Nina Quartero
Actor
About Nina Quartero
Nina Quartero, born Gladys Quartararo, was a prolific American actress of the early sound era whose career spanned from the late silent period in 1928 through the early 1940s. Born in New York City to Sicilian immigrant parents, she was the youngest of seven children and initially gained attention for her striking dark features, which often led to her being cast in 'exotic' or ethnic roles. She made a significant transition from silent films like 'The Red Mark' (1928) to early talkies, frequently appearing as a supporting player or a romantic foil to major stars. Throughout the 1930s, she worked steadily across various genres, including Westerns with John Wayne and comedies with Laurel and Hardy, before her screen appearances began to diminish in size. By the early 1940s, her roles had largely shifted to uncredited bit parts, leading to her eventual retirement from the film industry in 1943. She spent her later years in California, passing away in 1985 at the age of 77.
The Craft
On Screen
Quartero was often utilized as a 'character lead' or a specialized supporting actress, frequently cast in roles that required a 'Latin' or 'exotic' temperament. In the early sound era, she was known for her expressive facial movements—a holdover from the silent era—and her ability to play spirited, sometimes temperamental characters who served as catalysts for the film's conflict. Her performances in Westerns often involved playing the 'other woman' or a source of romantic rivalry, utilizing a style that balanced dramatic intensity with the physical demands of early outdoor filming.
Milestones
- Starred as Zelie in the James Cruze silent drama 'The Red Mark' (1928)
- Played the role of 'Woolie-Woolie' in the early sound Western 'Men of the North' (1930)
- Appeared as 'Conchita' in the early John Wayne Western 'Arizona' (1931)
- Featured in the Laurel and Hardy comedy 'The Devil's Brother' (1933) as Rita
- Co-starred with John Wayne again in 'The Man from Monterey' (1933) as Anita Garcia
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Featured in vintage film publications such as Photoplay (1928, 1931)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Nina Quartero represents the 'ethnic' archetype common in early Hollywood, where Italian-American actors were frequently marketed as Spanish or Mexican to fit the 'Latin Lover' or 'Spitfire' tropes of the era. Her career illustrates the challenges faced by character actors during the transition from silent to sound film, where her distinct look and accent (or lack thereof) dictated the trajectory of her roles. She contributed to the early Western genre, helping to establish the template for the 'feisty' female lead that would become a staple of the B-Westerns of the 1930s.
Lasting Legacy
While she never achieved top-tier stardom, Quartero's legacy resides in her work as a reliable and versatile supporting actress during Hollywood's formative sound years. She is particularly remembered by fans of John Wayne for her early collaborations with him and by horror enthusiasts for her role in the 1933 version of 'The Monkey's Paw.' Her filmography serves as a comprehensive record of the diverse range of roles available to 'exotic' actresses in the studio system.
Who They Inspired
Quartero influenced the portrayal of 'exotic' supporting characters in early talkies, demonstrating that such roles could be more than just background atmosphere by providing emotional weight to the subplots of Westerns and comedies.
Off Screen
Nina Quartero was married three times. Her first marriage was to John C. Outhet (1934–1937), followed by a marriage to Joseph C. Shea (1937–1939). In 1944, she married William Spencer Hook, a union that lasted until his death in 1974. She had no children. Despite her screen image as a 'Spanish' beauty, she was of 100% Italian descent, born to parents Vincent and Mrs. Quartararo who had immigrated from Sicily.
Education
Educated in Mount Vernon, New York, where she lived before pursuing a film career in Hollywood.
Family
- John C. Outhet (1934-1937)
- Joseph C. Shea (1937-1939)
- William Spencer Hook (1944-1974)
Did You Know?
- She once engaged in a publicity stunt claiming she was betrothed to Notre Dame quarterback Frank Carideo, which he later publicly denied.
- Despite her stage name and the press often calling her Spanish, she was actually of full Italian heritage.
- Her brother, Jack Quartaro, once sued actor Francis Lederer for plagiarism in 1935; Nina testified in court, though the case was lost.
- She appeared in an uncredited role as a bar girl in the classic Gary Cooper Western 'The Virginian' (1929).
- She auditioned for the role of Hedy Lamarr's sister in 'Lady of the Tropics' (1939) but did not get the part.
- Her final film role was a small, uncredited part as a 'girl in bar' in 'A Lady Takes a Chance' (1943), starring John Wayne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nina Quartero?
Nina Quartero was an American film actress active during the late silent era and the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was known for her roles in Westerns and comedies, often playing 'exotic' or spirited supporting characters.
What films is Nina Quartero best known for?
She is best known for 'The Red Mark' (1928), 'Men of the North' (1930), and her appearances alongside John Wayne in 'Arizona' (1931) and 'The Man from Monterey' (1933).
When was Nina Quartero born and when did she die?
She was born on March 17, 1908, in New York City and died on November 23, 1985, in Woodland Hills, California.
What was Nina Quartero's real name?
Her birth name was Gladys Quartararo; she adopted the stage name Nina Quartero for her professional acting career.
Did Nina Quartero win any awards?
Nina Quartero did not win any major competitive awards like an Oscar, as she primarily worked as a supporting actress and in B-movie features.
What was Nina Quartero's acting style?
She was known for an expressive and spirited acting style, often playing temperamental or romantic 'exotic' characters that required high energy and physical presence.
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Films
2 films
