Florence Lake
Actor
About Florence Lake
Florence Lake was a versatile American actress whose career spanned from the late silent era through the Golden Age of Hollywood and into the television era. Born into a vaudeville family as Florence Silverlake, she began performing as a child in her parents' aerial and comedy acts before transitioning to the screen in 1929. She is most celebrated for her long-running role as the 'dizzy' and scatterbrained wife of Edgar Kennedy in his popular series of RKO comedy shorts, where she perfected a unique, high-pitched, sing-song vocal delivery. Beyond her comedic shorts, Lake appeared in major feature films such as the Greta Garbo vehicle 'Romance' (1930) and the classic western 'Stagecoach' (1939). Her brother, Arthur Lake, also achieved cinematic fame as Dagwood Bumstead in the 'Blondie' film series. In her later years, she became a familiar face on television, most notably as Jenny the telephone operator in the long-running series 'Lassie'. She remained active in the industry for nearly five decades, concluding her career with guest appearances on 1970s staples like 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'Emergency!'.
The Craft
On Screen
Lake was renowned for her 'dumb blonde' or 'dizzy' persona, characterized by a petite stature and a distinctive high-pitched, sing-song voice. She utilized expert comedic timing and physical expressiveness to play flighty, scatterbrained characters who often served as the perfect foil to the slow-burning frustration of her frequent co-star Edgar Kennedy.
Milestones
- Cast as Susan Van Tuyl in the Greta Garbo drama 'Romance' (1930)
- Became the definitive leading lady for the Edgar Kennedy 'Average Man' comedy shorts series at RKO
- Appeared in the Academy Award-winning western 'Stagecoach' (1939) directed by John Ford
- Portrayed Jenny the telephone operator in 'Lassie' for ten consecutive seasons (1954-1964)
- Successfully transitioned from vaudeville to silent films, talkies, and eventually color television
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as the longest-serving cast member of the 'farm seasons' of the Lassie television series
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Florence Lake's portrayal of the 'scatterbrained wife' in the Edgar Kennedy shorts provided a foundational template for the domestic sitcom archetypes that would dominate television in the 1950s and 60s. Her ability to maintain a consistent character over dozens of short films helped pioneer the concept of recurring character comedy in cinema. She represented the bridge between the broad physical comedy of the silent era and the dialogue-driven humor of the early talkies.
Lasting Legacy
Lake is remembered as one of the most reliable and recognizable character actresses of the Golden Age. Her 10-year tenure on 'Lassie' cemented her place in television history, while her work at RKO remains a subject of study for fans of classic American comedy. She is often cited alongside her brother, Arthur Lake, as part of a significant Hollywood sibling duo who successfully navigated the industry's transition through multiple eras.
Who They Inspired
Her 'dizzy' persona influenced a generation of comedic actresses, including Sally Payne and Irene Ryan, who were often cast to replicate the specific energy Lake brought to her roles. Her vocal techniques and 'dumb' persona can be seen as precursors to later comedic icons like Gracie Allen.
Off Screen
Florence Lake was born into the 'Flying Silverlakes' circus and vaudeville family. Her father was Arthur Silverlake and her mother was Edith Goodwin. She was the older sister of actor Arthur Lake. In 1950, she married John Graham Owens, and they remained together until her death in 1980.
Education
Educated primarily through the vaudeville circuit and on-the-job training with the Raynor Lehr stock theater company.
Family
- John Graham Owens (1950-1980)
Did You Know?
- Her brother Arthur Lake played Dagwood Bumstead in 28 'Blondie' films.
- She was born in Charleston while her parents were on tour with their vaudeville act.
- Lake appeared in the first-ever color episode of 'The Adventures of Superman' in 1957.
- She was the leading lady for the Raynor Lehr stock theater company before entering films.
- Her voice was so distinct that she was frequently cast in radio dramas, including 'David Harum' and 'Phone Again Finnegan'.
- She played a blind date for Lou Grant in a memorable 1973 episode of 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'.
- Lake is interred at Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery in Santa Monica, California.
In Their Own Words
Oh, Edgar, don't be so impatient! (Common refrain in the Edgar Kennedy shorts)
I just saved your job for you that time, Baldi! (Dialogue from 'The Big Beef', 1945)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Florence Lake?
Florence Lake was a prominent American character actress known for her work in early sound films and television. She is most famous for playing the flighty wife in the Edgar Kennedy comedy shorts and for her long-running role in the TV series 'Lassie'.
What films is Florence Lake best known for?
She is best known for the Greta Garbo drama 'Romance' (1930), the classic western 'Stagecoach' (1939), and over 100 comedy shorts alongside Edgar Kennedy.
When was Florence Lake born and when did she die?
She was born on November 27, 1904, in Charleston, South Carolina, and passed away on April 11, 1980, in Los Angeles, California.
What awards did Florence Lake win?
While she did not win major competitive awards like an Oscar, she was highly regarded for her longevity in the industry and her contribution to the 'Average Man' comedy series, which was a staple of RKO's output.
What was Florence Lake's acting style?
She specialized in 'dizzy' or scatterbrained comedic roles, utilizing a unique high-pitched voice and impeccable timing that made her a favorite in domestic comedies.
Was Florence Lake related to other actors?
Yes, she was the older sister of Arthur Lake, the actor famous for playing Dagwood Bumstead in the 'Blondie' film and radio series.
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Films
1 film
