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 came to an untimely end due to her death from the Spanish flu in 1918. Despite her brief career, people still remember her as one of the most popular silent film actresses of her era.
Gonzalez’s premature death from Spanish flu in 1918 ended her career prematurely. She was one of the most well-liked silent cinema actresses of her day, despite having a brief career.
When was Myrtle Gonzalez born?
On September 28, 1891, Myrtle Gonzalez was born in Los Angeles, California. Manuel George Gonzalez and Lillian L. Cook welcomed Myrtle Gonzalez into the world on September 28, 1891, in Los Angeles, California. Her mother was a former opera and popular singer, while her father worked as a retail grocer. Manuel G. Gonzalez Jr. and Stella M. Gonzalez were Myrtle’s two siblings.
Around 1910, Myrtle was married to James Parks Jones. Before getting divorced, they had one kid together, James Parks Jones Jr. Actor and director Allen Watt wed Myrtle in 1917. They remained partners until 1918 when Myrtle passed away.
The family of Myrtle Gonzalez is summarised as follows:
- Manuel George Gonzalez, the father (1868–1919)
- Lillian L. Cook, mother (1874–1932)
- Manuel G. Gonzalez Jr. (1898–?) and Stella M. Gonzalez (1892–1965) were siblings.
- Husbands: Allen Watt (1917–1918) and James Parks Jones (c. 1910–c. 1915)
- James Parks Jones Jr., a child (c. 1911–1970)
The Education of Myrtle Gonzalez
Myrtle Gonzalez’s official schooling history is not known to the public. She did, however, start out as a soprano and sang in church choirs and performances. This implies that she could have had voice instruction. She also shared the stage with two renowned actors, Florence Stone and Fanny Davenport. This implies that she could have had acting instruction as well.
In general, it is probable that Myrtle Gonzalez underwent some kind of professional or academic training to get ready for her career as an actress and singer. Her educational background is not well-documented, though.
The career of Myrtle Gonzalez
Between 1913 and 1917, Myrtle Gonzalez, an American silent cinema actress, appeared in more than eighty films. She passed away in Los Angeles, California, on October 22, 1918, at the age of 27, and was born there on September 28, 1891.
Early Professional Life
In her teenage years, Myrtle Gonzalez started her acting career by participating in regional musical plays and vaudeville performances. Her first motion picture appearance was in the Vitagraph short film “The Yellow Streak” in 1913. She became well-known very fast, performed frequently at Vitagraph, and starred in several movies and short films.
Ascent to Fame
Gonzalez played in “The Chalice of Courage,” a Vitagraph feature picture that was a huge box office hit in 1915. She received critical praise and cemented her position as a leading woman with the picture. Her roles in hit films such as “The Little Sheriff” (1914), “The Secret of the Swamp” (1916), and “The Girl of Lost Lake” (1917) persisted.
Highlights of Your Career
Gonzalez was renowned for her adaptability and capacity to fill a variety of parts. She was equally skilled at playing action-adventure heroines, cunning villains, and naive heroines. She was an accomplished athlete as well, often pulling off her own feats.
Unexpected Death
Myrtle Gonzalez’s premature death from the Spanish flu in 1918 unfortunately ended her bright career. Her age was barely 27. She was one of the most well-liked silent cinema actresses of her day, despite having a brief career.
History
Actress Myrtle Gonzalez was gifted and attractive, and she had a promising future. Both her admirers and the film business mourned her premature passing. Silent cinema enthusiasts still appreciate her works because of her beauty, skill, and adaptability.
Parents
Irish mother and Mexican father welcomed Myrtle Gonzalez into the world. Her vast cultural experience from her familial background surely inspired her artistic sensibility.
Myrtle Gonzalez’s Salary
Myrtle Gonzalez’s actual net worth is difficult to ascertain because there isn’t much financial data from the silent film period to go on. Nevertheless, taking into account her income, notoriety, and way of life, we may calculate her net worth.
Myrtle Gonzalez allegedly made $500 a week at the height of her career, which was a significant sum in the early 1910s. She also got royalties and bonuses from her flicks. She also has additional sources of income including sponsorship deals.
Gonzalez had many residences and vehicles and had an opulent lifestyle. She also spent cash on trips, clothes, and jewelry.
It is estimated that Myrtle Gonzalez’s net worth at the time of her death in 1918 was probably between $100,000 and $250,000, taking into account her income and expenses. After accounting for inflation, this would be equivalent to between $1.5 million and $3.75 million in modern currency.
It is crucial to remember that this is only an estimate, and the real amount may differ. Nonetheless, it offers a broad picture of Myrtle Gonzalez’s financial situation throughout her professional life.
First union
Film producer and director James Parks Jones was her first husband. James Parks Jones Jr., their only child, was born in 1911 after they were wed about 1910. The couple separated around 1915 or so.
Remarried Again
Actor and director Allen Watt wed Myrtle in 1917. On December 1, 1917, in Los Angeles, they were married. Myrtle gave up acting to accompany Watt, an officer in the US Army, to Camp Lewis in Washington State following their marriage. But because of her heart condition, which made her too weak for the weather, Captain Watt was put on the retirement list so he could take her back to Southern California. He resumed his job at Universal and started directing.
Myrtle Gonzalez’s Life
On September 28, 1891, Myrtle Gonzalez was born in Los Angeles, California. Her parents were Lillian L. Cook, a former opera and popular singer, and Manuel George Gonzalez, a retail grocer. Manuel G. Gonzalez Jr. and Stella M. Gonzalez were her siblings.
Film producer and director James Parks Jones wed Myrtle in 1910. James Parks Jones Jr. was their only child and was born in 1911. The couple separated around 1915 or so.
Actor and director Allen Watt wed Myrtle in December 1917. Los Angeles is where they got married. Myrtle gave up acting to accompany Watt, an officer in the US Army, to Camp Lewis in Washington State following their marriage. But because of her heart condition, which made her too weak for the weather, Captain Watt was put on the retirement list so he could take her back to Southern California. He resumed his job at Universal and started directing.
Conclusion
Myrtle Gonzalez’s life served as an example of the strength of ability, resiliency, and pursuing one’s goals. Though her life was short, she had a lasting impression on the silent cinema period as a trailblazing Latina actress who enthralled audiences with her elegance, beauty, and captivating performances.
Her experience serves as a reminder that the human spirit can persevere in the face of hardship, inspiring others and creating a lasting legacy.
Myrtle Gonzalez’s breakthrough successes in the film business paved the way for subsequent generations of Latina actors, and those who value it still appreciate her memory.
FAQ
When and where was Myrtle Gonzalez born?
Myrtle Gonzalez was born on September 28, 1891, in Los Angeles, California.
What was Myrtle Gonzalez’s family background?
Myrtle Gonzalez was born to a Mexican father and an Irish mother.
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.
Was Myrtle Gonzalez ever married?
Yes, Myrtle Gonzalez was married to actor/director Allen Watt in 1917.
