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Dolores Costello
Dolores Costello, born on September 17, 1903, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was an American actress who achieved fame during the silent film era and continued her successful career during the early years of sound films. She came from a prominent family of actors and entertainers, with her father Maurice Costello being a popular stage and silent film actor.
Costello began her acting career at a very young age, making her film debut at the age of four in the 1909 short film "A Midsummer Night's Dream." As she grew older, she starred in numerous silent films, establishing herself as one of the leading actresses of the time.
One of her most notable roles was as the female lead in the epic silent film "The Sea Beast" (1926), opposite John Barrymore. Her beauty and acting talent made her a favorite among audiences.
With the advent of sound in films, Costello successfully transitioned into talking pictures and continued to receive critical acclaim for her performances. She appeared in films like "Little Lord Fauntleroy" (1936) and "Show Boat" (1936), showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In the mid-1930s, Dolores Costello decided to retire from acting to focus on her personal life. She married actor John Barrymore, with whom she had two children, including actor John Drew Barrymore.
Though her acting career was relatively short, Dolores Costello left a lasting impact on the film industry and is remembered as a talented actress from Hollywood's golden era. She passed away on March 1, 1979, in Fallbrook, California, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the world of cinema.
Personal Information
1. Family of Actors: Dolores Costello came from a family with a rich history in the entertainment industry. Her father, Maurice Costello, was a well-known stage and silent film actor. Her brother, Helene Costello, and sister, Dolores' twin sister, Helene, were also actresses.
2. Silent Film Stardom: Dolores Costello gained fame as one of the leading actresses of the silent film era, often cast in romantic and dramatic roles.
3. Early Start: Costello began her acting career at a very young age, making her film debut at the age of four in the short film "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (1909).
4. Legendary Co-Stars: She starred alongside iconic actors such as John Barrymore in "The Sea Beast" (1926) and John Gilbert in "Old San Francisco" (1927).
5. The First Film Soundtrack: Costello was part of the cast of the first feature-length film to use a synchronized soundtrack, "Don Juan" (1926), which featured a musical score and sound effects.
6. Retired from Acting: After her marriage to John Barrymore and the birth of their children, Dolores Costello decided to retire from acting in the mid-1930s.
7. Mother of Legendary Actor: Dolores Costello's son, John Drew Barrymore, followed in the family's footsteps and became a well-known actor.
8. Family Legacy: Dolores Costello's granddaughter is actress Drew Barrymore, making her part of the Barrymore acting dynasty that spans several generations.
9. Final Public Appearance: Dolores Costello's final public appearance was at the 1975 Academy Awards ceremony, where she was honored alongside other silent film stars.
10. Preservation of Silent Films: Despite her retirement, Dolores Costello was an advocate for the preservation of silent films and the history of early cinema.
These trivia facts highlight Dolores Costello's significant contributions to the film industry, her connection to the Barrymore acting dynasty, and her impact on the silent film era. She remains a notable figure in Hollywood's history of the early 20th century.
