Mae Marsh Biography

Fast Facts

• In 1957, she won the George Eastman Award designating her as one of the five leading actresses of the silent film era
• Retired from active movie making in 1918 after marrying Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer press agent Louis Lee Arms
• Died of a heart attack at her home after a career that spanned 50 years
• Started her career by playing extras in various movies
• While her older sister worked on films, she worked as a salesgirl and would loiter around the sets
• D․W․ Griffith discovered her while he was watching a Mack Sennett comedy being filmed and was captivated by her frail, wispy look
• Was often cast opposite actor Robert Harron as his on-screen romantic partner
• Became Samuel Goldwyn's original Goldwyn Girl after ending her professional association with D․W․ Griffith
• Her tragic portrayal of a girl swept into the reconstruction period in "The Birth of a Nation" made her one of the most popular actresses of the silent film era
• Returned to film after the Great Depression hit to help support her family and gave a notable performance in the sound film "Over the Hill․"