Anita Louise
Actor
About Anita Louise
Anita Louise was a delicate and beautiful actress who began her career as a child performer in silent films before successfully transitioning to talkies in the early 1930s. Born Anita Louise Fremault in New York City, she was discovered as a teenager and quickly became known for her ethereal beauty and innocent screen persona. Throughout the 1930s, she worked steadily as a contract player for major studios including Warner Bros. and MGM, often cast as the sweet ingénue or romantic lead opposite some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Her career peaked during this decade with memorable performances in films like 'Madame Du Barry' (1934), 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (1935), and 'The Little Princess' (1939) alongside Shirley Temple. After marrying producer Buddy Adler in 1940, her film appearances became less frequent as she focused more on her personal life and television work in the 1950s. Despite never achieving superstar status, Anita Louise maintained a respected career spanning over three decades, leaving behind a legacy of graceful performances that captured the essence of 1930s Hollywood femininity.
The Craft
On Screen
Anita Louise was known for her natural, understated acting style that emphasized her delicate beauty and gentle demeanor. She specialized in portraying sweet, innocent characters with an ethereal quality that made her particularly popular in the 1930s. Her performances were characterized by a soft-spoken delivery and graceful movements, perfectly suited for period pieces and romantic dramas. Despite being typecast in ingénue roles, she brought depth and sincerity to her characters, avoiding the artificiality that plagued many actresses of her era.
Milestones
- Transition from child actor in silent films to successful talkie actress
- Starred in Warner Bros. production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (1935)
- Appeared alongside Shirley Temple in 'The Little Princess' (1939)
- Worked as contract player for major studios including MGM and Warner Bros.
- Successfully transitioned to television in the 1950s with appearances in popular series
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Anita Louise represented the ideal of 1930s Hollywood femininity with her delicate beauty and gentle screen presence. Her successful transition from silent films to talkies demonstrated the adaptability required of actors during this pivotal era in cinema history. While never reaching the superstar status of contemporaries like Greta Garbo or Katharine Hepburn, she maintained a steady career that exemplified the journey of many contract players who formed the backbone of Hollywood's Golden Age. Her work in prestigious productions like 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' helped legitimize Shakespeare adaptations for mainstream audiences, while her appearances in Shirley Temple films contributed to the child star phenomenon that defined 1930s family entertainment.
Lasting Legacy
Anita Louise's legacy lies in her body of work that captured the essence of 1930s Hollywood elegance and grace. Though largely forgotten by modern audiences, her films remain valuable artifacts of their time, showcasing the acting styles and production values of Golden Age cinema. Her career trajectory from child actor to leading lady to television performer mirrors the evolution of the entertainment industry itself. Her performances continue to be studied by film historians and classic cinema enthusiasts who appreciate the subtle artistry of studio-era acting. Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame serves as a permanent reminder of her contributions to American cinema.
Who They Inspired
While Anita Louise did not revolutionize acting techniques or mentor future stars directly, her consistent professionalism and graceful screen presence influenced how actresses approached period roles and characterizations of innocence in 1930s cinema. Her successful adaptation to different media—from silent films to talkies to television—provided a model for other actors navigating technological changes in the entertainment industry. Her work in Shakespeare adaptations helped pave the way for more sophisticated literary adaptations in Hollywood, demonstrating that classic literature could be successfully commercialized for mainstream audiences.
Off Screen
Anita Louise married film producer Buddy Adler in 1940, a union that lasted until his death in 1960. Adler was a prominent producer at 20th Century Fox who won an Academy Award for producing 'From Here to Eternity' (1953). After Adler's death, she married Henry Berman in 1962, who was an executive at Columbia Pictures. Unlike many Hollywood stars of her era, she maintained a relatively private personal life, avoiding the typical gossip column scandals. She had no children and devoted much of her later life to charitable work and supporting her husband's career endeavors.
Education
Educated at professional schools for child actors in New York City; later took private tutoring while working in films
Family
- Buddy Adler (1940-1960)
- Henry Berman (1962-1970)
Did You Know?
- Began her film career at age 6 as a child actor in silent films
- Was discovered by a talent scout while performing in a school play
- Her birth name was Anita Louise Fremault but she dropped her surname for her stage name
- Stood at 5'3" and was known for her petite, delicate frame
- Was often described as having 'doll-like' features by contemporary press
- Appeared in over 60 films during her career
- Made her television debut in 1951 on 'The Bigelow Theatre'
- Was a close friend of actress Ann Dvorak
- Her final film appearance was in 'The Best Things in Life Are Free' (1956)
- Died of a stroke at age 55 in West Los Angeles
In Their Own Words
I never wanted to be a star, just a good actress. There's a difference.
The camera loves certain faces, and I was lucky enough to have one of them.
Working with Shirley Temple was like working with a miniature adult—she was so professional.
The transition from silent to sound was easier for some than others. I was one of the lucky ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Anita Louise?
Anita Louise was an American actress who worked primarily during Hollywood's Golden Age, known for her delicate beauty and roles in films from the 1930s. She began as a child actor in silent films and successfully transitioned to talkies, appearing in over 60 films throughout her career.
What films is Anita Louise best known for?
Anita Louise is best known for her roles in 'Millie' (1931), 'Madame Du Barry' (1934), 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (1935), 'The Story of Louis Pasteur' (1936), and 'The Little Princess' (1939) alongside Shirley Temple.
When was Anita Louise born and when did she die?
Anita Louise was born on January 9, 1915, in New York City, and died on April 25, 1970, in West Los Angeles, California, at the age of 55.
What awards did Anita Louise win?
While Anita Louise did not receive major acting awards during her career, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard for her contributions to the film industry.
What was Anita Louise's acting style?
Anita Louise was known for her natural, understated acting style characterized by gentle demeanor and graceful movements. She specialized in portraying sweet, innocent characters with an ethereal quality, bringing sincerity and depth to her ingénue roles.
Did Anita Louise work in television?
Yes, Anita Louise successfully transitioned to television in the 1950s, making her debut in 1951 on 'The Bigelow Theatre' and appearing in various popular series throughout the decade, demonstrating her adaptability across different media.
Who did Anita Louise marry?
Anita Louise married film producer Buddy Adler in 1940, remaining with him until his death in 1960. She later married Columbia Pictures executive Henry Berman in 1962, who was her husband until her death in 1970.
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Films
3 films
