A pioneering stage and screen actress, known for her captivating performances in plays and films, particularly in the 1910s and 1920s, earning her a legendary status in the American theater.
Laurette Taylor is perhaps best known for originating the role of Amanda Wingfield in the first production of Tennessee Williams' play The Glass Menagerie. Her iconic performance set the tone for the character, and her stamp on the role remains unforgettable to this day. Beyond her work on stage, Taylor was also a silent film star, starring in films like Peg o' My Heart, which was based on a play written by her second husband, J. Hartley Manners.
Laurette Taylor was born Loretta Helen Cooney on April 1, 1884, in New York City to James and Elizabeth Cooney. She was of Irish heritage and had a younger sister, Elizabeth. Taylor's early life was marked by a passion for the performing arts, and she began her career on the stage at a young age.
Taylor married her first husband, Charles Alonzo Taylor, in 1901, at the age of 18. The marriage was short-lived, and they divorced around 1910, leaving her with two children, Dwight Oliver Taylor and Marguerite Courtney. In 1912, she married British-born playwright J. Hartley Manners, with whom she remained until his death in 1928. This marriage led to Taylor losing her U.S. citizenship, which she later reclaimed by naturalization in 1930.
Taylor made her Broadway debut in The Great John Ganton in 1908 and went on to appear in numerous stage productions, including The Ringmaster, Alias Jimmy Valentine, Seven Sisters, Lola Lola, and The Bird of Paradise. One of her most notable stage productions was Laurette Taylor in Scenes From Shakespeare, in which she performed scenes from Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, and The Taming of the Shrew.
In addition to her stage work, Taylor starred in several silent films, including Peg o' My Heart, which was based on a play written by her husband, J. Hartley Manners. A six-reel print of the film survives in the Motion Picture Division of the Library of Congress.
Laurette Taylor's impact on American theater and film is still felt today. Her iconic performance as Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie set the standard for the character, and her work in silent films helped pave the way for future generations of actresses. Taylor's legacy serves as a testament to her talent, dedication, and enduring influence on the performing arts.
Laurette Taylor passed away on December 7, 1946, leaving behind a remarkable body of work and a legacy that continues to inspire and delight audiences to this day.
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