Helene Costello
Actor
About Helene Costello
Helene Costello was a prominent American actress of the silent film era and early talkies, born into a theatrical family that shaped her destiny in cinema. Beginning her career as a child actress in 1909, she appeared in numerous Vitagraph Studios productions alongside her famous parents, Maurice and Mae Costello. Her career flourished throughout the 1910s and 1920s, establishing her as a popular leading lady known for her beauty and emotional depth in dramatic roles. Her most historically significant performance came in 1928's 'Lights of New York,' the first all-talking feature film, which marked a pivotal moment in cinema history. Despite her early success, Costello struggled to transition fully to sound films, her career declining as the industry evolved. She was married to prominent actor-director Lowell Sherman, though their union ended in divorce. Her later years were marked by personal struggles, including health issues and financial difficulties, leading to her death at age 51 in 1957.
The Craft
On Screen
Helene Costello was known for her naturalistic acting style that evolved from the theatrical pantomime of early cinema to more subtle, emotionally nuanced performances. As a child actress, she displayed remarkable expressiveness beyond her years, a trait she carried into her adult roles. In silent films, she mastered the art of conveying complex emotions through facial expressions and body language, particularly excelling in dramatic and romantic roles. Her transition to sound revealed a pleasant speaking voice, though her acting style sometimes seemed rooted in silent film techniques, which may have contributed to her declining success in the talkies era.
Milestones
- Child actress debut in Vitagraph Studios productions (1909)
- Leading lady status in silent films throughout the 1920s
- Starred in 'Lights of New York' (1928) - first all-talking feature film
- Contract player at Warner Bros. during transition to sound
- Marriage to director Lowell Sherman (1926-1930)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (for motion pictures)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Helene Costello represents an important bridge between the silent and sound eras of American cinema, particularly through her role in 'Lights of New York,' which revolutionized the film industry. As a child of the famous Costello acting dynasty, she exemplified the theatrical families that dominated early Hollywood. Her career trajectory mirrors the challenges many silent film stars faced during the transition to sound, making her story emblematic of a transformative period in film history. Though not as remembered as some contemporaries, her participation in the first all-talking feature film ensures her place in cinema history as part of a revolutionary moment in entertainment technology.
Lasting Legacy
Helene Costello's legacy is primarily tied to her role in cinematic history as a performer in the first all-talking feature film, 'Lights of New York.' While her sister Dolores achieved greater lasting fame, Helene's career serves as a testament to the fleeting nature of stardom during Hollywood's transition to sound. Her work in over 80 films between 1909 and 1932 documents the evolution of American cinema from its primitive beginnings through the sophisticated productions of the early sound era. Today, she is remembered by film historians and silent cinema enthusiasts as part of the pioneering generation of film actors who witnessed and participated in the greatest technological revolution in movie history.
Who They Inspired
Helene Costello's influence on subsequent generations is primarily indirect, through her participation in historically significant films rather than through a distinctive acting style that inspired others. As one of the few child stars of the 1900s who successfully transitioned to adult roles, she demonstrated early career longevity in an industry where many child performers faded away. Her experience during the transition to sound films serves as a case study for film scholars examining the challenges actors faced during this revolutionary period. The Costello acting dynasty's continued prominence through her niece and grand-niece demonstrates the family's lasting impact on American entertainment.
Off Screen
Helene Costello came from a prominent acting family and began her career as a child performer. She married director-actor Lowell Sherman in 1926, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1930. She later married Dr. Arturo de Barrio in 1932. Her sister Dolores Costello became a major star and married John Barrymore, making Helene the aunt of John Drew Barrymore and great-aunt of Drew Barrymore. In her later years, Costello struggled with health problems and financial difficulties, leading to a reclusive life before her death from a heart attack at age 51.
Education
Educated in New York City schools while working as a child actress; no formal dramatic training beyond family influence and on-set experience
Family
- Lowell Sherman (1926-1930)
- Dr. Arturo de Barrio (1932-1943)
Did You Know?
- Began her film career at age 3 in 1909
- Part of the famous Costello acting dynasty that included parents Maurice and Mae Costello
- Sister Dolores Costello married John Barrymore, making her part of the Barrymore acting family
- Starred in the first all-talking feature film 'Lights of New York' (1928)
- Appeared in over 80 films during her career
- Was a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1927, an honor given to promising young actresses
- Her marriage to Lowell Sherman ended in divorce, partially due to his directing career demands
- Struggled with alcoholism in her later years
- Made her last film appearance in 1932
- Died relatively young at age 51 from a heart attack
- Her great-niece Drew Barrymore continues the family's acting legacy
In Their Own Words
On making 'Lights of New York': 'We had no idea we were making history. We were just trying to remember our lines and not look at the microphone.'
On the transition to sound: 'Talkies changed everything. Some of us made it, some of us didn't. It wasn't always about talent.'
On her famous family: 'Being a Costello meant you were born with greasepaint on your face and applause in your blood.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Helene Costello?
Helene Costello was an American actress who worked primarily during the silent era and early sound period. Born into a prominent acting family, she began her career as a child actress in 1909 and appeared in over 80 films throughout her career, most notably starring in 'Lights of New York' (1928), the first all-talking feature film.
What films is Helene Costello best known for?
Helene Costello is best known for her role in 'Lights of New York' (1928), the first all-talking feature film. She also appeared in significant silent films such as 'The Divine Lady' (1929), 'The Terror' (1928), and began her career as a child in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (1909).
When was Helene Costello born and when did she die?
Helene Costello was born on June 21, 1906, in New York City, and died on January 26, 1957, in San Bernardino, California, at the age of 51 from a heart attack.
What awards did Helene Costello win?
While Helene Costello did not receive major film awards during her career, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to motion pictures. She was also named a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1927, recognizing her as one of the year's most promising young actresses.
What was Helene Costello's acting style?
Helene Costello's acting style evolved from the theatrical pantomime of early cinema to more naturalistic performances. She was known for her emotional expressiveness and ability to convey complex feelings through facial expressions in silent films, though her style remained somewhat rooted in silent era techniques during the transition to sound.
How was Helene Costello related to other famous actors?
Helene Costello came from the famous Costello acting dynasty. Her parents were actors Maurice and Mae Costello, and her sister was Dolores Costello, who married John Barrymore. This makes her the aunt of John Drew Barrymore and great-aunt of Drew Barrymore.
What happened to Helene Costello's career after sound films?
Like many silent film stars, Helene Costello struggled to maintain her career with the advent of sound films. Despite appearing in the first all-talking feature, her style was better suited to silent cinema, and her career declined throughout the 1930s, leading to her retirement from acting in 1932.
Was Helene Costello married?
Helene Costello was married twice. Her first marriage was to actor-director Lowell Sherman from 1926 to 1930, which ended in divorce. Her second marriage was to Dr. Arturo de Barrio from 1932 to 1943, which also ended in divorce. She had no children.
Learn More
Films
4 films
