Frances Lee American film actress Date of Birth: 05.05.1906 Country: USA

Biography of Frances Lee

Frances Lee, an American actress, was born under the name Merna Tibbetts in Eagle Grove, Iowa, USA. She excelled in school and initially planned to become a teacher before pursuing a career in dance. Taking dance lessons led her to catch the attention of Gus Edwards, the owner of a theater in New York City. Edwards believed that Frances belonged on his stage, and she joined the cast of "The Ziegfeld Follies" in 1923.

Frances was then hired by director, screenwriter, and producer Al Christie for his production called "Christie Comedies." In the mid-1920s, the Iowa native moved to Hollywood to further her acting career. She landed her first film role in 1924 in the comedy short film "Hello and Goodbye." This role caught the attention of film studios, launching Frances' successful career in silent films. She had no shortage of roles, appearing in three films in 1925 and increasing to seven films a year in 1926.

Frances became a frequent guest at the home of Mary Pickford, one of the founders of United Artists studio, and Douglas Fairbanks, the star of "The Thief of Bagdad" in 1924. She also befriended many other Hollywood legends of the time, including pop icon and sex symbol Rudolph Valentino, who passed away in August 1926. In 1927, Frances solidified her position as one of the "WAMPAS Baby Stars," along with Sally Phipps and Barbara Kent.

The most productive year for Frances was 1928, appearing in nine films, with the most memorable being "Sweeties" alongside Bobby Vernon. However, the following year broke records, as Frances was cast in ten films, including a leading role in "Stage Struck Susie" with Eddie Barry. She also earned a starring role as Eileen Stanley in the film "Divorce Made Easy" alongside Marie Prevost and Douglas MacLean. In 1929, Frances married Alexander Bennett, the brother of Italian silent film actress Enid Bennett. Famous Hollywood legends such as Enid's husband, film producer Fred Niblo, actresses Gloria Swanson and Greta Garbo, as well as actors Rod La Rocque and John Gilbert, attended their wedding.

Although the transition from silent to sound films was not as successful for Frances as it was for some of her colleagues, many of whom disappeared from the industry entirely, she continued her acting career. Her first sound film was "Down with Husbands" in 1930, followed by the comedy short film "The Stronger Sex" with Carmel Myers. Comparing Frances' success before and after the transition is futile. From 1931 to 1935, she appeared in only seven films, one of which she played the leading female role in the romantic comedy "The Gay Deception" with Francis Lederer. Her attempt to lead the cast in the film "King Kong" in 1933 was also unsuccessful, as Faye Wray ultimately took the leading role.

In 1935, Frances retired from acting and shifted her focus to interior design. She also returned to her initial plans and obtained a higher education degree in education. Frances lived with her husband in Brentwood until they moved to Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, in 1972. For several years, she worked as a children's librarian. Frances Lee passed away at the age of 94 on November 5, 2000.