Carmelita Geraghty
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Carmelita Geraghty (b. March 21, 1901, Rushville, Indiana - d. July 7, 1966, Manhattan) was an American silent-film actress.
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[edit] Early life
Her father was screenwriter Tom Geraghty. She was the sister of writers Maurice Geraghty and Gerard Geraghty.
Although born in Indiana she was educated mostly in New York City. She went on to be a graduate of the Hollywood High School. Though her parents wished her to stay at home, she went off to become a movie star. Her father in particular was slow approve of his daughter's new employment.
[edit] Career
She started work out as an extra in the early 1920s, using a fictitious name until getting her big break. She was selected as one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars of 1924. She soon became a favorite leading lady for directors.
In a review of one of her first films the New York Times commented that Geraghty "gives the only performance worth mentioning. She has very pretty eyes and obviously would be able to make her acting count for something in a more dramatic vehicle."[1]
When the age of sound dawned Carmelita's career began to crumble. Her roles began to be much smaller. Her last film role was in Phantom of Santa of Fe (1936). She then retired from film altogether.
She became a very accomplished artist about ten years after leaving motion pictures. Her painting style was reminiscent of French Impressionism. In the last years of her life her artwork was put on display at the Weil Gardens in Paris.
She married MGM writer/producer Carey Wilson, and the marriage ended in 1962 upon his death. Wilson worked on the Andy Hardy and Dr. Kildaire films. Geraghty's father had written scenarios for Douglas Fairbanks Sr..
Carmelita Geraghty died of a heart attack in 1966 at the Lombardy Hotel in Manhattan, aged 65. She was returning to her home in Los Angeles, California after a month's exhibition of her work at the Weil Galleries.
[edit] References
- Hall, Mourdant (1925). "The Screen." New York Times. June 30.
- (1966). "Carmelita Geraghty Dies at 65; Painter Played in Silent Films." New York Times. July 8.
[edit] References
- ^ Hall 22.
