Mary Astor Biography

Fast Facts

• Was discovered by Harry Durant of the film studio Famous Players-Lasky after seeing a photograph of her taken in New York City
• Was given the name Mary Astor by Paramount boss Jesse Lasky
• Was home-schooled, and was taught to play piano by her father, who insisted she practice every day
• Began her career acting in silent films at the age of 14
• Her transition to "talkies" was not a smooth one: her voice was deemed "too deep" at first
• Despite earning a considerable salary, she was eventually left destitute due to her parents' lavish lifestyle and spending
• Wrote two autobiographies; both became best-sellers
• Penned five novels between 1960 and '68