Lassie Lou Ahern facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lassie Lou Ahern
Lassie Lou Ahern in mid-1920s
Born	(1920-06-25)June 25, 1920 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Died	February 15, 2018(2018-02-15) (aged 97) Prescott, Arizona, U.S.
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1923–1975
Relatives	Peggy Ahern (sister)

Lassie Lou Ahern (born June 25, 1920 – died February 15, 2018) was a talented American actress. She started her career when she was very young, during the time of silent films. She was famous for playing Little Harry in the 1927 movie Uncle Tom's Cabin. Lassie Lou also appeared in many Our Gang films, which were very popular. She was one of the last living actors who had a big career during the silent movie era in Hollywood.

Lassie Lou's Early Years

Lassie Lou Ahern was born in Los Angeles, California, on June 25, 1920. Her parents were Fred and Elizabeth Wilson Ahern. She was one of four children in her family. Her older sister, Peggy Ahern, also became an actress.

Starting Her Acting Career

Lassie Lou began her acting journey in 1923. Her first movie was a silent film called The Call of the Wild. This film was made by Hal Roach Studios. It was the first full-length movie ever produced at his studio. Her sister, Peggy Ahern, also appeared in this film.

How She Got Discovered

The famous actor Will Rogers was the one who suggested that Lassie Lou and her sister should try acting. He thought they had a special talent. Soon after, Lassie Lou appeared in many Our Gang films. These were popular short comedies from Hal Roach Studios. She was one of the last surviving members of the Our Gang cast.

Working in Many Films

Before signing a contract with Universal Studios, Lassie Lou worked as a freelance actress. This meant she appeared in many different types of movies. She acted in five comedies with Will Rogers, including Jubilo, Jr. (1923). She also appeared in short films with Charley Chase.

Doing Her Own Stunts

Lassie Lou was not just good at comedy. She also starred in exciting action movies and dramas. In films with action star Helen Holmes, Lassie Lou did her own dangerous stunts. This was especially true in movies like Webs of Steel (1925) and The Lost Express (1925).

Working with Big Stars

Her acting skills allowed her to work with many famous film artists. She appeared with Ronald Colman in The Dark Angel (1925). She also worked with director John Ford in Thank You (1925). Other stars she acted with included Norma Shearer and Mary Philbin.

Her Big Role in Uncle Tom's Cabin

In 1927, Universal Studios was making a big movie called Uncle Tom's Cabin. The studio was looking for a boy to play the role of Little Harry. Lassie Lou's agent suggested she try out for the part.

A Successful Performance

Lassie Lou won the role and spent 18 months filming. Part of the movie was filmed on the Mississippi River. Her performance was a huge success. She received the best reviews of her career for this role.

End of Child Acting

Despite her success, her career as a child actress ended that same year. Little Mickey Grogan was her last silent film. It was also her only movie where she had a starring role. Lassie Lou's father decided to pull his daughters from Hollywood acting. He felt that movies had become too violent.

Life Beyond Acting

At the peak of her child acting career, Lassie Lou was very famous. She had her own dressing room with a star on the door. A clothing line was even named after her, called "Lassie Lou Classics." Her name and picture were used to advertise popular brands like Buster Brown shoes and Sunkist oranges.

The Ahern Sisters

In 1932, Lassie Lou teamed up with her sister Peggy. They formed a duo called "The Ahern Sisters." They performed together in nightclubs and hotels around the world. Their shows included dancing, singing, acrobatics, and playing musical instruments.

Returning to Hollywood

Lassie Lou returned to Hollywood in 1941 with her husband, Johnny Brent. He was a musician for movie studio orchestras. She danced in several films, including City of Missing Girls (1941). She also had small parts in musicals like Top Man (1943) and Mister Big (1943). Later, she worked as a dance teacher. She even made guest appearances on TV shows in the 1970s, like The Odd Couple.

Later Life and Passing

Lassie Lou Ahern passed away in Prescott, Arizona, on February 15, 2018. She was 97 years old. She died from complications related to influenza. At the time of her death, she was one of the last surviving members of the Our Gang cast from the silent film era.

Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Lassie Lou Ahern para niños