Lillian Harmer was an American actress best known for her roles in Alice in Wonderland, Riffraff, and Fugitive in the Sky. Born on September 8, 1883, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she made significant contributions to film throughout the 1930s and beyond. She passed away on May 15, 1946, in Los Angeles, California.
Personal and Family Life
Lillian Harmer was married to Frederick A. Kaeber, although their marriage was cut short by his death in 1916. Notably, Harmer was known to be a long-time companion and secretary to the famed Hollywood actress May Robson. She often portrayed matronly and sour characters in her films, reflecting a distinctive on-screen persona.
Career Highlights
Harmer’s acting career included a variety of roles in both film and television, particularly during the 1930s. Her performances were characterized by her ability to portray strong female characters, often in supporting roles that added depth to the stories. She gained recognition for her work in films such as Alice in Wonderland (1933) and Riffraff (1935), showcasing her talent and versatility.
Death and Legacy
Lillian Harmer died on May 15, 1946, in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy as a talented character actress of her time. Although she may not be as well-known today, her contributions to early cinema and her memorable roles continue to be appreciated by film historians and enthusiasts. Harmer’s ability to command the screen, even in minor roles, remains a testament to her skill as an actress.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| A Shriek in the Night | 1933-07-22 | Augusta |
| Alice in Wonderland | 1933-12-18 | Cook |
| No Man of Her Own | 1932-12-30 | Mattie (uncredited) |
| Ann Vickers | 1933-09-26 | Prison Matron in Warden’s Office (uncredited) |
| Smart Woman | 1931-09-12 | Mrs. Windleweaver |
| Romance in Manhattan | 1935-01-11 | Landlady |
| Fugitive in the Sky | 1936-11-28 | Martha Staeger |
| New Morals for Old | 1932-06-04 | Alice – the Maid |
| Little Miss Nobody | 1936-06-05 | Jessica Taggert |
| The Bowery | 1933-10-07 | Carrie A. Nation |
| Guilty as Hell | 1932-08-05 | Mrs. Alvin |
| Huckleberry Finn | 1931-08-07 | Miss Watson |
| Change of Heart | 1934-05-18 | Mrs. Boggs |
| Desirable | 1934-09-08 | Aunt Agnes |
| Dancing Feet | 1936-01-20 | Aggie |
| Personal Maid’s Secret | 1935-10-26 | Miss Getson |
| Sworn Enemy | 1936-09-11 | Mrs. Hirsch (uncredited) |
| The Great O’Malley | 1937-02-13 | Miss Taylor |
| Rainbow on the River | 1936-12-18 | Superintendent (uncredited) |
| I Cover the Waterfront | 1933-05-19 | Gossip with Telescope |
| Gateway | 1938-08-05 | Matron |
| The Captain’s Kid | 1936-11-14 | Mrs. Pengast |
| A Wicked Woman | 1934-12-07 | Mrs. Finch (uncredited) |
| The Strange Love of Molly Louvain | 1932-05-28 | Landlady (uncredited) |
| If I Had a Million | 1932-11-18 | Idylwood Receptionist (uncredited) |
| Stage Mother | 1933-09-29 | Fred’s Mother |
| The Secret of Madame Blanche | 1933-02-03 | Aubrey’s Maid (Uncredited) |
| 3 Kids and a Queen | 1935-10-21 | Elmira Wiggins |
| Public Hero Number 1 | 1935-05-31 | Mrs. Higgins (uncredited) |
| Millie | 1931-02-06 | Governess (uncredited) |
| A Star Is Born | 1937-04-27 | Wardrobe Woman (uncredited) |
| Party Wire | 1935-04-27 | Deborah |
| Without Children | 1935-04-15 | Frieda |
| Riffraff | 1936-01-03 | Mrs. McCall |
| A Harp in Hock | 1927-10-10 | Sourface |
| Lone Cowboy | 1933-12-02 | Boardinghouse Keeper (uncredited) |
| Make a Wish | 1937-09-01 | Clara |