Kathryn McGuire

Kathryn McGuire (December 6, 1903 – October 10, 1978)[1] was an American dancer and silent-film actress.[2][3]

Kathryn McGuire
Born(1903-12-06)December 6, 1903
Peoria, Illinois, U.S.
DiedOctober 10, 1978(1978-10-10) (aged 74)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
OccupationActress, Dancer
Years active1919—1930, 1958–1959
Spouse(s)George Landy (m.1927–1955, his death)
Children1

Early life

Born in Peoria, Illinois, McGuire was said to be recognized by critics and fans alike as one of the rising stars in film. Selected one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars in 1922, she came from a family who had never had a member partake in the acting profession.

At an early age, McGuire's family moved to Aurora, Illinois, and then to Chicago. McGuire received her education from the Jennings Seminary in Aurora, and remained there even after her parents left that city. By the time she graduated at about the age of fourteen, her parents were ready to move to California.

McGuire was highly interested in dancing, and took classes under the leading ballet masters when she arrived in California. Even after her film career kicked off and she became deeply interested in this new employment, she continued to keep up her dancing.

Career

While studying at the Hollywood High School, as well as her dancing, McGuire participated in a program exhibition at the Maryland Hotel in Pasadena.

She was seen by Thomas H. Ince, who immediately offered McGuire a solo number in an upcoming film.[4] Her dancing skills led her not only to find jobs at Ince, but also at Universal and Mack Sennett. It was Sennett who realized that McGuire had genuine acting capabilities along the lines of her talent for dance after she performed a number in a comedy being produced by Sennett. She went on to become featured in Sennett's comedies.[5]

Kathryn McGuire (1923)

McGuire's first serious role came as the "only girl" in The Silent Call (1921). She also starred with Gladys Walton as a second lead in Playing with Fire (1921) for Universal Pictures, as well as in The Flame of Life (1923) with Priscilla Dean.

McGuire did not advance to leading-lady status in dramas, because of her height (about 5 feet tall). However, this circumstance made her an ideal foil for the era's comedy stars, themselves slight in stature. She is probably best remembered today for her ingenue roles opposite Buster Keaton in Sherlock Jr. and The Navigator (both 1924). By the late 1920s she was working steadily for Educational Pictures in two-reel comedies, opposite Charley Bowers or Lupino Lane. She left Educational in 1930, as did Lane.

Personal life

On September 18, 1927, McGuire married George W. Landy, a studio publicity director, in Hollywood.[6] Their marriage ended in 1955 upon his death. They had a daughter, born July 14, 1936.[7] After her husband's death, McGuire returned briefly to acting, playing character roles on television.

Death

McGuire died of cancer in 1978, at age 74, in Los Angeles, California.[1] She was survived by a daughter and a sister.[5]

Partial filmography
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References
  1. Ellenberger, Allan R. (2001). Celebrities in Los Angeles Cemeteries: A Directory. McFarland. p. 180. ISBN 9780786450190. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
  2. AllMovie.com listing
  3. Kathryn McGuire; findagrave.com
  4. Opportunities in the Motion Picture Industry. California, Los Angeles: Photoplay Research Society Bureau of Vocational Guidance. 1922. pp. 74–75. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
  5. "Actress Kathryn McGuire Dies". Santa Cruz Sentinel. California, Santa Cruz. Associated Press. October 13, 1978. p. 44. Retrieved May 10, 2017 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. "Blonde Actress Weds in Church". Ogden Standard-Examiner. Utah, Ogden. Associated Press. September 19, 1927. p. 4. Retrieved May 10, 2017 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. "Hollywood Roundup". Belvidere Daily Republican. Illinois, Belvidere. United Press. July 15, 1936. p. 5. Retrieved May 10, 2017 – via Newspapers.com.
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