This page uses content from the Ethel Clayton biography page on the English version of Wikipedia and is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. This list of authors can be seen in the page history. Rotten Tomatoes disclaims any and all warranties as to the accuracy or reliability of the content.

Ethel Clayton (November 8, 1882-June 6, 1966) was an American actresses of the silent film era.

Silent Film Performer

Clayton's screen debut came in 1909, in a short called Justified. In 1912 she made her feature length debut in For the Love of a Girl. The film was directed by Barry O'Neil. Ethel was cast with Harry Myers, Charles Arthur, and Peter Lang. She was also directed by William Demille, Robert G. Vignola, George Melford, Donald Crisp, Dallas M. Fitzgerald, and Clifford Sanforth.

Like all silent film stars Ethel Clayton's career was hurt by the coming of sound to motion pictures. She continued her career in small parts in movies until she retired in 1948. Her screen credits number more than 180.

Private Life

In 1931 Ethel obtained a California Superior Court order enjoining former business partner, W.L. Rucker, from disposing of 316 pearls. Clayton and Rucker agreed to purchase a cosmetics business and the pearls had been entrusted to Rucker to raise money. The deal fell through and he refused to return the jewels. Rucker admitted to possessing the pearls but claimed they had been pledged as security for a $125 loan. The pearls were valued at $20,000.

Once married to silent film star Ian Keith, she was married to actor Joseph Kaufman until his death in 1918. The actress was divorced from Keith on two occasions. In both suits she accused him of cruelty and excessive drinking. Clayton and Keith were married in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1928 and first separated on January 13, 1931.

Death

Ethel Clayton died in June 1966 at St. John's Hospital in Oxnard, California. She was 82 years old. The actress has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

References

• New York Times, Sues For 316 Pearls, March 26, 1931, Page 56.
• New York Times, Decree To Ethel Clayton, February 27, 1932, Page 20.
• New York Times, Film Couple Re-Divorced, July 20, 1932, Page 20.
• New York Times, Ethel Clayton, June 12, 1966, Page 86.

External link

• Ethel Clayton at findagrave

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