Mildred Harris facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mildred Harris
Harris, c. 1919
Born	(1901-04-18)April 18, 1901 Cheyenne, Wyoming, U.S.
Died	July 20, 1944(1944-07-20) (aged 43) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1912–1944
Spouse(s)	Charlie Chaplin ​ ​ (m. 1918; div. 1920)​ Everett Terrence McGovern ​ ​ (m. 1924; div. 1929)​ Bill Fleckenstein ​ ​ (m. 1934)​
Children	2

Mildred Harris (born April 18, 1901 – died July 20, 1944) was an American actress who performed on stage, in movies, and in vaudeville shows during the early 1900s. Mildred started her acting career in films when she was just 10 years old. She is also known as the first wife of the famous comedian and filmmaker, Charlie Chaplin.

Mildred Harris's Early Life and First Roles

Mildred Harris was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on April 18, 1901. Her father, Harry Harris, worked as a telegraph operator.

Mildred first appeared on screen at age 10 in a 1912 Western short film called The Post Telegrapher. After that, she played many young characters. She often acted alongside another child actor, Paul Willis.

In 1914, she worked for The Oz Film Manufacturing Company. She played the character Fluff in The Magic Cloak of Oz. She also played Button-Bright in His Majesty, the Scarecrow of Oz. When she was 15, Mildred appeared in a big film called Intolerance (1916). In this movie, she played a harem girl.

Mildred Harris's Acting Career

Harris in Fool's Paradise (1921) with John Davidson (left) and Conrad Nagel (right)

In the 1920s, Mildred Harris grew up from a child actress to a leading lady. She starred opposite many popular actors. Some of these included Conrad Nagel, Milton Sills, and Lionel Barrymore.

In 1928, she appeared in the silent drama The Power of the Press. She acted with Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. in this film. The same year, she starred in Universal Pictures' first sound film, Melody of Love.

Challenges with "Talkies"

It was hard for Mildred to switch from silent films to "talkies" (movies with sound). Her acting career slowed down a lot. She started performing in vaudeville and burlesque shows. At one point, she even toured with comedian Phil Silvers.

However, she received good reviews for her role in the 1930 film No, No Nanette. In 1936, she appeared in Three Stooges comedy Movie Maniacs. She played a demanding film starlet in that movie.

Mildred continued to act in films in the early 1940s. Her old director, Cecil B. DeMille, helped her by giving her small roles. She appeared in Reap the Wild Wind (1942) and The Story of Dr. Wassell (1944). Her very last film was Having A Wonderful Crime, which came out after she passed away in 1945.

Mildred Harris's Personal Life

Mildred Harris, c. 1920

Mildred Harris Chaplin, 1920 (Motion Picture Studio Directory)

When she was 16, Mildred met actor Charlie Chaplin in 1918. They got married quietly on October 23, 1918, in Los Angeles. They had a son named Norman Spencer, but sadly, he died in July 1919 when he was only three days old.

Mildred and Charlie had many disagreements. They separated in the autumn of 1919. Mildred filed for divorce in 1920. The divorce was finalized in November 1920. Mildred received a settlement of $100,000.

In 1924, Mildred married Everett Terrence McGovern. They had a son, Everett Terrence McGovern, Jr., in 1925. This marriage ended in 1929. In 1934, she married football player William P. Fleckenstein. They were performing in a musical show together when they got married.

Mildred Harris's Death

Mildred Harris and Bill Fleckenstein stayed married until Mildred's death. She passed away on July 20, 1944. She died from pneumonia after having a major surgery. She had been sick for three weeks. Mildred Harris is buried at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Mildred Harris's Legacy

In 1960, Mildred Harris was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You can find it at 6307 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California.

In the 1992 movie Chaplin, which was about Charlie Chaplin's life, actress Milla Jovovich played the role of Mildred Harris.

Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Mildred Harris para niños