Edith Taliaferro
Actor
About Edith Taliaferro
Edith Taliaferro was a prominent American stage and silent film actress who began her career as a child prodigy in the late 19th century. Born into a theatrical family in Manhattan, she made her professional debut at the age of two, eventually replacing her older sister Mabel in various touring productions. She achieved significant Broadway stardom, most notably for her portrayal of the title character in the 1910 stage production of 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm,' a role that defined her early career. While primarily a stage performer, she transitioned briefly to the screen in 1915 with the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company, starring in the silent romance 'Young Romance.' Her film career was short-lived, consisting of only three features, as she preferred the live interaction of the theater. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, she continued to grace the Broadway stage and toured internationally, including performances in London and Australia. She retired from acting in 1935, reportedly due to failing eyesight, and spent her final years in Connecticut.
The Craft
On Screen
Taliaferro was celebrated for her naturalistic and charming juvenile performances, often described as having a 'winsome' and 'magnetic' stage presence. Critics noted her ability to transition from lighthearted comedy to poignant sadness, a skill she effectively translated to her limited film work. Her early training in vaudeville and stock theater gave her a versatile range, allowing her to play both high-society ladies and working-class dreamers with equal conviction.
Milestones
- Professional stage debut at age two in 'Shore Acres' (1895)
- Starred as the original Rebecca in the Broadway production of 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm' (1910)
- Made her silent film debut in 'Young Romance' (1915) for Paramount Pictures
- Performed as Puck in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at Princeton University (1904)
- Toured internationally with the Toronto Theatre Guild in the 1930s
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Presented with a Princeton University flag and pin by professors for her performance as Puck (1904)
- Recognized as one of the 'highest-paid juvenile actresses' of her era
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Edith Taliaferro represented the transition of American entertainment from the late Victorian stage to the burgeoning silent film industry. As a child star, she was a precursor to the 'America's Sweetheart' archetype later perfected by Mary Pickford. Her success in 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm' helped solidify that story's place in the American cultural canon, influencing how juvenile female leads were written and performed for decades.
Lasting Legacy
Taliaferro's legacy is primarily preserved through her extensive Broadway credits and her sole surviving film, 'Young Romance.' While her filmography is small, she is remembered as a vital link in the Taliaferro acting dynasty. Historians of the silent era value her work in 'Young Romance' as a rare example of a Broadway star's early attempt to adapt theatrical techniques to the screen.
Who They Inspired
She influenced the portrayal of 'spunky' and 'optimistic' young heroines in early 20th-century media. Her sister Mabel often cited Edith's early talent as a driving force in their family's theatrical success, and her performances served as a blueprint for other child actors of the 1900s.
Off Screen
Edith was the daughter of Anna Barriscale Taliaferro and Robert A. Taliaferro. She came from a distinguished line of actors; her sister Mabel Taliaferro was a major silent film star, and her cousin was the famous actress Bessie Barriscale. She was married twice, first to actor Earle Browne in 1912, and later to actor House B. Jameson in 1928, with whom she remained until her death.
Education
Educated privately and through practical experience in touring theatrical companies from early childhood.
Family
- Earle Browne (1912-1928)
- House B. Jameson (1928-1958)
Did You Know?
- She was only two years old when she made her first stage appearance.
- At age ten, she was earning $100 per week, an enormous sum for a child in 1904.
- She was the youngest Shakespearean actress of her time when she played Puck.
- Only one of her three films, 'Young Romance,' is known to still exist today.
- She was of remote Italian descent, with ancestors who settled in Virginia in the 17th century.
- She retired from the stage in the late 1930s after losing her vision.
- She appeared in vaudeville at the famous Palace Theater in New York City.
In Their Own Words
I have always loved the stage more than the screen because you can feel the audience breathing with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Edith Taliaferro?
Edith Taliaferro was a celebrated American stage and silent film actress active from the late 1890s through the mid-1930s. She was a famous child star and later a Broadway leading lady, best known for the play 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm'.
What films is Edith Taliaferro best known for?
She is best known for her 1915 silent film debut 'Young Romance,' which is her only surviving film. She also starred in 'The Conquest of Canaan' (1916) and 'Who's Your Brother?' (1919).
When was Edith Taliaferro born and when did she die?
She was born on December 21, 1891, in Manhattan, New York, and passed away on March 2, 1958, in Newtown, Connecticut.
Was Edith Taliaferro related to other famous actors?
Yes, she was the sister of actress Mabel Taliaferro and the cousin of silent film star Bessie Barriscale.
What was Edith Taliaferro's acting style?
She was known for a natural, charming, and emotive style that allowed her to excel in both juvenile 'sweetheart' roles and more sophisticated dramatic stage performances.
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Films
1 film
