Vonda Phelps
Vonda Phelps was a child stage actress, vaudeville performer and dancer in the 1920s. She appeared in several of silent film productions.
Child prodigy
In May 1924 Phelps participated in Good Fairy, a fantasy play in two acts, at the Philharmonic Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. She performed along with almost twenty other children. Phelps appeared as a dancer at the Christmas program of the Cosmos Club the following December. Her presentation was highlighted by a rendition of Pierrotte Phantasy. The dance was her original creation and demonstrated her unique personality. Phelps gave a similar interpretation of the dance at the Ambassador Theater in Los Angeles. Her performance was part of a concert given by The Children's Opera in June 1926.
Films
Phelps was in two motion pictures in the early 1920s. They are The Man Who Waited (1922) and The Jungle Goddess (1922). She appeared as June as a baby, and Betty as a little girl, respectively.
Ephemeral fame
Her fame as a youth performer did not endure. Phelps is not mentioned in newspaper articles after a reference to her birthday celebration in April 1928. She was given a luncheon at the Elite on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. Guests were entertained at a table replete with a centerpiece of sweet peas rendered in pastel shades. Later the celebrants went to Grauman's Chinese Theater. Fellow silent film star Virginia Marshall was among Phelps' birthday attendants.
References
- Los Angeles Times, Will Have Role In Good Fairy, May 15, 1924, Page A10.
- Los Angeles Times, Cosmos Club, December 7, 1924, Page C26.
- Los Angeles Times, Stars Tomorrow? April 1, 1925, Page C4.
- Los Angeles Times, Talented Child At Benefit Dance, June 4, 1925, Page 20.
- Los Angeles Times, Society of Cinemaland, April 22, 1928, Page C23.