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Norma Talmadge

May 26, 1894 - Dec 24, 1957 (63 years old) in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA

Norma Talmadge started her career in one-reelers in 1909 for Vitagraph, playing bit roles as a young teenager starting. As she continually worked at the studio over the next several years, her parts grew until she frequently started as the leading lady.

Her young promising career got a huge boost after her marriage to exhibitor Joseph M. Schenck. Together, they formed the Norma Talmadge Film Corporation in 1917 and began producing Star vechiles for Talmadge. Specializing in melodramas and woman’s pictures, Talmadge became one of the biggest stars of the 1920s, starting in hits such as Smilin’ Through, Secrets, The Lady, and Kiki.

With her star already fading when the talkie revolution swept Hollywood, Talmadge made just two sound films before retiring from the screen. Although largely forgotten today, Talmadge was a pioneering producer and director who stood as one of the most popular and powerful women in early Hollywood.

Known For

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Show People
Self (uncredited)
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In Hollywood with Potash and Perlmutter
Herself
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Screen Snapshots (Series 22, No. 10)
Self (archive footage)
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Ashes of Vengeance
Yolande de Breux
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The Lovesick Maidens of Cuddleton
lovesick maiden
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Secrets
Mary Carlton
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Du Barry, Woman of Passion
Madame Du Barry
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The Lady
Polly Pearl
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New York Nights
Jill Deverne
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Kiki
Kiki

Credits