Margaret Joslin
Actor
About Margaret Joslin
Margaret Joslin was a prolific character actress of the silent film era, best known for her work in comedy shorts during the 1910s. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she began her film career around 1911 and quickly became a familiar face in early American cinema. She married director Harry Edwards, which led to her appearing in numerous films he directed, particularly those featuring Harold Lloyd. Joslin specialized in playing motherly figures and respectable women in comedies, often providing the moral center or comic foil to the slapstick antics of male leads. Her career spanned nearly a decade of prolific output, with appearances in dozens of short films for various studios including Essanay and Hal Roach Studios. While she never achieved star status, her consistent performances made her a valuable supporting player in the burgeoning comedy genre. Her film career gradually declined as the 1920s progressed, and she made few appearances after 1920.
The Craft
On Screen
Joslin specialized in portraying stern but loving maternal figures and respectable women in comedy shorts. Her style was characterized by subtle comedic timing and the ability to provide a grounding presence amidst slapstick chaos. She often played the straight woman to comedic leads, using facial expressions and restrained gestures to enhance the humor. Her performances were naturalistic for the era, avoiding the exaggerated mannerisms common in early silent films.
Milestones
- Appeared in over 100 silent films
- Regular supporting player in Harold Lloyd comedies
- Worked extensively with director husband Harry Edwards
- Transitioned from dramatic roles to comedy specialization
- Prolific output during the peak of silent film era
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as a significant supporting actress in silent comedy history
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Margaret Joslin represents the essential but often overlooked supporting actors who formed the backbone of silent comedy cinema. While never a star, her consistent performances in maternal roles helped establish the character archetypes that would become standard in American comedy. Her work with Harold Lloyd during his formative years contributed to the development of his comedic style and the success of his early films. Joslin's career trajectory also illustrates the typical path of many character actors in early Hollywood, who found steady work but rarely achieved lasting fame.
Lasting Legacy
Joslin's legacy lies in her contribution to the development of American silent comedy, particularly through her work in Harold Lloyd films. She exemplifies the reliable character actors who provided the foundation for comedy routines and helped establish the tropes of family and domestic comedy that would persist throughout film history. Though largely forgotten today, film historians recognize her as part of the essential supporting cast that made silent comedy work.
Who They Inspired
While Joslin didn't directly mentor other performers, her portrayals of maternal figures in comedy helped establish a template for future character actresses in similar roles. Her naturalistic acting style in an era of exaggerated performance influenced the move toward more subtle comedic acting that would become standard in sound films. Her collaborations with Harry Edwards and Harold Lloyd contributed to the development of comedy filmmaking techniques that would influence generations of comedians.
Off Screen
Margaret Joslin married director Harry Edwards, who was a prominent director of comedy shorts, particularly those starring Harold Lloyd. Their professional collaboration was extensive, with Edwards directing many films in which Joslin appeared. The couple remained married until Edwards' death in 1952. Joslin lived in Los Angeles during her film career and remained there until her death in 1956 at the age of 73.
Family
- Harry Edwards (married until his death in 1952)
Did You Know?
- Appeared in over 100 films during her career, most of which are now considered lost
- Was frequently typecast as Harold Lloyd's mother despite being only 14 years older than him
- Worked with Broncho Billy Anderson, one of the first Western film stars
- Her husband Harry Edwards directed over 80 Harold Lloyd comedies
- Made the transition from dramatic roles in early Westerns to comedy specialization
- Was part of the stock company at Hal Roach Studios before it became famous for Laurel and Hardy
- Her film career ended just as the sound era was beginning
- Often played characters named 'Mrs. Lloyd' or similar maternal roles
- Worked during the peak years of silent film production when studios released multiple films per week
- Her last known film appearance was in 1920
In Their Own Words
No documented famous quotes exist from Margaret Joslin, as was common for supporting actors of the silent era who rarely gave interviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Margaret Joslin?
Margaret Joslin was a prolific American character actress of the silent film era, best known for her work in comedy shorts during the 1910s, particularly those starring Harold Lloyd and directed by her husband Harry Edwards.
What films is Margaret Joslin best known for?
She is best known for her appearances in Harold Lloyd comedies such as 'Just Neighbors' (1919), 'Next Aisle Over' (1919), and her early work in 'Broncho Billy's Christmas Dinner' (1911).
When was Margaret Joslin born and when did she die?
Margaret Joslin was born on August 6, 1883, in Cleveland, Ohio, and died on October 14, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 73.
What awards did Margaret Joslin win?
Margaret Joslin did not receive any major awards during her career, as was common for supporting actors in the silent film era, though she is recognized by film historians for her contributions to early comedy cinema.
What was Margaret Joslin's acting style?
Joslin specialized in playing maternal figures with a naturalistic style characterized by subtle comedic timing, often serving as the straight woman to slapstick leads while providing emotional grounding to comedy shorts.
Learn More
Films
3 films
