Zoe Rae

Zoë Rae was an American actress best known for her roles in films such as “Danger Within,” “The Kaiser, the Beast of Berlin,” and “Gloriana.” Born on July 13, 1910, in Chicago, Illinois, she became a notable silent film child star.

Personal and Family Life

Zoë Rae, born Zoë Rae Palmiter Bech, was the only child of a typesetter father and a hotel cashier mother, both named Zoë. She suffered from rickets during her childhood, which was a significant health challenge for her. In 1934, she married Ronald Foster Barlow, and together they had two children, a son and a daughter. After her acting career, she explored screenwriting, singing, and opened a dance studio in Hollywood.

Career Highlights

Zoë began her career in silent films at a young age, becoming famous for her trademark blonde page-boy haircut. She signed a five-year contract with Universal Studios for $100 a week, but her contract was not renewed due to conflicts with her ambitious mother and her father’s desire for her education. Some of her most notable performances included “A Kentucky Cinderella” and working alongside Lon Chaney in “The Kaiser, the Beast of Berlin.”

Death and Legacy

Zoë Rae passed away on May 20, 2006, in Newberg, Oregon, due to natural causes. Despite her limited career in film, her contributions as a child actress left a mark on the silent film era. Her legacy continues through her works and the impact she had on the industry during her brief but memorable existence in cinema.

Filmography