Laurette Taylor

Date of Birth: April 1, 1883

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: December 7, 1946

Biography

Laurette Taylor, born Helen Loretta Cooney, was an acclaimed American stage and silent film actress, celebrated for her emotional depth and naturalistic acting style. She was born on April 1, 1883, in New York City, New York. Taylor is best known for her iconic role as Amanda Wingfield in Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie,” which she first performed in 1944. Her portrayal of Amanda is often cited as one of the greatest performances in the history of American theater. Taylor began her acting career in vaudeville and made her Broadway debut in 1908. She quickly rose to prominence with her role in “Peg o’ My Heart” (1912), a play written by her then-husband, J. Hartley Manners. The play was a massive success and ran for over 600 performances, solidifying her reputation as a leading actress of her time. Despite her professional success, Taylor struggled with personal issues, including alcoholism, which impacted her career. However, her remarkable talent ensured that she remained a respected figure in the theater world until her death on December 7, 1946, in New York City.

5 Interesting Facts about Laurette Taylor

1. Laurette Taylor was known for her naturalistic acting style, which was ahead of its time and influenced future generations of actors.

2. She was married twice, first to Charles A. Taylor and then to playwright J. Hartley Manners, who wrote “Peg o’ My Heart” specifically for her.

3. Taylor’s performance in “The Glass Menagerie” was so powerful that Tennessee Williams himself praised her as the definitive Amanda Wingfield.

4. Despite her struggles with alcoholism, Taylor managed to stage several comebacks throughout her career, demonstrating her resilience and dedication to her craft.

5. She has been posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to the entertainment industry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Laurette Taylor

1. “Acting is the physical representation of a mental picture and the projection of an emotional concept.”

2. “The real joy of acting is in the process of becoming someone else.”

3. “The stage is a magic circle where only the most real things happen.”

4. “It is not the applause that counts, but the satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best.”

5. “Every character we play is a part of us, and every role makes us more whole.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Laurette Taylor’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a substantial amount for her time.

Children

Laurette Taylor had two children with her first husband, Charles A. Taylor: a son, Dwight Taylor, who became a successful screenwriter and director, and a daughter, Marguerite Courtney, who pursued a career in acting.