Octavia Handworth was an American actress best known for her roles in films such as “Love’s Redemption,” “Footlights,” and “Race Suicide.” Born Octavia Boas on December 24, 1887, in New York City, she had a significant career in the early days of cinema.
Personal and Family Life
Octavia Handworth was born to Danish immigrant parents. She married Harry Handworth in 1905, with whom she had one daughter, Elsie Octavia Handworth. After Harry’s death in 1916, Octavia married Gordon De Main but details about this marriage are sparse. She initially found success in theater before transitioning to film in the early 1910s.
Career
Octavia started her acting career in theater on the East Coast before moving to film. Her first film appearance was in “The Path Forbidden” in 1914. She faced challenges in establishing a prominent career in a fast-growing industry filled with competition. After her role in “Footlights” in 1921, she decided to retire from acting and pursued other interests.
Death and Legacy
Octavia Handworth passed away on October 3, 1978, in Hemet, California, due to natural causes. Despite not achieving widespread fame, she was a part of the early film industry and contributed to its growth during its formative years. Her work is remembered by collectors and historians of early cinema.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1921 | Love’s Redemption | Mrs. Worth |
| 1921 | Footlights | Etta |
| 1916 | Race Suicide | |
| 1916 | The Lost Paradise | Tom’s Sister |
| 1916 | Expiation | Mrs. Hammond |
| 1916 | A Trial of Souls | |
| 1916 | The Weaker Strain | |
| 1916 | Persistency | Dorothy McLean |
| 1916 | Sowing the Wind | |
| 1916 | The Scheming Housekeeper | |
| 1916 | Puppets of Fate | Sylvia – the Wealthy Widow |
| 1916 | The Greater Wrong | Helen Maitland – Mrs. James Cannon |
| 1916 | The City of Failing Light | John’s Wife |
| 1916 | Sweeter Than Revenge | Bess Bowen |
| 1915 | The Inevitable Penalty | Alice |
| 1915 | The Son | Mrs. Fenner – the Adventuress |