Edna Morton facts for kids

Edna Morton (born April 2, 1894 – died July 31, 1980) was an American actress. She made movies in the 1920s. She was famous for starring in films often called "race films." These movies were made for and by African American audiences and actors. Many of her films were made by Reol Productions. Some of her most well-known movies include Spitfire (1922) and Easy Money (1922). She also appeared in A Son of Satan (1924) by director Oscar Micheaux. Edna Morton acted in ten films in total. People sometimes called her "the colored Mary Pickford," comparing her to a very famous white actress of that time.

Early Life

Edna Morton was born in Washington, D.C. on April 2, 1894.

Acting Career

Edna Morton's first movie was The Sport of the Gods (1921). This film was made by Reol Productions. It was their very first movie. In it, Edna played a character named Hattie Thompson.

She went on to get bigger parts in movies. In the film Spitfire (1922), she was the main actress. She played the character Ruth 'Spitfire' Hill. Her co-star in this movie was Lawrence Chenault. He was another African American actor.

Edna Morton and Lawrence Chenault acted together in many films. They made movies between 1921 and 1925. These films included The Burden of Race (1921) and The Call of His People (1921). They also starred in Secret Sorrow (1921) and A Son of Satan (1924).

Edna Morton also acted in a movie that was not a "race film." This was T. Hayes Hunter's Wildfire (1925). In this film, she had a smaller role as a character named Susie.

Family Life

Edna Morton was married two times. Her first marriage was to Samuel A. Wilson in September 1915. They later divorced.

Her second marriage was to Edward R. DeGrant. They married on September 7, 1930. Edward died on June 6, 1973. Edna Morton did not marry again after his death. She passed away seven years later on July 31, 1980, at 86 years old.

Filmography

• The Sport of the Gods (1921)
• The Secret Sorrow (1921)
• The Simp (1921)
• The Call of His People (1921)
• The Burden of Race (1921)
• Easy Money (1922)
• Spitfire (1922)
• A Son of Satan (1924)
• Three Miles Out (1924)
• Wildfire (1925)