Pauline Frederick
Actor
About Pauline Frederick
Pauline Frederick was one of the most distinguished and highest-paid actresses of the silent film era, beginning her career on Broadway before transitioning to motion pictures in 1915. She quickly established herself as a leading dramatic actress at Paramount Pictures, known for portraying sophisticated, complex women characters with remarkable emotional depth. Frederick's elegant screen presence and naturalistic acting style set her apart from many contemporaries, making her particularly effective in melodramas and psychological dramas. She successfully navigated the transition from silent films to sound pictures in the late 1920s, a feat many of her peers could not achieve. Throughout her career, she commanded salaries reaching $5,000 per week, making her one of Hollywood's highest-paid performers. Her career continued until shortly before her death from asthma complications in 1938, leaving behind a legacy of over 60 film performances that showcased her remarkable range and artistic integrity.
The Craft
On Screen
Frederick was renowned for her naturalistic and understated acting style, which contrasted with the more theatrical performances common in silent cinema. She possessed exceptional emotional depth and could convey complex psychological states through subtle facial expressions and body language. Her approach emphasized realism and restraint, making her particularly effective in dramatic roles requiring nuance and sophistication. Critics praised her ability to make melodramatic situations feel authentic and relatable.
Milestones
- Broadway debut in 1908
- Film debut in 'The Eternal City' (1915)
- Became Paramount's leading dramatic actress by 1917
- Among the first actresses to command $1,000+ weekly salary
- Successful transition to sound films in late 1920s
- Received Academy Award nomination for Best Actress
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Photoplay Magazine Medal of Honor (1918)
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for 'Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch' (1934)
Special Recognition
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- One of the highest-paid actresses of the silent era
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Lasting Legacy
Pauline Frederick's legacy endures as one of the most accomplished and respected actresses of early American cinema. She demonstrated that actresses could maintain successful careers well into their 40s and 50s, challenging the industry's youth obsession. Her successful transition from silent films to talkies proved that dramatic skill transcended technological changes in cinema. Film historians credit her with helping establish the dramatic actress as a bankable commodity in Hollywood, and her performances continue to be studied for their subtlety and emotional authenticity.
Who They Inspired
Frederick influenced generations of actresses by proving that mature, sophisticated women could be compelling cinematic protagonists. Her naturalistic acting style prefigured the more realistic performances that would become standard in sound cinema. Many later dramatic actresses, including Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn, cited Frederick as an inspiration for their approach to complex female characters. Her business acumen in contract negotiations also set precedents for how actresses could leverage their star power for better compensation and creative freedom.
Off Screen
Pauline Frederick married five times throughout her life, with relationships often attracting media attention. She married playwright Willard Mack in 1909, followed by physician Frank Andrews Howard in 1917. Her third marriage was to millionaire Clark Reynolds in 1922, which ended in a highly publicized divorce. She later married Dr. Charles A. Rutherford in 1929 and finally John L. Balderston in 1930. Despite her tumultuous romantic life, she maintained her professional reputation and was respected for her dedication to her craft. She had no children.
Education
Educated at Girls' High School in Boston, later studied drama and acting in New York City
Family
- Willard Mack (1909-1913)
- Frank Andrews Howard (1917-1920)
- Clark Reynolds (1922-1924)
- Charles A. Rutherford (1929-1930)
- John L. Balderston (1930-1938)
Did You Know?
- Was one of the first actresses to earn $1,000 per week in films
- Began her career as a child performer in Boston theaters
- Spoke fluent French, which helped in international film markets
- Was a licensed pilot and owned her own airplane
- Her divorce from Clark Reynolds resulted in one of the largest settlements of the 1920s
- Was a founding member of the Motion Picture Relief Fund
- Owned and operated a successful beauty salon in Beverly Hills
- Was considered for the lead in 'Sunrise' (1927) before Janet Gaynor was cast
- Her final film appearance was in 'Personal Maid's Secret' (1935)
- Was a close friend of fellow actress Mary Pickford
In Their Own Words
The camera is the most honest critic an actor can have. It sees everything, especially the truth.
In drama, as in life, the most powerful emotions are often the ones left unspoken.
I never wanted to be a star; I only wanted to be an actress who could touch people's hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pauline Frederick?
Pauline Frederick was a highly acclaimed American actress who rose to fame during the silent film era as one of Hollywood's most respected dramatic performers. She began her career on Broadway before transitioning to films in 1915, where she became known for portraying sophisticated, complex women characters with remarkable emotional depth and naturalistic acting style.
What films is Pauline Frederick best known for?
Frederick is best remembered for her dramatic roles in films such as 'Three Women' (1924), 'Madame Jealousy' (1918), 'The Eternal City' (1915), 'Smouldering Fires' (1925), and 'Let's Get Married' (1926). She also received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in 'Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch' (1934).
When was Pauline Frederick born and when did she die?
Pauline Frederick was born on August 12, 1883, in Boston, Massachusetts, and died on September 19, 1938, in Beverly Hills, California, from complications of asthma at the age of 55.
What awards did Pauline Frederick win?
Frederick received the Photoplay Magazine Medal of Honor in 1918 and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in 'Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch' (1934). She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of her contributions to cinema.
What was Pauline Frederick's acting style?
Frederick was known for her naturalistic and understated acting style, which emphasized realism and emotional authenticity over theatricality. She conveyed complex emotions through subtle facial expressions and restrained performances, making her particularly effective in dramatic roles requiring psychological depth and sophistication.
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Films
1 film
