Florence Turner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Florence Turner
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Turner in 1916
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| Born | January 6, 1885 New York City, New York, U.S.
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| Died | August 28, 1946 (aged 61) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1907–1943 |
Florence Turner (born January 6, 1885 – died August 28, 1946) was a famous American actress. She became known as the "Vitagraph Girl" during the early days of silent films. These were movies without sound.
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Biography
Florence was born in New York City. Her mother encouraged her to start acting on stage when she was only three years old. Florence quickly became a regular performer in many different plays.
In 1906, she joined the new and exciting world of motion pictures. She signed with Vitagraph Studios, a very important early film company. Her first movie was How to Cure a Cold, released in 1907.
Back then, there were no "movie stars" like we have today. Actors were not even named in the movies. Only the company name and the film title were shown. As movies started telling more detailed stories, some actors became known by nicknames. For example, there was the "Edison Girl."
Florence Turner became known as the "Vitagraph Girl." She was the most popular American actress on screen at that time. Most movies were still from France. Because she was so popular, her pay was increased to $22 a week in 1907. This was a lot for the time! She also worked part-time as a seamstress.
In March 1910, Florence Turner and Florence Lawrence became the first movie actors to be named publicly by their studios. This was a big step for actors becoming famous.
Later that year, Florence often acted with Wallace Reid, who was also becoming a big star. But soon, more stars appeared from other studios. These included Gene Gauntier, Marin Sais, Marion Leonard, and Mary Pickford. Florence Turner was no longer the only big star.
By 1913, she wanted to try new things. She left the United States with her friend Laurence Trimble. He had directed her in many movies. They moved to England and started performing together in London music halls.
Florence Turner also wrote screenplays and directed her own movies. Many of these were comedies. She even started her own film company called Turner Films. She made over thirty short films with her company. These were filmed at Walton Studios near London.
During World War I, Turner entertained soldiers from the Allied forces. After the war ended in 1918, she returned to the U.S. However, she wasn't as successful as before. In 1920, she went back to England. She stayed there until 1924, when she moved to Hollywood. By then, many people had forgotten about her.
She was 39 years old, and her days as a leading star were over. She continued to act in smaller, supporting roles into the 1930s.
In 1928, she had a small role in a Broadway play called Sign of the Leopard.
In the 1930s, Louis B. Mayer hired her to work at MGM. But she mostly played very small parts or worked as an extra.
Last years
Later in her life, Florence Turner moved to the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital. This is a retirement community for people who worked in the film industry. It is located in Woodland Hills, California.
Florence Turner appeared in more than 160 movies during her career. She passed away at age 61 in Woodland Hills. She was cremated, and there was no funeral service, as she had wished. She was buried at Chapel of the Pines Crematory.
Other film credits
Florence Turner wasn't just an actress! She also worked behind the scenes:
- Through the Valley of Shadows (1914), she wrote the story (Scenario).
- A Welsh Singer (1915), she was a Producer.
- As Ye Repent (1915), she wrote the story.
- Caste (1915), she was a Producer.
- Far from the Madding Crowd (1915), she was a Producer.
- The Great Adventure (1915), she was a Producer.
- Grim Justice (1916), she was a Producer.
- Sally in Our Alley (1916), she was a Producer.
See also
In Spanish: Florence Turner para niños
