Anita King
Actor
About Anita King
Anita King was a pioneering silent film actress and automotive trailblazer who made significant contributions to early cinema. Born Anna Keppen in Michigan City, Indiana, she began her film career around 1912 and quickly rose to prominence during the golden age of silent pictures. Her most notable film work includes starring roles in 'The Virginian' (1914), 'Carmen' (1915) opposite Theda Bara, and 'The Girl of the Golden West' (1915). Beyond her acting career, King became a national sensation in 1915 when she became the first woman to drive across the United States alone, a remarkable achievement that garnered extensive media coverage. She was signed to Famous Players Film Company and worked with some of the era's most prominent directors. After retiring from films around 1919, she focused on her automotive adventures and later worked as a real estate agent. Her dual legacy as both a film actress and automotive pioneer makes her a unique figure in American cultural history.
The Craft
On Screen
Anita King's acting style was typical of the silent era, characterized by expressive facial gestures and dramatic body language to convey emotion without dialogue. She often played strong, independent female characters that mirrored her real-life pioneering spirit. Her performances were noted for their natural quality compared to some of her contemporaries, and she had particular skill in portraying determined, adventurous women.
Milestones
- First woman to drive across the United States alone (1915)
- Starred in 'The Virginian' (1914), one of the first feature-length Westerns
- Appeared in 'Carmen' (1915) with Theda Bara
- Signed to Famous Players Film Company (later Paramount Pictures)
- Broke gender barriers in both film and automotive industries
- Her cross-country drive was sponsored by Paramount Pictures as a publicity stunt
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Honored by the Automotive Hall of Fame for her pioneering cross-country drive
- Recognized by women's history organizations for breaking gender barriers
- Featured in numerous historical exhibitions about early cinema and automotive history
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Anita King's cultural impact extends far beyond her film career, making her a significant figure in both early cinema history and women's automotive history. Her 1915 solo cross-country drive was a groundbreaking achievement that challenged gender norms and demonstrated women's capabilities in the male-dominated world of early automobiles. The journey was extensively covered by newspapers across America, making her a household name and symbol of female independence. In cinema, she helped establish the archetype of the strong, independent female character in Westerns and adventure films. Her dual career as actress and automotive pioneer made her a unique media figure who bridged the worlds of entertainment and technology during a transformative period in American history.
Lasting Legacy
Anita King's legacy is that of a true pioneer who broke barriers in multiple fields. She is remembered as one of the first women to achieve national fame through automotive adventure, paving the way for future female racers and adventurers. In film history, she represents the independent spirit of early cinema actresses who often performed their own stunts and embodied the rugged individualism of the American frontier. Her story continues to be cited in discussions of women's history, automotive history, and early Hollywood. King demonstrated that women could excel in traditionally male-dominated fields, and her achievements continue to inspire those interested in the history of women's advancement in American society.
Who They Inspired
Anita King influenced subsequent generations of women in both entertainment and automotive industries. Her successful film career and automotive achievements showed that women could pursue multiple ambitious careers simultaneously. She inspired other actresses to be more independent and to take on physically demanding roles. In the automotive world, her cross-country journey encouraged other women to take up driving and racing, contributing to the gradual acceptance of women as competent drivers and mechanics. Her media-savvy approach to self-promotion also influenced how future celebrities would use publicity stunts to advance their careers.
Off Screen
Anita King led a remarkable personal life that paralleled her adventurous professional career. She married actor and director James Gordon in 1916, though the marriage ended in divorce by 1919. The couple had no children together. After leaving the film industry, King embraced her passion for automobiles and continued to be involved in automotive events. She later transitioned to a career in real estate in Hollywood, where she remained until her death. King never remarried and spent her later years as a respected member of the Hollywood community, often sharing stories of her pioneering days in both film and automotive history.
Education
Limited formal education; trained in acting through theater experience before entering films
Family
- James Gordon (1916-1919)
Did You Know?
- Her 1915 cross-country drive covered 3,000 miles and took 49 days to complete
- She carried a revolver for protection during her solo journey across America
- Paramount Pictures sponsored her cross-country trip as a publicity stunt
- She was known as 'The Girl Who Crosses the Continent' in contemporary media
- Her car was a Kissel Kar, a luxury automobile of the era
- She performed her own stunts in many of her films
- King was one of the first actresses to have a personal automobile on set
- She appeared in over 30 films during her brief career
- Her cross-country journey was documented in a book published in 1916
- She was friends with other pioneering women of the era including Amelia Earhart
In Their Own Words
I wanted to prove that a woman could do anything a man could do, and do it just as well.
The open road calls to those who are brave enough to answer, regardless of their gender.
In pictures and on the road, I've always believed in pushing boundaries and showing what's possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Anita King?
Anita King was a pioneering silent film actress and automotive adventurer who became famous in the 1910s for both her film roles and as the first woman to drive across the United States alone in 1915.
What films is Anita King best known for?
Anita King is best known for her roles in 'The Virginian' (1914), 'Carmen' (1915) starring Theda Bara, and 'The Girl of the Golden West' (1915), all produced during the golden age of silent cinema.
When was Anita King born and when did she die?
Anita King was born Anna Keppen on August 14, 1884, in Michigan City, Indiana, and died on June 10, 1963, in Hollywood, California at the age of 78.
What made Anita King famous beyond her film career?
Anita King became nationally famous in 1915 when she became the first woman to drive across the United States alone, a 3,000-mile journey that took 49 days and was extensively covered by the media.
What was Anita King's acting style?
King's acting style was typical of the silent era, featuring expressive gestures and dramatic body language, with a specialty in playing strong, independent female characters that mirrored her real-life adventurous spirit.
Did Anita King win any awards for her work?
While Anita King did not receive formal acting awards during her era, she has been posthumously honored by automotive and women's history organizations for her pioneering achievements in breaking gender barriers.
What was Anita King's legacy?
Anita King's legacy is that of a dual pioneer who broke barriers in both early cinema and women's automotive history, inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Learn More
Films
3 films
