Mrs. Norman T. Chaney
Actor
About Mrs. Norman T. Chaney
Mrs. Norman T. Chaney was a minor figure in early Hollywood cinema, known primarily for her single appearance in the 1929 short film 'Railroadin''. She was the mother of Norman 'Chubby' Chaney, the famous child actor from Hal Roach's Our Gang comedy series. Her appearance in film was likely a result of her son's prominence in the entertainment industry during the late 1920s and early 1930s. As was common during this era, family members of child actors sometimes appeared in films, often in uncredited or minor roles. Her brief film career spanned only the year 1929, with no other known screen appearances documented in film archives. Very little is known about her life outside of this single film credit, as she was not a professional actress but rather a parent who briefly entered the world of cinema through her son's career.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in the 1929 comedy short 'Railroadin''
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Mrs. Norman T. Chaney represents the often-overlooked family members who played minor roles in early Hollywood cinema. Her appearance in film exemplifies how the entertainment industry of the late 1920s sometimes involved the families of child actors, creating a more intimate, family-oriented atmosphere in early film production. While her contribution was minimal, she is part of the broader tapestry of early American cinema, illustrating how even small, uncredited roles contributed to the rich history of Hollywood's formative years.
Lasting Legacy
As the mother of a beloved child actor, Mrs. Norman T. Chaney's legacy is primarily tied to her son's contributions to American comedy and film history. Her single film appearance serves as a historical footnote, representing the family connections that characterized early Hollywood. While she did not achieve individual fame, her brief screen presence documents the practice of including family members in film productions during the silent-to-sound transition era, providing insight into the more personal, less corporate nature of early Hollywood filmmaking.
Who They Inspired
Given her extremely limited film career, Mrs. Norman T. Chaney did not have a significant influence on other actors or directors. Her influence is primarily historical, serving as an example of how family members of child actors were sometimes incorporated into early film productions. Her brief appearance contributes to our understanding of the social dynamics of early Hollywood and the ways in which the film industry sometimes operated as a family affair during its formative years.
Off Screen
Mrs. Norman T. Chaney was the mother of Norman 'Chubby' Chaney, who gained fame as a child actor in the Our Gang series. Her husband was also named Norman Chaney, making her the wife of Norman Chaney Sr. and mother of Norman 'Chubby' Chaney Jr. The family's connection to Hollywood came primarily through their son's successful career as a child actor during the transition from silent films to talkies.
Family
- Norman T. Chaney Sr.
Did You Know?
- She was the mother of Norman 'Chubby' Chaney, one of the most popular child actors in the Our Gang series
- Her only known film appearance was in 1929, during the transition from silent films to talkies
- She appeared in a film produced by Hal Roach Studios, the same studio that produced the Our Gang comedies
- Her film career consisted of a single year, 1929, making her one of the briefest careers in Hollywood history
- Her appearance in film was likely uncredited, as was common for non-professional actors in minor roles during this era
- She represents a category of early film participants who were family members of more famous actors
- Her son Norman 'Chubby' Chaney died tragically young at age 21, shortly after his mother's brief film appearance
- The film 'Railroadin'' was a comedy short, typical of the format popular during the late 1920s
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mrs. Norman T. Chaney?
Mrs. Norman T. Chaney was a minor actress from early Hollywood, known primarily as the mother of child actor Norman 'Chubby' Chaney from the Our Gang series. She appeared in only one film, the 1929 short 'Railroadin'', and was not a professional actress but rather a family member who briefly entered the film industry.
What films is Mrs. Norman T. Chaney best known for?
Mrs. Norman T. Chaney is known for only one film appearance in the 1929 comedy short 'Railroadin''. Her role was likely minor and possibly uncredited, representing her brief foray into acting through her son's connections in the industry.
When was Mrs. Norman T. Chaney born and when did she die?
Specific birth and death dates for Mrs. Norman T. Chaney are not available in historical records, as she was not a public figure and only appeared in one film. She was active in 1929 and was the mother of Norman Chaney Jr., who lived from 1914 to 1936.
What awards did Mrs. Norman T. Chaney win?
Mrs. Norman T. Chaney did not receive any awards or nominations for her brief film appearance. As a non-professional actress with only one minor role in 1929, she was not considered for industry recognition during her very short time in cinema.
What was Mrs. Norman T. Chaney's acting style?
Given her extremely limited film career consisting of only one appearance in 1929, there is insufficient information to determine her acting style. She was likely not a trained actress and probably appeared in a natural, unscripted manner typical of non-professional performers in early cinema.
Films
1 film
