Ruth Selwyn was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “Speak Easily,” “Men Must Fight,” and “Polly of the Circus.” She made significant contributions to the film industry during the 1930s.
Personal and Family Life
Born as Ruth Virginia Wilcox on November 6, 1905, in Tazewell, Virginia, she was part of a creative family. Ruth had notable relatives, including her brother Fred M. Wilcox, a film director, and her sister Pansy Schenck, a former showgirl married to a film executive. Ruth’s father, James Columbus Wilcox, held various professions, including being an optometrist and drugstore owner.
Career Highlights
Ruth began her film career as a contract player at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, making her uncredited debut in “Five and Ten” (1931). She gained recognition for her performance as Pansy Peets in “Speak Easily” (1933), where she starred alongside Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante. Although she only made a few films, her contributions were significant, particularly in comedies of that era.
Death and Legacy
Ruth Selwyn passed away on December 13, 1954, in Hollywood, California. Her legacy lives on through her work in early American cinema, and she is remembered for her unique roles that contributed to the film industry’s development during the 1930s.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Speak Easily | 1932-08-13 | Pansy Peets |
| Men Must Fight | 1933-02-17 | Peggy |
| Fugitive Lovers | 1934-01-05 | Babe Callahan |
| Polly of the Circus | 1932-02-27 | Mitzi |
| New Morals for Old | 1932-06-04 | Estelle |
| Baby Face Harrington | 1935-04-12 | Dorothy |
| The Trial of Vivienne Ware | 1932-05-01 | Mercedes Joy |
| Five and Ten | 1931-06-13 | Midge (uncredited) |