Mae Clarke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mae Clarke
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Clarke in 1932
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| Born |
Violet Mary Klotz
August 16, 1910 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | April 29, 1992 (aged 81) |
| Resting place | Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery |
| Occupation | Actress, singer |
| Years active | 1926–1970 |
| Spouse(s) |
Lew Brice
(m. 1928; div. 1930)Stevens Bancroft
(m. 1937; div. 1940)
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Mae Clarke, born Violet Mary Klotz on August 16, 1910, was an American actress. She is best known for two famous movie roles from 1931. She played Elizabeth, the bride of Henry Frankenstein, in the classic horror film Frankenstein. She is also remembered for a funny scene in The Public Enemy, where actor James Cagney pushes a grapefruit into her face!
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Mae Clarke was born in Philadelphia. Her father was a musician who played the organ in theaters. From a young age, Mae loved to dance. She started performing on stage in vaudeville shows and also in nightclubs.
When she was 12 years old, in 1922, Mae took part in the Miss America Pageant Parade. She marched along the Atlantic City Boardwalk dressed as a lobster! Years later, in 1940, she returned to the parade as a special guest, riding in a fancy white car.
A Star is Born: Her Acting Career
Mae Clarke began her acting career as a dancer in New York City. She even shared a room with another future star, Barbara Stanwyck. Mae soon started acting in movies for Universal Studios.
Famous Roles in 1931
In 1931, Mae starred in several important films. One was The Front Page, a fast-paced newspaper story.
Her most famous role that year was Elizabeth in Frankenstein. She played the fiancée of Henry Frankenstein. In the movie, the Monster (played by Boris Karloff) attacks her on her wedding day.
Another unforgettable role was in The Public Enemy. This movie had one of the most talked-about scenes in film history. In it, James Cagney's character pushes half a grapefruit into Mae Clarke's face! This scene was so popular that Mae's ex-husband, Lew Brice, reportedly watched the movie many times just to see that part.
Later in 1931, Mae Clarke also appeared in Waterloo Bridge. She played a character named Myra Deauville. Both the movie and Mae's acting were praised by critics.
Continuing Her Journey
Mae continued to act in many films. In 1932, she was in Night World with Lew Ayres and Boris Karloff. In 1933, she starred in Fast Workers and Lady Killer, again with James Cagney.
That same year, Mae was in a car accident with actor Phillips Holmes. She broke her jaw and had some scars on her face. But these injuries did not stop her career! She continued to be a leading actress for most of the 1930s. However, she started appearing in movies with smaller budgets.
By 1940, Mae began taking on supporting roles. She did have a few more main roles later, like in the adventure series King of the Rocket Men (1949). In the 1950s and 1960s, she had small, uncredited parts in famous movies. These included Singin' in the Rain, The Great Caruso, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Her very last movie was Watermelon Man in 1970.
Television and Retirement
Mae Clarke also appeared on many TV shows. These included popular series like General Hospital, Perry Mason, and Batman.
Mae retired from acting in 1970. After that, she taught drama, sharing her acting knowledge with others.
Personal Life and Legacy
Mae Clarke was married and divorced three times. She did not have any children.
In her later years, Mae lived at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital. This is a special place for people who worked in the film and TV industry. Mae Clarke passed away from cancer on April 29, 1992, at the age of 81. She is buried in Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery.
Selected Filmography
Mae Clarke appeared in over 100 films and many television shows. Here are some of her notable movies:
- Big Time (1929)
- The Front Page (1931)
- The Public Enemy (1931)
- Waterloo Bridge (1931)
- Frankenstein (1931)
- Night World (1932)
- Fast Workers (1933)
- Lady Killer (1933)
- King of the Rocket Men (1949)
- Singin' in the Rain (1952) (uncredited)
- Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967) (uncredited)
- Watermelon Man (1970) (uncredited)
