Ruth Harriet Louise facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruth Harriet Louise
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Ruth Harriet Louise (self-portrait)
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| Born |
Ruth Goldstein
January 13, 1903 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | October 12, 1940 (aged 37) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Home of Peace Cemetery |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Photography |
| Spouse(s) |
Leigh Jason
(m. 1930) |
Ruth Harriet Louise (born Ruth Goldstein; January 13, 1903 – October 12, 1940) was a talented American photographer. She made history as the first woman photographer to work in Hollywood. From 1925 to 1930, she led the portrait studio at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), one of the biggest movie studios.
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Early Life and Photography Career
Ruth Harriet Louise was born Ruth Goldstein in New York City. She grew up in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Her father, Jacob Goldstein, was a rabbi, and her mother was Klara Jacobson Sandrich Goldstein. Ruth also had a brother, Mark Sandrich, who became a film director. She was a cousin to the silent film actress Carmel Myers.
Starting as a Photographer
Ruth began her photography career in 1922. She set up her studio in a music store near her father's temple in New Brunswick. Many of her first photos were of her family and people from her father's religious community.
In 1925, Ruth moved to Los Angeles, California. She opened a small photography studio in Hollywood. Her first photo published in a Hollywood magazine was of actress Vilma Bánky. This picture appeared in Photoplay magazine in September 1925.
Working at MGM Studios
When Ruth was hired by MGM, she was only 22 years old. She became the chief portrait photographer for the studio. At that time, she was the only woman working as a portrait photographer for any Hollywood studio.
During her five years at MGM, Ruth photographed many famous stars. She took pictures of all the actors and actresses who worked for the studio. Some of the big names she photographed include Greta Garbo, Lon Chaney, Joan Crawford, and Anna May Wong. It's believed she took over 100,000 photos during her time at MGM. Today, she is seen as one of the most important glamour photographers of her time.
Ruth paid close attention to the clothes and backgrounds in her photos. She also used ideas from modern art styles like Cubism and German Expressionism. These styles helped make her studio portraits unique and artistic.
Photographers in those days often didn't get full credit for their work. However, Ruth made sure her work was recognized. She stamped her full name on the back of every photograph she printed. This was important for a female photographer in an industry mostly run by men.
Later Life and Legacy
Ruth Harriet Louise married writer and director Leigh Jason in 1927. In 1930, her contract with MGM was not renewed. Another famous photographer, George Hurrell, took over her position. Ruth continued to work as a photographer until 1932. Her last known photo session was with actress Anna Sten.
In 1932, Ruth gave birth to her son, Leigh Jason Jr. Sadly, her son passed away in 1938 when he was six years old. Ruth Harriet Louise herself passed away in 1940 due to complications from childbirth. She was buried with her sons at Home of Peace Cemetery.
Ruth Harriet Louise left behind a large collection of beautiful and important photographs. Her work helped define the look of Hollywood's Golden Age. She paved the way for other women in the photography world.
See also
In Spanish: Ruth Harriet Louise para niños
