Kate Price
Actor
About Kate Price
Kate Price was a prolific Irish-American character actress who became one of the most recognizable faces in silent film comedy. Born in Ireland in 1872, she emigrated to the United States and began her film career with the Biograph Company in the early 1910s. Price quickly established herself as a versatile character actress, specializing in portraying formidable mothers, nosy landladies, and comically stern authority figures. Her career flourished during the silent era, where she appeared in over 300 films between 1910 and 1937, working with virtually every major comedy star of the period including Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton, and Charlie Chaplin. She was a regular member of Mack Sennett's troupe at Keystone Studios, where she often appeared in the famous Keystone Cops comedies. Price successfully transitioned to sound films in the late 1920s, though her roles became smaller as the industry changed. She continued acting through the early sound era until her retirement in the mid-1930s, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as one of cinema's most prolific character actresses.
The Craft
On Screen
Kate Price specialized in portraying formidable, often comically intimidating character roles. Her screen presence was characterized by a stern, no-nonsense demeanor that she could instantly transform into broad comedy at a moment's notice. She excelled at playing mothers-in-law, landladies, and authority figures who served as perfect foils to the comedic leads. Her physical comedy skills were particularly notable, as she could deliver a withering glare or a comically exasperated reaction with equal effectiveness. Price had a remarkable ability to convey complex emotions through facial expressions and body language, making her an ideal silent film performer.
Milestones
- Joined Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios in 1913
- Appeared in over 300 films during her career
- Regular performer in Keystone Cops comedies
- Worked with major comedy stars including Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton
- Successfully transitioned from silent to sound films
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as one of the most prolific character actresses of the silent era
- Honored by film historians for contributions to comedy cinema
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Kate Price made a significant contribution to the development of film comedy during its formative years. As one of the most recognizable character actresses of the silent era, she helped establish the archetype of the formidable but ultimately harmless female authority figure in comedy films. Her work with Mack Sennett at Keystone Studios was instrumental in creating the visual language of American slapstick comedy. Price's ability to play both intimidating and sympathetic characters made her an essential element in the ensemble casts that defined early Hollywood comedy.
Lasting Legacy
Kate Price's legacy lies in her remarkable filmography of over 300 movies, which serves as a valuable record of early American comedy cinema. She represents the crucial role that character actors played in supporting the stars and creating the rich comedic worlds of silent films. Her performances continue to be studied by film scholars and appreciated by classic film enthusiasts. Price demonstrated how a character actress could build a substantial career without ever being the top-billed star, paving the way for future generations of supporting actors.
Who They Inspired
Kate Price influenced the development of character acting in comedy films, showing how supporting roles could be just as memorable as leads. Her work in establishing the 'formidable woman' archetype in comedy influenced countless future films and television shows. Many later character actresses in comedy cited her performances as inspiration for their own work. Her ability to balance comedy with genuine emotion set a standard for character acting in both silent and sound films.
Off Screen
Kate Price married fellow actor and director Joseph Kaufman in 1914, though the marriage ended in divorce. She later married actor and director Jack Brammall in 1924. She had no children. Price was known in Hollywood circles as a dedicated professional who took her craft seriously despite often playing comic roles. She was respected by her colleagues for her reliability and versatility as an actress.
Education
Limited formal education, trained in theater before entering films
Family
- Joseph Kaufman (1914-1920)
- Jack Brammall (1924-1943)
Did You Know?
- Appeared in over 300 films during her 27-year career
- Was one of the few actresses who successfully transitioned from silent to sound films as a character actress
- Often played characters much older than her actual age
- Worked with virtually every major comedy star of the silent era
- Was a regular member of the famous Keystone Cops troupe
- Her Irish heritage was sometimes used as a character trait in her roles
- She was known for her professionalism and reliability on set
- Price often played mothers to actors who were only slightly younger than her
- She continued working in films even after her health began to decline in the 1930s
- Her final film appearance was in 1937, six years before her death
In Their Own Words
I've played more mothers than any woman who never had a child.
In comedy, the straight role is often the hardest to play - you have to be serious enough to make the funny business work.
Working with Mack Sennett was like being in a circus - you never knew what would happen next, but it was always exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kate Price?
Kate Price was a prolific Irish-American character actress who appeared in over 300 films during the silent and early sound era. She was best known for playing formidable mothers, landladies, and authority figures in comedy films, working with major stars like Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton.
What films is Kate Price best known for?
Kate Price appeared in numerous classic comedies including 'Her Crowning Glory' (1911), 'Good Night, Nurse!' (1918), 'The Goat' (1921), 'The Boat' (1921), and 'The Paleface' (1922). She was particularly prominent in Mack Sennett's Keystone comedies and worked extensively with Harold Lloyd.
When was Kate Price born and when did she die?
Kate Price was born on February 12, 1872, in Ireland, and died on January 4, 1943, in Los Angeles, California. She lived to be 70 years old and had a career spanning nearly three decades in Hollywood.
What awards did Kate Price win?
Kate Price did not receive major formal awards during her career, as this was before the establishment of many modern film awards. However, she is recognized by film historians as one of the most prolific and important character actresses of the silent era.
What was Kate Price's acting style?
Kate Price specialized in playing formidable, comically intimidating characters with a stern demeanor that could instantly transform into broad comedy. She excelled at physical comedy and was particularly skilled at using facial expressions and body language to convey complex emotions in silent films.
Did Kate Price work with famous directors?
Yes, Kate Price worked with many pioneering directors including D.W. Griffith at Biograph, Mack Sennett at Keystone Studios, and Hal Roach. She was particularly associated with Mack Sennett's comedy factory where she appeared in numerous Keystone Cops films.
How did Kate Price transition to sound films?
Kate Price successfully made the transition from silent to sound films in the late 1920s, though her roles became smaller. Her experience as a theater performer before entering films helped her adapt to the new medium, and she continued working in character roles through the early 1930s.
Learn More
Films
13 films
