Ann Little facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ann Little
Little in 1916
Born	Mary Hankins Brooks (1891-02-07)February 7, 1891 Mount Shasta, California, U.S.
Died	May 21, 1984(1984-05-21) (aged 93) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Resting place	Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California, U.S.
Other names	Anna Little
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1911–1925
Spouse(s)	Allan Forrest ​ ​ (m. 1916; div. 1918)​

Ann Little (born Mary Hankins Brooks; February 7, 1891 – May 21, 1984) was a famous American film actress. She was also known as Anna Little. Her acting career was busiest during the silent film era, from the early 1910s to the early 1920s. Silent films are movies without spoken dialogue, where actors use expressions and body language. Sadly, most of her films are now lost, with only about 12 still existing today.

Ann Little's Life and Career

Early Life and First Steps

Ann Little was born Mary Hankins Brooks on February 7, 1891. She grew up on a ranch in Mount Shasta, California. She was the only child of Mary Mariah "Mamie" Hankins Brooks and James Luther Brooks. After finishing high school at age 16, Ann joined a traveling theater group. This was her first experience performing.

From Stage to Silent Films

In the early 1910s, Ann moved to San Francisco. There, she performed in musical comedies on stage. Soon after, she started acting in movies. Her first film was a short Western called The Indian Maiden's Lesson in 1911. In this movie, she played a Native American character named Red Feather. She often played Native American roles in her early films.

By 1912, Ann Little was a regular in Western movies directed by Thomas H. Ince. These were often "serials," which are like TV shows today, with a story told in many parts. She often played an Indian princess. She worked with famous actors like Francis Ford and early cowboy star Art Acord. Between 1911 and 1914, Ann appeared in about 60 short films. Most of these were Westerns.

Little as Kate Arnold in Lightning Bryce (1919)

Showing Her Versatility

Even though she was known for Westerns, Ann Little was a very talented actress. She also starred in many other types of movies. These included dramas and comedies. She appeared in early American Civil War serials. Another important film was the epic Damon and Pythias in 1914. This movie had thousands of extra actors! While working for Universal Studios, she made almost six serials. Most of these were Western dramas.

Little in Motion Picture Magazine, June 1915

In 1917, Ann Little signed a contract with Paramount Pictures. She often acted alongside the very popular actor Wallace Reid. They starred in many popular dramas and comedies together. Even though she was tired of always playing Western roles, she still starred with cowboy actor Jack Hoxie in the 1919 serial Lightning Bryce. She left Famous Players-Lasky studios in 1919.

By the early 1920s, Ann Little chose only dramatic roles that were not Westerns. Some of her notable films from this time include The Firefly of France (1918). This was a drama about World War I. She also starred in race-car adventure films like The Roaring Road (1919) and Excuse My Dust (1920) with Wallace Reid. She also appeared in The Cradle of Courage with William S. Hart.

Later Years and Legacy

Ann Little decided to retire from acting in the early 1920s. She was still very popular at the time. In her later years, she managed the Chateau Marmont hotel on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. She rarely talked about her time as an actress.

Ann Little passed away at the age of 93 in Los Angeles. She was buried at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Partial Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Ann Little para niños