Natalie Moorhead
Actor
About Natalie Moorhead
Natalie Moorhead was an American actress who flourished during the transition from silent films to talkies in the late 1920s and 1930s. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she began her film career in 1929 and quickly established herself as a reliable character actress, often portraying sophisticated society women, vamps, and femme fatales. Moorhead appeared in over 60 films during her twelve-year career, working with major studios including Paramount, Warner Bros., and MGM. She had the distinction of appearing in several important early sound films, including the original version of 'The Maltese Falcon' (1931) and the influential gangster film 'The Public Enemy' (1931). While never achieving leading lady status, her striking appearance and polished acting style made her a memorable presence in supporting roles. Her career began to wane by the early 1940s, and she made her final film appearance in 1941. After retiring from acting, she lived a private life with her husband, director Paul Sloane, until her death in 1992 at age 90.
The Craft
On Screen
Moorhead specialized in portraying sophisticated, often dangerous women with a cool, detached demeanor. Her acting style was characterized by precise diction and a poised, elegant presence that made her particularly effective as society women, gold diggers, and femme fatales. She had a distinctive look with sharp features and an ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions, which served her well in the transition to sound films where nuanced performances were increasingly valued.
Milestones
- Film debut in 'The Great Gabbo' (1929)
- Appeared in John Wayne's first starring role in 'The Big Trail' (1930)
- Notable supporting role in 'The Public Enemy' (1931)
- Appeared in first film adaptation of 'The Maltese Falcon' (1931)
- Starred in 'I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang' (1932)
- Appeared in over 60 films during 12-year career
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Natalie Moorhead represents the archetype of the reliable supporting actress during Hollywood's golden age of studio production. While never a star, she contributed to numerous significant films that helped define American cinema of the early 1930s, particularly in the gangster and film noir genres. Her performances in films like 'The Public Enemy' and 'The Maltese Falcon' helped establish the template for the femme fatale character that would become a staple of film noir. Moorhead's career trajectory also illustrates the challenges faced by many character actresses who were typecast and struggled to find roles as they aged.
Lasting Legacy
Though largely forgotten today, Natalie Moorhead left an indelible mark on early sound cinema through her work in over 60 films. Film historians and classic movie enthusiasts recognize her as a significant presence in some of the most important American films of the early 1930s. Her ability to transition successfully from silent films to talkies demonstrated her versatility as an actress during a challenging period of technological change in Hollywood. Her performances continue to be studied as examples of the sophisticated character types that populated American cinema during the pre-Code era.
Who They Inspired
Moorhead's portrayals of sophisticated, often morally ambiguous women helped influence the development of the femme fatale archetype in American cinema. Her work in early gangster films contributed to establishing visual and performance conventions that would be emulated by subsequent actresses in film noir. While she didn't directly mentor other performers, her consistent professional approach to supporting roles set a standard for character actresses in studio system Hollywood.
Off Screen
Natalie Moorhead married actor and director Paul Sloane in 1926, and their marriage lasted until his death in 1963. The couple had no children. After retiring from films in 1941, Moorhead largely withdrew from public life and focused on her marriage. She lived with Sloane in Beverly Hills for many years before moving to Montecito, California in her later years. Despite her extensive film career, she rarely gave interviews about her time in Hollywood, preferring to maintain her privacy.
Family
- Paul Sloane (1926-1963)
Did You Know?
- Appeared in the first film adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's 'The Maltese Falcon' in 1931, a decade before the Humphrey Bogart classic
- Worked with John Wayne in his first starring role in 'The Big Trail' (1930)
- Was often typecast as 'the other woman' in romantic dramas
- Her career spanned the entire pre-Code era of Hollywood (1929-1934)
- Despite appearing in over 60 films, she never received above-the-billing credit
- Was one of the few actresses to successfully transition from silent films to talkies without major career interruption
- Her final film appearance was in 1941's 'The Great Mr. Nobody', after which she retired completely from acting
- She was 40 years old when she retired from films, relatively young for the era
- Never gave any extensive interviews about her Hollywood career
- Her husband Paul Sloane directed her in several films including 'Hook, Line and Sinker' (1930)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Natalie Moorhead?
Natalie Moorhead was an American actress who appeared in over 60 films between 1929 and 1941, primarily playing sophisticated society women and femme fatales during Hollywood's transition from silent films to talkies.
What films is Natalie Moorhead best known for?
She is best remembered for her roles in 'The Public Enemy' (1931), 'The Maltese Falcon' (1931), 'The Big Trail' (1930), 'I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang' (1932), and 'Hook, Line and Sinker' (1930).
When was Natalie Moorhead born and when did she die?
Natalie Moorhead was born on July 27, 1901 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and died on March 3, 1992 in Montecito, California at the age of 90.
What awards did Natalie Moorhead win?
Despite her extensive film career, Natalie Moorhead did not receive any major awards or nominations during her lifetime, which was common for supporting character actresses of her era.
What was Natalie Moorhead's acting style?
Moorhead specialized in portraying sophisticated, often dangerous women with a cool demeanor and precise diction, making her particularly effective as society women, gold diggers, and femme fatales in early sound films.
Was Natalie Moorhead married?
Yes, she was married to actor and director Paul Sloane from 1926 until his death in 1963. They had no children together.
Why did Natalie Moorhead retire from acting?
Moorhead retired from films in 1941 at age 40, likely due to the combination of typecasting, fewer available roles for actresses of her age, and her desire to focus on her marriage to Paul Sloane.
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Films
1 film
