Mildred Kornman
Actor
About Mildred Kornman
Mildred Kornman was a child actress during the silent film era, best known for her work in Hal Roach comedies and appearances in the popular Our Gang series. Born in 1915, she began her film career at a very young age, appearing in numerous short comedies throughout the mid-1920s. Her natural screen presence and comedic timing made her a valuable addition to the ensemble casts of these productions. Beyond her work in Our Gang, she appeared in various other comedy shorts such as 'War Feathers' (1926), 'The Nickel-Hopper' (1926), and 'Dog Heaven' (1927), showcasing her versatility as a young performer. As the transition to sound films began, her acting career gradually wound down, as was common for many child actors of the silent era. After retiring from acting, she pursued education and eventually became a teacher, leaving her Hollywood days behind. Her brief but memorable career represents a typical trajectory for child performers during Hollywood's formative years, contributing to the rich tapestry of silent film comedy.
The Craft
On Screen
Natural and spontaneous comedic timing typical of child actors of the era, with an authentic presence that resonated with audiences of silent comedies. Her performances were characterized by genuine reactions rather than rehearsed child acting, making her relatable to viewers.
Milestones
- Regular performer in Hal Roach comedy productions
- Appeared in multiple Our Gang shorts
- Featured in silent comedy shorts with established stars
- Transitioned successfully to education career after acting
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as part of the Our Gang legacy in film history
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Mildred Kornman contributed to the golden age of silent comedy through her work in Hal Roach productions, which were instrumental in shaping American comedy. Her appearances in Our Gang shorts helped establish the template for ensemble children's comedy that would influence generations of family entertainment. The Hal Roach comedies she participated in represented some of the most sophisticated and influential comedy of the silent era, with their impact still felt in modern comedy.
Lasting Legacy
Though her acting career was brief, Mildred Kornman remains part of the cherished legacy of Our Gang and Hal Roach comedies. Her work survives in film archives and continues to be appreciated by silent film enthusiasts and comedy historians. She represents the countless child actors who contributed to early cinema's development, many of whom moved on to different careers after their Hollywood years.
Who They Inspired
As part of the Our Gang ensemble, she contributed to a series that would influence children's programming and comedy for decades. The naturalistic child performances in these shorts set a standard that would be referenced in family entertainment throughout the 20th century.
Off Screen
After her brief acting career, Mildred Kornman completely left the entertainment industry to pursue education. She married and became a teacher, dedicating her life to education rather than entertainment. She maintained privacy about her Hollywood years and rarely discussed her childhood acting career in later life.
Education
Graduated from high school and pursued teaching credentials after leaving acting
Family
- Leo Patrick Kelleher (married 1935, until his death)
Did You Know?
- Began acting before she was 10 years old
- Was part of the Our Gang cast during the silent era transition period
- Appeared in over 20 short films during her brief career
- Hal Roach Studios was known for discovering and developing child talent
- Many child actors from this era used stage names, but she used her real name
- The transition to sound films ended many child acting careers, including hers
- She completely left show business and never returned to acting
- Her work survives primarily through film preservation efforts
- Silent child actors often worked long hours with few protections
- The Our Gang series she appeared in would later become known as 'The Little Rascals'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mildred Kornman?
Mildred Kornman was a child actress during the silent film era who appeared in Hal Roach comedies and Our Gang shorts in the mid-1920s. She was active in films from approximately 1925 to 1928 before leaving the entertainment industry to become a teacher.
What films is Mildred Kornman best known for?
She is best known for her appearances in Our Gang comedy shorts and other Hal Roach productions including 'War Feathers' (1926), 'The Nickel-Hopper' (1926), and 'Dog Heaven' (1927). Her work was primarily in silent comedy shorts.
When was Mildred Kornman born and when did she die?
Mildred Kornman was born on January 10, 1915, in Los Angeles, California, and passed away on June 23, 2008, at the age of 93.
What awards did Mildred Kornman win?
Mildred Kornman did not receive formal awards during her brief acting career, as was common for child actors in the silent era. Her legacy is recognized through her contribution to classic comedy films.
What was Mildred Kornman's acting style?
Her acting style was natural and spontaneous, typical of the authentic child performances valued in silent comedies. She brought genuine reactions and comedic timing to her roles rather than rehearsed performances.
Why did Mildred Kornman stop acting?
Like many child actors of the silent era, her career ended with the transition to sound films and as she reached adolescence. She chose to pursue education and became a teacher, completely leaving the entertainment industry.
What studio did Mildred Kornman work for?
She worked primarily for Hal Roach Studios, which was famous for producing comedy shorts and the Our Gang series that would later become known as The Little Rascals.
Learn More
Films
3 films
