Edna Purviance

Edna Purviance (October 21 1895 – January 11 1958) was an American actress during the silent movie era. She was the leading lady in many Charlie Chaplin movies. In a span of eight years, she appeared in over 30 films with Chaplin.

Biography

Edna Purviance was born in Paradise Valley, Nevada to Louise and Madison Gates Purviance. At the age of three, her family moved to Lovelock, Nevada to take part in the hotel industry. In 1902, her parents were divorced and her mother was later re-married to Robert Nurnberger, a German plumber. Growing up, Purviance was a talented piano player. Upon her high school graduation in 1913, Purviance attended business college in San Francisco.

Related Topics:
Paradise Valley, Nevada - Lovelock, Nevada - 1902 - German - Plumber - Piano - 1913 - San Francisco

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In 1915, Charlie Chaplin was working on his second film with Essanay Studios, working out of Niles, California, one hour southeast of San Francisco. Chaplin was looking for a leading lady to appear in his film, A Night Out. One of Chaplin's associates noticed Purviance at a Tate's Café in San Francisco and thought she should be casted in the film. Chaplin arranged a meeting with Purviance and while he thought that she was too serious for a comedic role, she handily won the part.

Related Topics:
1915 - Charlie Chaplin - Essanay Studios - Niles, California - A Night Out - San Francisco

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From 1915-1923, Purviance appeared in 35 Chaplin films, including the 1921 classic The Kid. Her last film with Chaplin, A Woman of Paris was her first lead role. She went on to appear in two more films (Sea Gulls, never released; and Education de Prince, French film release) before retirement from filmmaking in 1926. Chaplin had tremendous respect for her, she remained on Chaplin's payroll until she died in 1958. She is interred in the Grand View Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.

Related Topics:
1915 - 1923 - 1921 - The Kid - A Woman of Paris - Sea Gulls - Education de Prince - 1926 - 1958 - Grand View Memorial Park Cemetery - Glendale, California

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