Phyllis Haver was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Chicago, What Price Glory, and Fig Leaves. She made a significant mark in silent films during the 1920s and gained popularity as one of the famous “Sennett Bathing Beauties”.
Personal and Family Life
Born as Phyllis O’Haver on January 6, 1899, in Douglass, Kansas, she later moved to California with her family. Phyllis started her career as a pianist in a local movie theater, which led her to be discovered by producer Mack Sennett. She married millionaire William Seeman in 1929 while at the height of her acting career but retired shortly after. Their marriage lasted until their divorce in 1945, and they had no children.
Struggles and Reclusiveness
As she grew older, Phyllis became increasingly reclusive, spending her later years in a large home in Connecticut. She lived with a housekeeper and rarely entertained guests, which led to a sense of loneliness. Phyllis reportedly attempted suicide several times and was deeply affected by the death of her old friend and employer, Mack Sennett, in November 1960.
Death and Legacy
On November 19, 1960, at the age of 61, Phyllis Haver died by suicide from an overdose of barbiturates. She was discovered in her bed, fully dressed and wearing makeup. Haver was buried in Grassy Hills Cemetery in Falls Village, Connecticut. Despite her bright start in Hollywood, her later life was marked by isolation and personal struggles.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Balloonatic | 1923-01-22 | The Young Woman |
| What Price Glory | 1926-11-23 | Shanghai Mabel |
| The Way of All Flesh | 1927-10-01 | The Temptress |
| Chicago | 1927-12-23 | Roxie Hart |
| Fig Leaves | 1926-08-22 | Alice Atkins |
| Sal of Singapore | 1928-11-04 | Sal |
| The Perfect Flapper | 1924-05-25 | Gertrude Trayle |
| The Office Scandal | 1929-03-03 | Jerry Cullen |
| Thunder | 1929-07-08 | Zella |
| 3 Bad Men | 1926-08-28 | Lily |