Jobyna Howland
Actor
About Jobyna Howland
Jobyna Howland was an American character actress who enjoyed a prolific career during the silent era and successfully transitioned into early sound films. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, she began her entertainment career on the Broadway stage before making her film debut in the mid-1910s. Howland quickly established herself as a reliable supporting actress, often portraying society women, matrons, and comic relief characters with her distinctive appearance and natural screen presence. She appeared in numerous silent films throughout the 1910s and 1920s, working with major studios and becoming a familiar face to movie audiences. With the advent of sound, Howland adapted well to the new medium, continuing to secure roles in early talkies including her appearances in Hook, Line and Sinker (1930) and Dixiana (1930). Her career, while never leading to stardom, was characterized by steady work and versatility across different genres. Howland retired from acting in the early 1930s and passed away in 1936, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's dependable character actresses during a transformative period in cinema history.
The Craft
On Screen
Jobyna Howland was known for her naturalistic acting style and distinctive screen presence, bringing dignity and authenticity to her character roles. She had a particular talent for portraying society women with a touch of humor and warmth, making her characters memorable even in supporting capacities. Her stage background gave her excellent diction and projection skills that served her well during the transition to sound films.
Milestones
- Stage debut on Broadway before transitioning to film
- Successful transition from silent films to talkies
- Prolific character actress in over 80 films
- Known for portraying society women and matron roles
- Worked with major Hollywood studios during the silent and early sound era
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Jobyna Howland represents the archetype of the reliable character actress who formed the backbone of Hollywood's studio system during the silent and early sound eras. While never achieving stardom, her consistent work across dozens of films exemplified the crucial supporting roles that gave depth and authenticity to classic Hollywood productions. Her successful transition from silent films to talkies demonstrated the adaptability required of actors during this revolutionary period in cinema history. Howland's career trajectory reflects the opportunities available to character actresses who could bring distinctive personalities to supporting roles, contributing to the rich tapestry of Golden Age cinema.
Lasting Legacy
Jobyna Howland's legacy lies in her contribution to the fabric of early Hollywood cinema as a dependable character actress. Her filmography serves as a valuable record of the types of supporting roles that were essential to the storytelling of silent and early sound films. As one of the many actresses who successfully navigated the transition from silent to sound cinema, she represents the professionalism and adaptability that characterized Hollywood's best character actors. Her work continues to be studied by film historians and appreciated by classic cinema enthusiasts for its authenticity and consistency.
Who They Inspired
While Jobyna Howland was not a major star who directly influenced future generations of actors, her career serves as an example of the important role that character actresses played in Hollywood's Golden Age. Her ability to transition between mediums and maintain steady employment demonstrated the professional approach to acting that would become standard in the studio system. Her work in ensemble casts helped establish the importance of strong supporting performances in creating memorable films.
Off Screen
Jobyna Howland was married twice during her lifetime. Her first marriage was to James Durbin, which lasted from 1905 to their divorce in 1918. She later married comedian Arthur Houseman in 1922, remaining with him until his death in 1935. Houseman was known for his work with the Three Stooges, particularly as the drunk in several of their shorts. Howland did not have any children from either marriage. She retired from acting in the early 1930s and passed away on June 7, 1936, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 56.
Education
Limited information available about her formal education, but she received theatrical training that prepared her for her stage career
Family
- James Durbin (1905-1918)
- Arthur Houseman (1922-1935)
Did You Know?
- Her real name was Jobyna Howland Raulston
- She began her career on Broadway before transitioning to films
- She appeared in over 80 films during her career
- Her second husband Arthur Houseman was a comedian who worked with the Three Stooges
- She successfully made the transition from silent films to talkies
- She was known for her distinctive appearance and often played society women
- She retired from acting just a few years before her death
- Her career spanned nearly two decades in Hollywood
- She worked with most major studios during her career
- She was part of the generation of actors who saw cinema evolve from silent to sound
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jobyna Howland?
Jobyna Howland was an American character actress who worked in Hollywood during the silent era and early sound period, known for her supporting roles as society women and matrons in numerous films from the 1910s through the early 1930s.
What films is Jobyna Howland best known for?
Jobyna Howland is best known for her appearances in Hook, Line and Sinker (1930) and Dixiana (1930), though she appeared in over 80 films throughout her career including The Battle of the Sexes (1928) and The Barker (1928).
When was Jobyna Howland born and when did she die?
Jobyna Howland was born on March 31, 1880, in Worcester, Massachusetts, and died on June 7, 1936, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 56.
What awards did Jobyna Howland win?
Jobyna Howland did not receive any major awards or nominations during her career, as was common for character actresses of her era who worked primarily in supporting roles.
What was Jobyna Howland's acting style?
Jobyna Howland was known for her naturalistic acting style and distinctive screen presence, bringing authenticity and warmth to her character roles, particularly as society women and matrons in both dramatic and light comedic contexts.
Learn More
Films
2 films
