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Kathryn McGuire
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kathryn McGuire (December 6, 1903 - October 10, 1978) was an American silent-film actress and dancer.
Born in Peoria, Illinois, she 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 before.
At an early age, Kathryn's family moved to Aurora, Illinois and then to Chicago. Kathryn 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.
Kathryn 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.
While studying at the Hollywood High School, as well as her dancing, she participated in a program exhibition at the Maryland Hotel in Pasadena. Among the spectators was Thomas H. Ince, who immediately offered Kathryn a solo number in a production he was making. 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 Kathryn had genuine acting capabilities along the lines of her talent for dance after she performed a number in a comedy being produced by Sennett.
Her first serious role came as the only girl in "The Silent Call". She is probably best remembered today for the parts of The Girl and Betsy O'Brien, alongside Buster Keaton, in "Sherlock Jr." and "The Navigator" respectively. She also starred with Gladys Walton as a second lead in "Playing with Fire" for Universal, as well as in "The Lass o' Lowries" with Priscilla Dean. By 1930, however, her film career had ended.
Kathryn married George Landy and their marriage ended in 1955 upon his death.
Kathryn McGuire died of cancer in 1978 in Los Angeles, California.