Mabel Normand was an American actress known for her comedy films in the early 20th century. She gained fame for her roles in “Mabel’s Strange Predicament,” “Tillie’s Punctured Romance,” and “The Extra Girl.”
Personal and Family Life
Mabel Normand was born on November 10, 1892, in New Brighton, Staten Island, New York. She was the daughter of Claude and Mary Drury Normand. Mabel married Lew Cody on September 17, 1926, but they lived apart and she regretted the hasty decision.
Career
Normand began her career as an artist model before transitioning to film, where she appeared in many shorts during the silent film era. She was a key figure in the creation of Keystone Comedies and worked with comedy legends such as Charlie Chaplin and Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle. By 1914, she was not only acting but also writing and directing her own films, establishing herself as a major star of her time.
Death and Legacy
Mabel Normand passed away on February 22, 1930, in Monrovia, California, due to tuberculosis. Despite her significant contributions to early cinema, her legacy was overshadowed by controversies during her life, including scandals involving friends and personal struggles. Today, she is recognized as a pioneer in comedy, paving the way for future generations of female filmmakers and actresses.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Mabel’s Busy Day | 1914-06-13 | Mabel |
| Mabel’s Strange Predicament | 1914-02-09 | Mabel |
| The Fatal Mallet | 1914-06-01 | Pretty Girl (uncredited) |
| Tillie’s Punctured Romance | 1914-12-21 | Mabel |
| Caught in a Cabaret | 1914-04-27 | Mabel |
| The Extra Girl | 1923-10-28 | Sue Graham |
| Mickey | 1918-08-01 | Mickey |
| Fatty and Mabel Adrift | 1916-01-09 | Mabel |
| Should Men Walk Home? | 1927-01-29 | The Girl Bandit |
| Love and Courage | 1913-07-21 | The Country Boy’s Sweetheart |