It is very important to remember “Queen of the Silent Screen” “Myrtle Gonzalez” today, especially as we recognize the effect of diversity in film. People who are trying to reach their goals can find inspiration in her story.
During her career, Myrtle Gonzalez was one of the most praised actresses in silent movies. She left an indelible mark on both her fans and the business itself. Both viewers and reviewers were immediately drawn to her natural beauty and wide range of emotions.
Her bobbed hair and expressive eyes showed that she was defiant. It was because of her acting that stereotypes were broken and more Latina actresses were able to work in popular movies.
During the silent movie era, Myrtle Gonzalez was the most famous actress in Hollywood. Her captivating roles and alluring personality made her a star, and people today are slowly realizing how important her legacy is.
Unfortunately, the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic cut short her short life. But her legacy goes on and inspires us even today.
Biography
| Information: | Details: |
| Full Name | Myrtle Gonzalez |
| Birthdate | September 28, 1891 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Ethnicity | Mexican-Irish |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Active Years | 1913-1918 |
| Number of Films | Over 80 Movies, Dramas, and Shows |
| Notable Films | The Level (1914), The Chalice of Courage (1915), The Girl of Lost Lake (1916) |
| Known Roles | Cowgirls, Western heroines, independent women |
| Family | Father: Manuel Gonzalez (grocer), Mother: Lillian L. Cook, Siblings: Stella M. Gonzalez, Manuel G. Gonzalez, Jr. |
| Husbands | Allen Watt (married 1914-1916), J. Parks Jones (married 1917-1918) |
| Height | Was around 5’4″ |
| Death | At the Age of 27 on October 22, 1918, in Los Angeles, California, USA (Spanish flu was the cause of her death) |
The Life of Myrtle Gonzalez
From a very young age, Myrtle Gonzalez loved singing and dancing at town events. Director Thomas Ince saw how talented she was when she was in a local theatre play. When she was only 19, she made her film debut in the silent western “The Invaders” (1912), which was the start of her successful career in Hollywood. She then went on to be in films like “One Law for Both” (1917), “The Serpent” (1915), and “The Easter Lily” (1915).
People loved Myrtle’s beauty and charm, which made her one of the most famous actors of her time. She was called “La Única,” which means “the unique one,” because she was so lively and funny.
In addition to being a great actress, Myrtle paved the way for women in the movie business. During a time when female performers were often stuck in standard parts, Myrtle played complex female characters that broke gender norms.
Early Life of Mrytle
Francisco Gonzalez and Maria Rodriguez had five children, and Myrtle Gonzalez was the youngest.
Myrtle learned about different languages and countries as she grew up in the busy city of Los Angeles. In Gonzalez’s neighborhood, people of different races lived together. Her parents spoke Spanish, and she learned English from her school friends.
When Myrtle was 14, she met a travelling comedy show that came to her school and changed her life. She was so interested in the stage that she talked her parents into letting her join the group as an assistant. This was the start of her love for acting, and she knew she wanted to make it her job.
Myrtle Gonzalez Career
She married actor and director Allen Watt (1885–1944) in Los Angeles on December 1, 1917. She quit working in movies and went into retirement. Watt worked at Universal as an assistant director, which is where they met. Watt was an officer in the US Army when they got married. The US had already joined World War I. He worked at Camp Lewis, which is close to Tacoma, Washington.
Sanchez’s health was too weak for the weather, so Capt. Watt was put on the retiring list so he could take her back to Southern California. He went back to work at Universal and started to make movies.[needs reference]
Gonzalez died at the age of 27 during the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak that spread all over the world. She was on the phone with her parents at 908 West Thirty-first Street in Los Angeles when she died.
In the United States on November 23, 2022, she was in a Google Doodle. The short film The Level (1914), in which she starred, came out 100 years ago on November 23.
Personal life and death
She married actor and director Allen Watt (1885–1944) in Los Angeles on December 1, 1917. She quit working in movies and went into retirement. Watt worked at Universal as an assistant director, which is where they met. Watt was an officer in the US Army when they got married. The US had already joined World War I. He worked at Camp Lewis, which is close to Tacoma, Washington.
Sanchez’s health was too weak for the weather, so Capt. Watt was put on the retiring list so he could take her back to Southern California. He went back to work at Universal and started to make movies.[needs reference]
Gonzalez died at the age of 27 during the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak that spread all over the world. She was on the phone with her parents at 908 West Thirty-first Street in Los Angeles when she died.
In the United States on November 23, 2022, she was in a Google Doodle. The short film The Level (1914), in which she starred, came out 100 years ago on November 23.
Myrtle Gonzalez Marriage & Relations
In terms of love, Myrtle was married twice during her lifetime. He was a silent movie director, and they got married for the first time in 1913. After being married for six years, they split up because they didn’t get along anymore. The second time Myrtle got married was in 1929, this time to film director Allen McNeil. They stayed together until he died in 1950.
Even though her love life was hard, Myrtle kept a good attitude and worked hard at her job. She also made strong bonds in the movie business, such as with actresses Dolores Del Rio and Ramona Novarro.
The way Myrtle dressed was a part of her personal life that got a lot of attention from the media. During the silent film era, Myrtle was known as a fashion star for the stylish clothes she wore on and off screen.
The Remarkable Works of Myrtle Gonzalez
Gonzalez had a great career. He was in 80 films, starting with “The Yellow Streak.” At Vitagraph, she became known for the work she did with William Desmond Taylor. In 1913 and 1914, Myrtle Gonzalez and Taylor worked together on five films. These were comedies like “Her Husband’s Friend” and “Millions for Defence,” and tragedies like “Tainted Money,” “The Kiss,” and “Captain Alvarez.”
“The Level,” one of Gonzalez’s well-known movies, came out on November 23. She moved to Universal Studios after working at Vitagraph for a few years and got parts in films like “The Secret of the Swamp” and “The Girl of Lost Lake,” which made her a more well-known outdoor character.
Last Words
Myrtle Gonzalez was a pioneer, a fashion icon, and a popular actress, but she also had a lot of problems. Her story continues to motivate and show the way for new generations. It makes us think of how talented people are and how special people like Myrtle leave an indelible mark on the world of movies.
FAQ’s
When did Myrtle Gonzalez die and at what age?
She died on November 22, 1918, when she was 27 years old.
What are the famous movies of Myrtle Gonzalez?
Her films like “The Invaders” (1912), “The Chalice of Courage” (1915), “The Little American” (1917), and “Fatty’s Plucky Pup” (1915) are well-known.
What was the cause of Myrtle Gonzalez’s death?
During the Spanish flu outbreak of 1918, Myrtle Gonzalez passed away. The flu killed her too soon, when she was only 27 years old.
