Dolores Costello
Actor
About Dolores Costello
Dolores Costello was a distinguished American actress who rose to prominence during the silent film era and successfully transitioned into early talkies. Beginning her career as a child actress in 1909 alongside her father Maurice Costello and sister Helene, she quickly established herself as a talented performer. Her breakthrough came in the mid-1920s when she signed with Warner Bros., starring in successful films like 'The Sea Beast' (1926) opposite John Barrymore, whom she would later marry. Costello's ethereal beauty and refined acting style made her one of the most popular actresses of the late silent period, earning her the nickname 'The Goddess of the Silver Screen.' She successfully navigated the transition to sound films with 'Noah's Ark' (1928) and continued working through the early 1930s, though her career gradually waned as personal challenges and changing industry tastes affected her trajectory. Despite her reduced film output in later years, she left an indelible mark on Hollywood history and became part of one of cinema's most enduring acting dynasties through her children and grandchildren.
The Craft
On Screen
Dolores Costello was known for her graceful, ethereal screen presence and refined acting technique that embodied the ideal of feminine beauty in silent cinema. Her performances combined delicate emotional expression with a naturalistic approach that helped bridge the gap between theatrical silent acting and more subtle sound era performances. Costello possessed a unique ability to convey complex emotions through subtle gestures and expressive eyes, making her particularly effective in romantic dramas and period pieces.
Milestones
- Child acting debut in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (1909)
- Breakthrough role in 'The Sea Beast' (1926)
- Marriage to John Barrymore in 1928
- Successful transition to talkies with 'Noah's Ark' (1928)
- Star status at Warner Bros. in late 1920s
- Final film appearance in 'This Man's Navy' (1945)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1960)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star at 1645 Vine Street
- WAMPAS Baby Stars (1926)
- One of the top box office stars of 1927
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dolores Costello represented the pinnacle of feminine beauty and elegance in late silent cinema, embodying the transition from the theatrical acting style of early films to the more naturalistic approach of the sound era. Her successful pairing with John Barrymore created one of the most celebrated romantic screen teams of the 1920s, influencing how romantic chemistry was portrayed in cinema. As one of the few child stars to successfully transition to adult stardom and then to sound films, she served as a model for career longevity in an industry known for its high turnover. Her family legacy, particularly through her granddaughter Drew Barrymore, has kept her name relevant in contemporary cinema discussions, creating a direct link between silent era glamour and modern Hollywood.
Lasting Legacy
Dolores Costello's legacy extends far beyond her filmography, representing both the glamour of Hollywood's golden age and the endurance of artistic families in cinema. She is remembered as one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of the silent era, whose graceful style helped define the aesthetic of late 1920s cinema. Her role in establishing the Barrymore acting dynasty through her children and grandchildren has made her an important figure in Hollywood history, with her influence spanning multiple generations of performers. The preservation of her films continues to provide insight into the technical and artistic achievements of late silent cinema, while her personal story of career challenges and family dedication offers a window into the realities of Hollywood fame.
Who They Inspired
Costello influenced subsequent generations of actresses through her naturalistic acting style that bridged silent and sound cinema, demonstrating how emotional authenticity could transcend technological changes in filmmaking. Her successful navigation of career transitions from child star to adult leading lady, and from silent films to talkies, provided a template for longevity in an industry often characterized by brief careers. Her family's continued presence in Hollywood has kept her artistic influence alive, with granddaughter Drew Barrymore often acknowledging the family's cinematic heritage in interviews and public appearances.
Off Screen
Dolores Costello came from a theatrical family, with her father Maurice Costello being a prominent silent film star. She married legendary actor John Barrymore in 1928, with whom she had two children, John Drew Barrymore and Dolores Ethel Mae Barrymore. Their marriage was tumultuous and ended in divorce in 1935, largely due to Barrymore's alcoholism. After her acting career diminished, Costello lived a relatively private life, focusing on her family. She was the grandmother of actress Drew Barrymore, continuing the family's cinematic legacy through subsequent generations.
Education
Educated at convent schools in New York City
Family
- John Barrymore (1928-1935)
- Dr. Arturo de Barrio (1939-1947)
- John W. Vruwink (1950-1959)
Did You Know?
- Was nicknamed 'The Goddess of the Silver Screen' due to her ethereal beauty
- Began her film career at age 6 alongside her father Maurice Costello
- Was one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars of 1926, an honor given to promising young actresses
- Her marriage to John Barrymore was highly publicized and considered one of Hollywood's great romances
- The 1926 earthquake that struck during filming of 'Old San Francisco' was incorporated into the movie
- Her voice was considered well-suited for talkies, helping her transition successfully from silent films
- Was a direct descendant of Irish patriot Robert Emmet
- Her sister Helene Costello was also a prominent silent film actress
- Retired from films in the early 1940s to focus on her family
- Appeared in over 80 films throughout her career
- Was painted by famous artist Alberto Vargas
- Her granddaughter Drew Barrymore named her production company 'Flower Films' after Costello's middle name
In Their Own Words
I never thought of myself as a star. I was just an actress trying to do my best work.
The transition from silent to sound wasn't as difficult for me as it was for others. I always believed in natural acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dolores Costello?
Dolores Costello was a prominent American actress of the silent era and early talkies, known as 'The Goddess of the Silver Screen' for her ethereal beauty and refined acting style. She was a major star at Warner Bros. in the 1920s and was married to legendary actor John Barrymore, making her part of one of Hollywood's most famous acting families.
What films is Dolores Costello best known for?
Dolores Costello is best known for her roles in 'The Sea Beast' (1926), 'Old San Francisco' (1927), 'When a Man Loves' (1927), and 'Noah's Ark' (1928). She also had a memorable role as the Queen in 'The Little Princess' (1939) with Shirley Temple and began her career as a child actress in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (1909).
When was Dolores Costello born and when did she die?
Dolores Costello was born on September 17, 1903, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and passed away on March 1, 1979, at the age of 75 in Fallbrook, California. She lived through the entire transformation of cinema from silent films to modern Hollywood.
What awards did Dolores Costello win?
While Dolores Costello did not receive major competitive awards during her active career, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. She was also named one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars of 1926, which recognized promising young actresses, and was consistently ranked among the top box office stars of the late 1920s.
What was Dolores Costello's acting style?
Dolores Costello was known for her graceful, naturalistic acting style that combined the emotional expressiveness required for silent films with subtle, nuanced performances that translated well to talkies. Her ethereal screen presence and ability to convey complex emotions through subtle gestures made her particularly effective in romantic dramas and period pieces.
How is Dolores Costello related to Drew Barrymore?
Dolores Costello was the grandmother of actress Drew Barrymore. She was married to John Barrymore, and their son John Drew Barrymore was Drew Barrymore's father, making Dolores Costello part of the famous Barrymore acting dynasty that spans multiple generations in Hollywood.
Why did Dolores Costello's career decline?
Dolores Costello's career gradually declined in the 1930s due to a combination of factors including her tumultuous divorce from John Barrymore, changing audience preferences, and the challenges of maintaining stardom as she aged. She made fewer films in the 1930s and eventually retired from acting in the early 1940s to focus on her family life.
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Films
5 films
