Mae Clarke

Mae Clarke was an American actress who is best known for her roles in The Public Enemy, Frankenstein, and Waterloo Bridge.

Personal and Family Life

Born Violet Mary Klotz on August 16, 1910, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mae Clarke grew up in a family connected to the arts, as her father was a cinema organist. She started performance early, taking to the stage at age 13, and eventually moved on to New York cabaret acts. Throughout her life, she was married three times, with her first husband being Lew Brice, the brother of famous comedienne Fanny Brice.

Career Highlights

Mae Clarke’s career began in vaudeville, but she gained prominence in films during the early 1930s. She became well-known for her roles in several notable movies, including her iconic scene in The Public Enemy, where she was famously hit in the face with a grapefruit by James Cagney. Clarke starred in many significant productions, but her career took a downturn due to personal struggles and changes in Hollywood’s movie-making standards.

Death and Legacy

Mae Clarke passed away on April 29, 1992, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, due to cancer. Despite the ups and downs of her career, she remains a memorable figure in early Hollywood, with her performances still appreciated by audiences today. Clarke is interred at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park in California.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Frankenstein 1931-11-21 Elizabeth
The Public Enemy 1931-04-23 Kitty (uncredited)
Waterloo Bridge 1931-09-01 Myra Deauville
King of the Rocket Men 1949-06-08 Glenda Thomas
The Front Page 1931-04-04 Molly
Lady Killer 1933-12-09 Myra Gale