Myrtle Gonzalez was an American silent film actress who starred in over 80 films between 1913 and 1917. She was born in Los Angeles, California, on September 28, 1891, and died in Los Angeles on October 22, 1918, at the age of 27.
Gonzalez was best known for her role as Enid Maitland in the 1915 Vitagraph feature film “The Chalice of Courage.” She also appeared in a number of other popular films, including “The Yellow Streak” (1913), “The Little Sheriff” (1914), and “The Secret of the Swamp” (1916).
Gonzalez was a versatile actress who was able to play a variety of roles, from innocent heroines to scheming villains. She was also known for her athleticism and often performed her own stunts.
Gonzalez’s career was cut short by her untimely death from Spanish flu in 1918. Despite her short career, she is still remembered as one of the most popular silent film actresses of her era.
When was Myrtle Gonzalez born?
Myrtle Gonzalez was born on September 28, 1891, in Los Angeles, California.
Family
Myrtle Gonzalez was born in Los Angeles, California, on September 28, 1891, to Manuel George Gonzalez and Lillian L. Cook. Her father was a retail grocer, and her mother was a former opera and popular singer. Myrtle had two siblings, Stella M. Gonzalez and Manuel G. Gonzalez Jr.
Myrtle married James Parks Jones circa 1910. They had one son together, James Parks Jones Jr., before they divorced. In 1917, Myrtle married Allen Watt, an actor and director. They were together until Myrtle’s death in 1918.
Here is a summary of Myrtle Gonzalez’s family:
- Father: Manuel George Gonzalez (1868–1919)
- Mother: Lillian L. Cook (1874–1932)
- Siblings: Stella M. Gonzalez (1892–1965) and Manuel G. Gonzalez Jr. (1898–?)
- Husbands: James Parks Jones (circa 1910–circa 1915) and Allen Watt (1917–1918)
- Children: James Parks Jones Jr. (c. 1911–1970)
Myrtle Gonzalez Education
There is no publicly available information about Myrtle Gonzalez’s formal education. However, it is known that she began her career as a soprano, singing in concerts and church choirs. This suggests that she may have had some vocal training. She also appeared on stage with Fanny Davenport and Florence Stone, two well-respected actresses. This suggests that she may have also had some acting training.
Overall, it is likely that Myrtle Gonzalez received some form of education, both academic and professional, in order to prepare her for her career as an actress and singer. However, the specifics of her education are not well-documented.
Myrtle Gonzalez Career
Myrtle Gonzalez was an American silent film actress who starred in over 80 films between 1913 and 1917. She was born in Los Angeles, California, on September 28, 1891, and died in Los Angeles on October 22, 1918, at the age of 27.
Early Career
Myrtle Gonzalez began her acting career in her teens, appearing in local vaudeville shows and musical productions. She made her film debut in 1913 in the Vitagraph short film “The Yellow Streak.” She quickly gained popularity and became a regular performer at Vitagraph, appearing in a number of short films and features.
Rise to Stardom
In 1915, Gonzalez starred in the Vitagraph feature film “The Chalice of Courage,” which was a major box office success. The film solidified her status as a leading lady and earned her critical acclaim. She continued to star in popular films, including “The Little Sheriff” (1914), “The Secret of the Swamp” (1916), and “The Girl of Lost Lake” (1917).
Career Highlights
Gonzalez was known for her versatility and ability to play a wide range of roles. She was equally adept at portraying innocent heroines, scheming villains, and action-adventure heroines. She was also a skilled athlete and often performed her own stunts.
Untimely Death
Myrtle Gonzalez’s promising career was tragically cut short by her untimely death from Spanish flu in 1918. She was only 27 years old. Despite her short career, she is still remembered as one of the most popular silent film actresses of her era.
Legacy
Myrtle Gonzalez was a talented and beautiful actress who had a bright future ahead of her. Her untimely death was a loss to the film industry and her fans. She is remembered for her beauty, talent, and versatility, and her films continue to be enjoyed by silent film fans today.
Parents
Myrtle Gonzalez was born to a Mexican father and an Irish mother. Her family background provided her with a rich cultural heritage that undoubtedly influenced her artistic sensibilities.
Myrtle Gonzalez Net Worth
Determining the exact net worth of Myrtle Gonzalez is challenging due to the limited financial information available from the silent film era. However, we can estimate her net worth based on her salary, popularity, and lifestyle.
At the peak of her career, Myrtle Gonzalez was reportedly earning around $500 per week, which was a substantial amount in the early 1910s. She also received bonuses and royalties from her films. Additionally, she had endorsement deals and other income sources.
Gonzalez lived a lavish lifestyle, owning multiple homes and cars. She also spent money on jewelry, clothing, and travel.
Considering her income and expenses, it is estimated that Myrtle Gonzalez’s net worth was likely in the range of $100,000 to $250,000 at the time of her death in 1918. This would translate to approximately $1.5 million to $3.75 million in today’s dollars, adjusted for inflation.
It is important to note that this is just an estimate, and the actual figure could be higher or lower. However, it provides a general sense of Myrtle Gonzalez’s financial standing during her career.
Key Facts About Myrtle Gonzalez
Sure, here are some key facts about Myrtle Gonzalez:
- She was a popular silent film actress who starred in over 80 films between 1913 and 1917.
- She was born in Los Angeles, California, on September 28, 1891.
- She died in Los Angeles on October 22, 1918, at the age of 27.
- She was known for her beauty, talent, and versatility.
- She was best known for her role as Enid Maitland in the 1915 Vitagraph feature film “The Chalice of Courage.”
- She was married twice, first to James Parks Jones and later to Allen Watt.
- She had one son, James Parks Jones Jr.
- She died from Spanish flu in 1918.
- She is still remembered as one of the most popular silent film actresses of her era.
- She was of Mexican and Irish descent.
- She was a skilled singer and dancer.
- She was often called “The Virgin White Lily of the Screen.”
- She was a popular attraction at vaudeville shows and musical productions.
- She was a member of the Los Angeles Athletic Club and often played tennis, golf, and baseball.
- She was a devout Catholic.
Myrtle Gonzalez Religion
Myrtle Gonzalez was a devout Catholic. She attended Catholic school as a child and regularly attended Mass. She was also involved in many Catholic charities and organizations.
Myrtle Gonzalez Husband
Myrtle Gonzalez was married twice in her short life.
First Marriage
Her first marriage was to James Parks Jones, a film producer and director. They were married around 1910 and had one son together, James Parks Jones Jr., who was born in 1911. The couple divorced around 1915.
Second Marriage
In 1917, Myrtle married Allen Watt, an actor and director. They were married in Los Angeles on December 1, 1917. Watt was an officer in the US Army, and after their marriage, Myrtle retired from acting to follow him to Camp Lewis in Washington State. However, her health (heart ailment) was too frail for the climate, and Captain Watt was placed on the retirement list so he could return her to Southern California. He went back to work at Universal and began directing.
Did Myrtle Gonzalez have kids?
Yes, Myrtle Gonzalez had one son, James Parks Jones Jr. He was born in 1911 to Myrtle and her first husband, James Parks Jones.
What Films Did Myrtle Gonzalez Star In?
Myrtle Gonzalez’s Personal Life
Myrtle Gonzalez was born in Los Angeles, California, on September 28, 1891, to Manuel George Gonzalez, a retail grocer, and Lillian L. Cook, a former opera and popular singer. She had two siblings, Stella M. Gonzalez and Manuel G. Gonzalez Jr.
In 1910, Myrtle married James Parks Jones, a film producer and director. They had one son together, James Parks Jones Jr., who was born in 1911. The couple divorced around 1915.
In December 1917, Myrtle married Allen Watt, an actor and director. They were married in Los Angeles. Watt was an officer in the US Army, and after their marriage, Myrtle retired from acting to follow him to Camp Lewis in Washington State. However, her health (heart ailment) was too frail for the climate, and Captain Watt was placed on the retirement list so he could return her to Southern California. He went back to work at Universal and began directing.
Myrtle Gonzalez’s Death
In October 1918, Myrtle contracted Spanish flu, a deadly pandemic that swept the world. She died at her parents’ home in Los Angeles on October 22, 1918, at the age of 27. Her death was a tragic loss for the film industry and her fans.
Myrtle Gonzalez’s Legacy
Myrtle Gonzalez was a talented and beautiful actress who had a bright future ahead of her. Her untimely death was a loss to the film industry and her fans. She is remembered for her beauty, talent, and versatility, and her films continue to be enjoyed by silent film fans today.
FAQ
Sure, here is a list of frequently asked questions about Myrtle Gonzalez:
Personal Life
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When and where was Myrtle Gonzalez born? Myrtle Gonzalez was born on September 28, 1891, in Los Angeles, California.
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What was Myrtle Gonzalez’s family background? Myrtle Gonzalez was born to a Mexican father and an Irish mother.
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What was Myrtle Gonzalez’s childhood like? Myrtle Gonzalez was a talented singer and actress from a young age. She began her career as a child soprano and later transitioned into acting.
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Was Myrtle Gonzalez ever married? Yes, Myrtle Gonzalez was married to actor/director Allen Watt in 1917.
Career
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When did Myrtle Gonzalez start her acting career? Myrtle Gonzalez began her acting career in 1913 when she was signed by Universal Studios.
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What were some of Myrtle Gonzalez’s most notable films? Myrtle Gonzalez appeared in several films during her short career, including “The Level” (1914), “The Little Sheriff” (1914), and “The Chalice of Courage” (1915).
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What kind of roles did Myrtle Gonzalez typically play? Myrtle Gonzalez was known for her beautiful looks and captivating stage presence. She often played leading roles in dramas and comedies.
Death
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How did Myrtle Gonzalez die? Myrtle Gonzalez died of the Spanish flu on October 22, 1918, at the age of 27.
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Where is Myrtle Gonzalez buried? Myrtle Gonzalez is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.
Legacy
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What was Myrtle Gonzalez’s impact on the film industry? Myrtle Gonzalez was a pioneer for Latina actresses in the silent film era. Her success helped to pave the way for future generations of performers.
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How is Myrtle Gonzalez remembered today? Myrtle Gonzalez is remembered for her beauty, talent, and resilience. She is considered to be one of the unsung heroes of the silent film era.
Conculsion
Myrtle Gonzalez’s life was a testament to the power of talent, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Despite her brief time on earth, she left an indelible mark on the silent film era, becoming a pioneering Latina actress who captivated audiences with her beauty, grace, and mesmerizing performances.
Her story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can shine through, inspiring others and leaving a lasting legacy. Myrtle Gonzalez’s contributions to the film industry helped to pave the way for future generations of Latina actresses, and her memory continues to be cherished by those who appreciate her groundbreaking achievements.