Louise Closser Hale
Actor
About Louise Closser Hale
Louise Closser Hale was a prolific American character actress, novelist, and playwright who achieved significant success on both the stage and screen. Born in Chicago and educated in Indianapolis, she honed her craft at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Emerson College before making her theatrical debut in 1894. For decades, she was a mainstay of the Broadway stage, famously appearing in the 1903 production of George Bernard Shaw's 'Candida' and touring internationally. Parallel to her acting, she was a celebrated author of over a dozen books, including travelogues and best-selling novels like 'Her Soul and Her Body'. Her transition to Hollywood in the late 1920s saw her become one of the most sought-after character actresses of the early talkie era, often portraying sharp-witted matriarchs or dignified companions. Tragically, her flourishing film career was cut short when she passed away in 1933 following a heatstroke while shopping in Hollywood.
The Craft
On Screen
Hale was renowned for her sardonic humor, impeccable timing, and the ability to imbue supporting roles with a distinct, often formidable presence. In the early sound era, her clear, stage-trained voice was a major asset, allowing her to excel in 'Domineering Old Woman' roles that required both authority and a touch of dry wit.
Milestones
- Theatrical debut in 'In Old Kentucky' (1894)
- Broadway breakthrough as Proserpine Garnett in Shaw's 'Candida' (1903)
- London stage debut in 'Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch' (1907)
- Published the best-selling novel 'Her Soul and Her Body' (1912)
- Served as a World War I correspondent for Harper's Magazine
- Co-founded the Stage Women's War Relief (1917)
- Successfully transitioned to sound films in 'The Hole in the Wall' (1929)
- Appeared in the classic pre-Code ensemble 'Dinner at Eight' (1933)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Founder of Stage Women's War Relief (precursor to the American Theatre Wing)
- Associate Editor for The Smart Set magazine
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Louise Closser Hale was a trailblazer for multi-hyphenate women in the arts, maintaining a high-profile career as both a respected stage/screen actress and a successful commercial author. Her literary work, particularly her travelogues, provided early 20th-century readers with a sophisticated, female-led perspective on global exploration. In Hollywood, she helped define the archetype of the sophisticated, sharp-tongued older woman, a role that became a staple of the Golden Age.
Lasting Legacy
Her most enduring legacy lies in her humanitarian efforts; as a co-founder of the Stage Women's War Relief, she helped lay the groundwork for the American Theatre Wing, which eventually created the Tony Awards. In film history, she is remembered as a quintessential pre-Code character actress whose presence added gravitas and wit to some of the era's most iconic films, such as 'Shanghai Express' and 'Dinner at Eight'.
Who They Inspired
She influenced the transition of stage actors to film by demonstrating how theatrical vocal techniques could be adapted for the early microphone without losing character nuance. Her dual success as a writer and actor served as a model for later performers seeking creative control over their careers.
Off Screen
Louise married fellow actor and artist Walter Hale in 1899. The couple shared a deep creative partnership, frequently traveling the world together; Louise would write travel narratives while Walter provided the illustrations. They remained married until his death from cancer in 1917. Louise never remarried and had no children.
Education
American Academy of Dramatic Arts (New York); Emerson College of Oratory (Boston)
Family
- Walter Hale (1899-1917)
Did You Know?
- She was a passionate suffragist and activist for women's rights.
- She served as a war correspondent during WWI, reporting from the front lines for Harper's.
- Her will specifically requested that no friends or kin accompany her body further than the church door after her funeral.
- She appeared in 30 films in just the last four years of her life.
- She was an editor for the influential literary magazine 'The Smart Set'.
- She died of a heart attack brought on by heat exhaustion while shopping in Los Angeles.
- Her ashes are interred at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
- She often played characters much older than her actual age due to her distinctive white hair.
In Their Own Words
Love! The poor word. How it has suffered up and down the streets of the world.
London is like a woman with too many years to encourage confession.
Even those who lose the battle are not cowards - if they have fought.
If I live in the memory of my friends, I shall have lived long enough. (From her last will and testament)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Louise Closser Hale?
Louise Closser Hale was a distinguished American character actress of the stage and early cinema, as well as a celebrated novelist and travel writer. She was a major Broadway star before becoming a staple of Hollywood's pre-Code era in the early 1930s.
What films is Louise Closser Hale best known for?
She is best remembered for her roles in 'Shanghai Express' (1932) alongside Marlene Dietrich, the star-studded 'Dinner at Eight' (1933), and Frank Capra's 'Platinum Blonde' (1931).
When was Louise Closser Hale born and when did she die?
She was born on October 13, 1872, in Chicago, Illinois, and died on July 26, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 60.
What awards did Louise Closser Hale win?
While she did not win major film awards like the Oscar (which were in their infancy), she was highly honored for her literary contributions and her role in founding the Stage Women's War Relief.
What was Louise Closser Hale's acting style?
She was known for a sophisticated and sardonic acting style, often playing witty, upper-class matriarchs or reliable companions with a dry, scene-stealing sense of humor.
Was Louise Closser Hale also a writer?
Yes, she was a very successful author who wrote over 10 books, including the best-selling novel 'Her Soul and Her Body' and several popular travelogues illustrated by her husband.
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Films
1 film
