Sybil Jason was an American actress known for her roles in films such as “The Little Princess,” “The Blue Bird,” and “Little Big Shot.” She was born on November 23, 1927, in Cape Town, South Africa, and gained fame in the 1930s as a child star.
Personal and Family Life
Sybil Jason, born Sybil Jacobson, was raised mainly by her older sister, Anita, due to their mother’s poor health. Anita supported her sister’s aspirations in acting, singing, and dancing, even creating costumes for her. Sybil had a notable career despite many challenges, marrying Navy man Anthony Albert Fromlak in 1947, with whom she had one daughter, Toni Maryanna.
Career Highlights
Sybil was discovered at a young age, showcasing her talents by performing in London nightclubs and on the radio. She moved to Hollywood after being cast in “Barnacle Bill” in 1935 and became Warner Bros. Studios’ only child star. Although her early films garnered attention, her contract wasn’t renewed in 1938, leading her to appear in a few more films but ultimately transitioning away from acting.
Death and Legacy
Sybil Jason passed away on August 23, 2011, in Northridge, California, due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite the ups and downs of her film career, she is remembered for her early contributions to cinema and her talent as a child star, which paved the way for future generations of actors.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Great O’Malley | 1937-02-13 | Barbara ‘Babs’ Phillips |
| Little Big Shot | 1935-09-07 | Gloria Gibbs |
| The Singing Kid | 1936-04-10 | Sybil Haines |
| I Found Stella Parish | 1935-11-16 | Gloria Parish |
| Comet Over Broadway | 1938-12-03 | Jackie |
| The Blue Bird | 1940-01-15 | Angela Berlingot |
| The Captain’s Kid | 1936-11-14 | Abigail Prentiss |
| A Day at Santa Anita | 1937-05-22 | Peaches Blackburn |
| The Littlest Diplomat | 1937-09-06 | Sybil Hardwick |
| Dance Band | 1935-07-01 | Little Girl On Train |
| Changing of the Guard | 1936-06-05 | Sybil |
| Woman Doctor | 1939-02-06 | Elsa Graeme |
| Barnacle Bill | 1935-01-01 | Jill as a Child |
| Little Pioneer | 1937-06-25 | Betsy Manning |
| A Dream Comes True | 1935-12-31 | Herself (uncredited) |
| The Little Princess | 1939-03-17 | Becky |
| Musical Movieland | 1944-09-09 | Scottish Girl |