Marjorie White
Actor
About Marjorie White
Marjorie White was a vibrant Canadian-born actress and comedienne who became a standout performer during the early sound era of Hollywood. Born Marjorie Ann Guthrie in Winnipeg, she began her career as a child performer in the 'Winnipeg Kiddies' troupe, touring extensively across North America. After transitioning to vaudeville as one half of 'The White Sisters' with Thelma Wolpa, she moved to Broadway, appearing in several successful musicals in the late 1920s. Her infectious energy and diminutive stature—standing just 4'10"—made her a natural fit for the 'flapper' and 'firecracker' roles demanded by early talkies. She signed with Fox Film Corporation in 1929 and quickly rose to prominence in major productions like 'Sunny Side Up' (1929) and the futuristic musical 'Just Imagine' (1930). Tragically, her promising career was cut short when she died at the age of 31 following a car accident in Santa Monica, California.
The Craft
On Screen
White was known for her high-energy, 'pixie-like' persona, often described as a 'blonde firecracker.' Her background in vaudeville and Broadway musicals gave her a dynamic screen presence characterized by rapid-fire comedic delivery, expressive physical comedy, and talented singing and dancing. She excelled at playing sassy, forward, and often sarcastic young women who provided comedic relief in both musicals and dramas.
Milestones
- Joined the 'Winnipeg Kiddies' child performance troupe at age 8
- Formed the successful vaudeville duo 'The White Sisters' with Thelma Wolpa
- Made her Broadway debut in the musical 'Hello, Lola' (1926)
- Signed a major contract with Fox Film Corporation in 1929
- Achieved breakout success in the musical 'Sunny Side Up' (1929) alongside Janet Gaynor
- Starred in the high-budget sci-fi musical 'Just Imagine' (1930)
- Appeared in the first Three Stooges short film produced at Columbia Pictures, 'Woman Haters' (1934)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Commended by critics as a 'sensational find' and 'rare comedienne' in 1929
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Marjorie White represented the 'Pre-Code' era's ideal of the spunky, independent, and slightly irreverent young woman. Her role in 'Just Imagine' is particularly significant as it was one of the first major science fiction musicals, and her performance helped define the 'futuristic' aesthetic of the 1930s. She was a bridge between the broad physical comedy of vaudeville and the more polished musical comedy of early Hollywood talkies.
Lasting Legacy
Though her career lasted only six years in film, White is immortalized as the leading lady in the very first Three Stooges short for Columbia, 'Woman Haters.' This film remains a staple of comedy history, ensuring her face is recognized by generations of Stooge fans. She is also remembered as one of the tragic 'lost stars' of the Golden Age, whose potential was never fully realized due to her untimely death.
Who They Inspired
Her energetic and diminutive 'comedic blonde' archetype influenced later performers like Martha Raye and Betty Hutton, who similarly blended high-octane physical comedy with musical talent.
Off Screen
Marjorie was the daughter of Robert Guthrie, a grain merchant, and Nettie Guthrie. She was the eldest of several siblings, including sister Belva who also pursued show business. In August 1924, she married Edwin J. Tierney, a fellow vaudeville performer and later a movie dance instructor/producer. The couple remained married until her death in 1935. They were known to be part of the active Hollywood social scene during the early 1930s.
Education
Trained as a performer from childhood within the Winnipeg Kiddies troupe; no formal university education recorded.
Family
- Edwin J. Tierney (1924-1935)
Did You Know?
- She was only 4 feet 10 inches tall and weighed approximately 103 pounds.
- Fox executives once required her to lose four pounds for a role, even though she was already tiny.
- Her vaudeville partner Thelma Wolpa (Thelma White) later became famous for her role in the cult film 'Reefer Madness' (1936).
- She died from internal hemorrhaging following a car accident where she was a passenger; the driver was found to be reckless.
- At the time of her fatal accident, she had swapped seats with friend Gloria Gould because Gould didn't have a wrap (shawl) and needed the protection of the other car.
- She is buried at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (formerly Hollywood Memorial Cemetery).
- Studio publicity often shaved four years off her age, claiming she was born in 1908 instead of 1904.
- The entire Three Stooges short 'Woman Haters' in which she starred is performed in rhyming verse.
In Their Own Words
Mary: 'Honey, "W.H."? What does that mean?' Jim: 'Wonderful honeymoon!' (Dialogue from 'Woman Haters', 1934)
Critics described her as a 'rare comedienne, with a dynamic personality that marks her as a real actress' during her 1929 debut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Marjorie White?
Marjorie White was a Canadian-born actress and comedienne who rose to fame in early Hollywood talkies and Broadway musicals. She was best known for her energetic personality and her roles in films like 'Just Imagine' and the first Three Stooges short, 'Woman Haters'.
What films is Marjorie White best known for?
She is most famous for 'Sunny Side Up' (1929), the sci-fi musical 'Just Imagine' (1930), and 'Woman Haters' (1934). She also appeared in the Charlie Chan film 'The Black Camel' (1931) and the drama 'Possessed' (1931) with Joan Crawford.
When was Marjorie White born and when did she die?
Marjorie White was born on July 22, 1904, in Winnipeg, Canada. She died tragically young on August 21, 1935, in Hollywood, California, following a car accident.
What awards did Marjorie White win?
While she did not win major competitive awards like an Oscar during her short career, she was highly acclaimed by critics as a 'sensational find' and was one of Fox's most promising young stars of the early 1930s.
What was Marjorie White's acting style?
She was known for a 'firecracker' acting style that combined high-energy dancing, singing, and sharp comedic timing. Her diminutive size and expressive face made her a favorite for 'pixie' and 'flapper' roles in the Pre-Code era.
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Films
1 film
