Norma Talmadge was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Camille, The Dove, and Du Barry, Woman of Passion.
Personal and Family Life
Born on May 26, 1894, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Norma grew up in a difficult environment. Her father abandoned the family on Christmas, leading her mother, Peggy, to work hard to support her and her two sisters. By the age of 14, Norma started modeling, which eventually led her to her first small acting roles, starting her journey into film.
Career Highlights
Norma’s acting career took off after she signed with Vitagraph Studios, appearing in over 250 films during her time there. She gained significant fame with her production company, achieving hits like Panthea and The Wonderful Thing. However, as sound films became popular, her career struggled since her voice did not fit the new medium, leading to a decline in her popularity.
Death and Legacy
Norma Talmadge passed away on December 24, 1957, from a stroke in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was 62 years old. Despite her fall from fame, she left behind a significant legacy in silent film history, and her work influenced future filmmakers and actors.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Camille | 1927-09-04 | Marguerite Gautier (Camille) |
| The Dove | 1927-12-31 | Dolores |
| The Devil’s Needle | 1916-08-12 | Renee Duprez |
| New York Nights | 1929-12-28 | Jill Deverne |
| The Lady | 1925-02-08 | Polly Pearl |
| Within the Law | 1923-04-28 | Mary Turner |
| The Woman Disputed | 1928-09-01 | Mary Ann Wagner |
| Du Barry, Woman of Passion | 1930-10-10 | Madame Du Barry |