Laura Lee
Actor
About Laura Lee
Laura Lee was an American stage and screen actress whose brief but impactful film career flourished during the early sound era of Hollywood. Born Laura Lee Marks in Brooklyn, New York, on July 31, 1910, she began her performing career in vaudeville as part of a musical quartet alongside her sisters Blanche, Frances, and Kitty. Her transition to the Broadway stage in the late 1920s saw her appearing in notable productions such as 'The Greenwich Village Follies' (1928) and 'A Night in Venice' (1929), which caught the attention of film scouts. In 1930, she was signed to a contract with Warner Bros., where she was frequently paired with the legendary comedian Joe E. Brown. During this single prolific year, she appeared in three major pre-Code comedies: 'Top Speed', 'Maybe It's Love', and 'Going Wild', showcasing her talents as a spirited 'ingenue' with a background in song and dance. Despite her early success and natural comedic timing, Lee's film career largely concluded after 1930, and she eventually retired from the screen to live a private life in Los Angeles.
The Craft
On Screen
Laura Lee was known for her high-energy, 'flapper-esque' acting style typical of the early talkie era. Drawing from her vaudeville and Broadway roots, she possessed a natural ability for musical numbers and physical comedy, often playing the vivacious and witty romantic interest. Her performances were characterized by a sharp, fast-talking delivery that complemented the manic energy of her frequent co-star, Joe E. Brown.
Milestones
- Featured performer in 'The Greenwich Village Follies' on Broadway (1928)
- Signed a motion picture contract with Warner Bros. (1930)
- Starred as the female lead 'Betty' in the college football comedy 'Maybe It's Love' (1930)
- Played 'Babs' in the high-speed comedy 'Top Speed' (1930) opposite Joe E. Brown
- Appeared in the early aviation comedy 'Going Wild' (1930) as 'May'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Featured in Photoplay Magazine (July 1930)
- Featured in Filmwelt Magazine (September 1930)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Laura Lee represented the quintessential 'college girl' and 'ingenue' of the early 1930s. Her presence in Warner Bros. comedies helped define the studio's early sound aesthetic, which blended musical theater elements with fast-paced, pre-Code humor. While her filmography is small, she remains a person of interest for historians of early sound cinema due to her association with the transition from Broadway to Hollywood.
Lasting Legacy
Lee's legacy is preserved through her work in three classic Joe E. Brown comedies, which are often cited as prime examples of early 1930s slapstick and musical comedy. She is remembered as one of the many talented stage performers who helped Hollywood navigate the technical and artistic challenges of the 'talkie' revolution.
Who They Inspired
Her energetic performance style influenced the 'spunky' female archetypes seen in later 1930s screwball comedies.
Off Screen
Laura Lee was born into a family of performers in Brooklyn. She spent much of her early life traveling the vaudeville circuit with her sisters. After her brief stint in Hollywood, she largely withdrew from the public eye. She passed away in Los Angeles, California, in 1981 at the age of 71.
Education
Trained in vaudeville and musical theater through professional experience from a young age.
Did You Know?
- She was part of a vaudeville act with her three sisters: Blanche, Frances, and Kitty.
- Her entire credited film career took place within the single year of 1930.
- She was originally a Broadway dancer before being discovered for films.
- She appeared in 'Maybe It's Love' alongside future legend Joan Bennett.
- Her film 'Going Wild' was based on the 1910 play 'The Aviator' by James Montgomery.
- She is often confused with other actresses named Laura Lee from later decades, but she was the original star of the early 1930s.
- She was featured on the cover of several international film magazines during her peak in 1930.
In Their Own Words
I think it's just wonderful! (In character as May in 'Going Wild', reacting to the prospect of a flight)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Laura Lee?
Laura Lee was a vaudeville and Broadway actress who became a film star for a brief period in 1930. She is best known for her leading roles in Warner Bros. comedies opposite Joe E. Brown.
What films is Laura Lee best known for?
She is best known for the three films she made in 1930: 'Going Wild', 'Top Speed', and 'Maybe It's Love'.
When was Laura Lee born and when did she die?
Laura Lee was born on July 31, 1910, in Brooklyn, New York, and passed away on October 13, 1981, in Los Angeles, California.
Did Laura Lee win any awards?
There are no records of major film awards for Laura Lee, as her screen career was very short-lived during the early days of the Academy Awards.
What was Laura Lee's acting style?
She had a vivacious and energetic acting style rooted in musical theater and vaudeville, specializing in comedic timing and 'ingenue' roles.
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Films
1 film
