Carmelita Geraghty
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Carmelita Geraghty (born on March 21, 1901 in Rushville, Indiana, USA; died July 7, 1966 in New York, USA) was an American silent-film actress.
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Her father was screenwriter Tom Geraghty. She was the sister of writers Maurice Geraghty and Gerard Geraghty.
Although born in Indiana she was educated mostly in New York City. She went on to be a graduate of the Hollywood High School. Despite her parents' wish to keep her at home, Carmelita went off to become a movie star, and especially her father was not quick to approve of his daughter's new employment.
Carmelita started work out as an extra in the early 1920s, using a fictitious name until getting her big break. She was selected as one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars of 1924. Carmelita soon became a favorite leading lady for directors.
In a review of one of her first films the New York Times commented that Geraghty gives the only performance worth mentioning. She has very pretty eyes and obviously would be able to make her acting count for something in a more dramatic vehicle.
When the age of sound dawned Carmelita's career began to crumble. Her roles began to be much smaller. Her last film role was in Phantom of Santa of Fe (1936). She then retired from film altogether.
She became a very accomplished artist about ten years after leaving motion pictures. Her painting style was reminiscent of French Impressionism. In the last years of her life her artwork was put on display at the Weil Gardens in Paris.
She married MGM writer/producer Carey Wilson, and the marriage ended in 1962 upon his death. Wilson worked on the Andy Hardy and Dr. Kildaire films. Geraghty's father had written scenarios for Douglas Fairbanks Sr..
Carmelita Geraghty died of a heart attack in 1966 in New York, New York at the Lombardy Hotel, 111 East 56th Street. She was 65 years old. She was returning to her home in Los Angeles, California after a month's exhibition of her work at the Weil Galleries. Her funeral and burial was in Los Angeles.
- New York Times, Carmelita Geraghty Dies at 65; Painter Played in Silent Films, July 8, 1966, Page 26.