Miriam Cooper was an American actress known for her roles in films like The Birth of a Nation, Intolerance, and Evangeline. She was born on November 7, 1891, in Baltimore, Maryland, and became a prominent figure in the silent film era.
Personal and Family Life
Miriam Cooper was born as Marian Cooper to Julian Cooper and Margaret Stewart in a wealthy Roman Catholic family. Her early life took a turn when her father deserted the family, leaving her mother to care for Miriam and her siblings with little financial means. Despite hardships, she pursued her education and eventually ventured into acting, starting her career as a model before landing film roles.
Career Highlights
Miriam began her acting journey with D.W. Griffith’s film A Blot on the ‘Scutcheon in 1912. She gained fame for her performances in major films like The Birth of a Nation and Intolerance, where she often performed her stunts. Though she was secretly married to Raoul Walsh in 1916, her focus on acting diminished after their marriage, yet she continued to act in films directed by him.
Death and Legacy
Miriam Cooper passed away on April 12, 1976, in Charlottesville, Virginia, due to a stroke. Her contributions to early cinema were later recognized, and she became a subject of interest for film historians and students, celebrating her legacy in the silent film industry. Before her death, she also published her autobiography titled “Dark Lady of the Silents” in 1973.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Birth of a Nation | 1915-02-08 | Margaret Cameron |
| The Mother and the Law | 1919-08-18 | The Friendly One |
| Kindred of the Dust | 1922-02-27 | Nan of the Sawdust Pile |
| Intolerance: Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages | 1916-09-04 | The Friendless One |
| Evangeline | 1919-08-19 | Evangeline |
| The Broken Wing | 1923-12-19 | Inez Villera |
| Black Shadows on a Silver Screen | 1975-04-19 | Self (archive footage) |
| Is Money Everything? | 1923-02-01 | Marion Brand |
| Serenade | 1921-08-01 | Maria del Carmen |
| Uncle Tom’s Cabin | 1913-12-17 | Topsy – Aunt Ophelia’s Slave |