Marion Fairbanks was an American actress who is best known for her performances in “On With the Show!”, “Uncle’s Namesakes”, and “Their One Love”. She had a successful career on both stage and screen, particularly during the early 20th century.
Personal and Family Life
Born on November 15, 1900, in New York City, Marion was the twin sister of actress Madeline Fairbanks. Their mother, Jennie (known as Jane) Fairbanks, was also an actress, while their father had ties to a Civil War veteran. The Fairbanks sisters began their careers in theater and became well-known as ‘The Thanhouser Twins’ after joining the Thanhouser Film Corporation in 1912.
Career Highlights
Marion and Madeline Fairbanks started in stage productions and transitioned to film around 1910. In 1917, they achieved significant success with the Ziegfeld Follies. After experimenting with different genres, Marion continued with musical performances while Madeline took on dramatic roles. Marion had a notable appearance as the leading lady in “Whistling in the Dark” in 1932, but as the 1930s progressed, she stepped back from acting to venture into the beauty industry.
Death and Legacy
Marion Fairbanks passed away on September 20, 1973, at the age of 72. She struggled with various personal issues in her later years, including alcohol addiction. With no children, her sister Madeline was her only surviving family member.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| On With the Show! | 1929-07-13 | One of The Fairbanks Twins |
| Uncle’s Namesakes | 1913-12-11 | The Thanhouser Twins |
| Their One Love | 1915-05-01 | Marion |
| The Little Girl Next Door | 1912-11-01 | Helen Randall |
| Shep’s Race with Death | 1914-11-01 | The Thanhouser Twins |
| Cousins | 1912-07-28 | Cousin |
| The Beauty Shop | 1922-05-13 | Cola |