Monroe Owsley was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Holiday,” “Indiscreet,” and “Ten Cents a Dance.” He was born on August 11, 1900, in Atlanta, Georgia, and passed away on June 7, 1937, in Belmont, California.
Personal and Family Life
Monroe Owsley grew up in a theatrical environment as the son of stage actress Gertrude Owsley. He had a younger sister, Abbie, who tragically died when she was just five months old. His mother played a significant role in shaping his early interest in acting.
Career
Owsley’s acting career began in stock and repertory theater, where he performed in productions like “The Meanest Girl in the World.” He gained recognition on Broadway in 1925 and later made a successful transition to film, notably starring as Ned Seton in “Holiday.” Unfortunately, his typecasting in weak and debauched roles led to a decline in his career, exacerbated by personal struggles with addiction.
Death and Legacy
Monroe Owsley died from a heart attack on June 7, 1937, the same day as famous actress Jean Harlow. His life was marked by challenges, both professionally and personally, leading to his eventual obscurity in cinematic history. Despite his short film career, he is remembered for his contributions to early sound films.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Gold | 1934-06-08 | Walter Jordan |
| Goin’ to Town | 1935-04-25 | Fletcher Colton |
| Ex-Lady | 1933-05-15 | Nick Malvyn |
| Indiscreet | 1931-04-25 | Jim Woodward |
| Remember Last Night? | 1935-10-28 | Billy Arliss |
| Call Her Savage | 1932-11-24 | Lawrence Crosby |
| Ten Cents a Dance | 1931-01-30 | Eddie Miller |
| Honor Among Lovers | 1931-02-28 | Philip Craig |
| Behold My Wife! | 1934-12-06 | Bob Prentice |
| Mister Cinderella | 1936-10-22 | Aloysius P. Merriweather |
| Brief Moment | 1933-09-29 | Harold ‘Sig’ Sigrift |
| Yellowstone | 1936-09-01 | Marty Ryan / Jenkins |
| This Modern Age | 1931-08-29 | Tony Girard |
| The Keyhole | 1933-03-25 | Maurice Le Brun |
| The Hit Parade | 1937-04-26 | Teddy Leeds |
| Unashamed | 1932-07-02 | Harry Swift |
| Twin Husbands | 1933-11-29 | Colton Drain |
| Hat Check Girl | 1932-10-08 | Tod Reese |
| Private Number | 1936-06-05 | James “Jimmy” Coakley |
| Shock | 1934-07-19 | Bob Hayworth |
| Rumba | 1935-02-08 | Hobart Fletcher |
| Carry on, Sergeant! | 1928-11-10 | Leonard Sinclair |
| The First Kiss | 1928-08-17 | Other suitor |
| Hideaway Girl | 1936-11-20 | Count de Montaigne |
| Free Love | 1930-12-01 | Rush Begelow |
| Holiday | 1930-07-03 | Ned Seton |
| She Was a Lady | 1934-08-22 | Jerry Couzins |
| Screen Snapshots (Series 22, No. 10) | 1942-01-01 | Self (archive footage) |