| Birth: | Nov. 9, 1869 | | Death: | Jul. 28, 1934 | 
Actress. Born in Cobourg, Ontario Canada with the name Leila Koerber, she made her first public appearance at the age of five, when she appeared as Cupid on a pedestal in a church theatrical performance. She wrote in her memoirs that she was instructed by her father to remain still, but she claims that the stool didn't and subsequently she fell into the arms of another performer to the howling delight of the audience. She claims that that moment was when she became 'bit by the acting bug'. She hooked up with a traveling acting troupe while in her teens, changing her name to Marie Dressler (after an aunt) because her family frowned upon acting as a profession. Soon she was discovered by Maurice Barrymore, father of Ethel, John and Lionel who capitalized on her comedic abilities in a string of Broadway productions. Hollywood came knocking in 1914, asking her to repirse a role that she made popular on stage, that of Tillie Banks, the gullible farmer's daughter in Tillie's Punctured Romance. The film was a huge success and helped to launch the career of Charlie Chaplin who appeared as her cheating boyfriend. Dressler's own career in film didn't take off at that point however, many blaming it on the changing times. As Hollywood entered the 1920s, there didn't seem to be any room for a portly, and somewhat homely comedienne. She returned to Broadway where she continued to work on stage until 1917 when she was blacklisted as a result of her part in a chorus girl strike. By 1927, all but forgetten, her friend and MGM screenwriter managed to land her a part in 'The Joy Girl'. One thing led to another, and within a couple of years, the actress had found a new legion of fans who were attracted to her range of comedic roles. Dressler appeared in Greta Garbo's first talking picture, Anna Christie, practically stealing the show as a drunken dock-side bar patron. She played a similar character in Min and Bill (1930) for which she recieved the Academy Award for Best Actress. She played a matronly gossip in Let us Be Gay (1930) with Norma Shearer, and a uptight prude in Politics (1930) with Polly Moran, one of her regular co-stars. Other roles included the title character in Emma (1933), (for which she was also nominated), and Tugboat Annie (1932). Considered one of Hollywood's great comeback stories, Dressler's films were huge hits, making her the top box office draw for two years straight. At the height of her newfound success, she was stricken with cancer. She continued to work despite failing health, occasionally having to halt production due to mounting pain. (bio by: Patrick R)
Cause of death: Cancer
Search Amazon for Marie Dressler | | | Burial:
Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale)
Glendale
Los Angeles County
California, USA
Plot: Great Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Benediction |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Record added: Jan 01, 2001
Find A Grave Memorial# 300 |
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Tugboat Annie was great. No one could fill your shoes no matter hard they tried to. You were great. They need to make these types of movies again.
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AnneBoleynTudor
Added: Nov. 21, 2009 |
Love to you my Darling.
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Roger Kish
Added: Nov. 11, 2009 |
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R!
Added: Nov. 10, 2009 |
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(4.3 after 102 votes)
