best known for her roles in films like The Challenge, Cupid the Cowpuncher, and A Star Is Born. She had a career spanning over 20 years in the film industry.
Personal and Family Life
Helene Chadwick was born Mary Helene Chadwick on November 25, 1897, in Chadwick, New York. She came from a wealthy family; her father owned a silk mill, and her mother was an opera singer. Helene faced personal struggles, including alcoholism in her later years. She experienced significant family losses, including the death of her father when she was just ten and her sister’s passing in 1924.
Career
Helene’s film career began in 1916 after she was discovered while posing for a painting in New York. Her skills as an experienced horsewoman led to her first role in The Challenge. Over the years, she reportedly signed with Goldwyn Pictures, appearing in numerous films, including her final credited role in A Star Is Born in 1937, which was directed by her former husband, William A. Wellman.
Death and Legacy
Helene Chadwick passed away on September 4, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, due to injuries sustained from a fall. Although newspaper reports initially stated her death resulted from the fall, her death certificate indicated cirrhosis of the liver as the cause. Helene’s contributions to early Hollywood continue to be acknowledged by film historians.
Filmography
Title
Release Date
Character
The Perfect Set-Up
1936-02-01
Mary (uncredited)
Cupid the Cowpuncher
1920-07-25
Macie Sewell
The Angel Factory
1917-09-15
Florence Lamont
The Long Arm of Mannister
1919-11-15
Sylvia De La Mere
Wise Guys Prefer Brunettes
1926-10-02
Helene
Employees’ Entrance
1933-02-11
Attendee at Meeting of Department Heads (uncredited)