Sunshine Hart was an American actress best known for her roles in silent comedies. Born Lucia May Adams on July 6, 1886, in Indianapolis, Indiana, she became one of the notable figures in the early cinema era.
Personal and Family Life
Sunshine was married four times, with her first marriage to Walter O. Morgan, lasting from 1899 until his death in 1902. She married Frederick Paul Voyles in 1911, but they divorced in the same year. Sunshine had a daughter named Leora, born in March 1911, during her marriage to Charles Wesley Hart, whom she married in 1913. Despite personal challenges, she prioritized raising her daughter while pursuing her acting career.
Career
Sunshine Hart began her career in stock companies before making her film debut at age thirty in the 1916 short film A Scoundrel’s Toll. Over the years, she became known for her comedic roles, often portraying humorous mothers. Hart gained popularity in the film industry and appeared in numerous comedies produced by Mack Sennett, including Crazy to Act and Smith’s Baby. However, she faced personal struggles, including a severe foot injury during a stunt while filming My Best Girl in 1927.
Death and Legacy
Sunshine Hart passed away on January 3, 1930, in Los Angeles, California, due to heart failure. She was only 51 years old when she died, having spent her last few weeks bedridden. Her contributions to silent film comedy, especially as a prominent plus-sized actress, left a memorable mark on the industry. She was laid to rest at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Crazy to Act | 1927-05-15 | Mrs. St. John |
| The Hollywood Kid | 1924-04-19 | Self |
| Galloping Bungalows | 1924-11-02 | Olive Palmer – Diana’s Mother |
| When a Man’s a Prince | 1926-08-15 | Katinka – Queen of Jestphalia |
| Family Life | 1924-03-29 | Mother Duff |
| The Jolly Jilter | 1927-03-13 | Mrs. Murdock |
| A Sea Dog’s Tale | 1926-07-11 | Wedding Guest |
| Spanking Breezes | 1926-03-14 | Alice’s Mother |
| The Rodeo | 1929-03-24 | Mabel’s Mother, Jimmy’s Mother-in-Law |
| Wall Street Blues | 1924-08-09 | The Fat Woman with the Dog |
| My Best Girl | 1927-10-31 | Ma Johnson |
| Midnight Daddies | 1930-10-03 | 2nd Bridge Player |
| A Scoundrel’s Toll | 1916-09-17 | The Daughter’s Maid (as Miss Sunshine) |
| Gold Digger of Weepah | 1927-10-02 | The Barber’s Wife |
| Free and Easy | 1921-12-11 | |
| Honeymoon Hardships | 1925-01-25 | Farmer’s Wife |
| This Way Out | 1923-05-27 | |
| Isn’t Love Cuckoo? | 1925-11-22 | Mrs. Dodge – Peggy’s Mother |
| Five and Ten Cent Annie | 1928-05-26 | Wedding Guest |