Mildred Hillary Davis (February 22, 1901The reference book ''Celebrities in Los Angeles Cemeteries: A Directory'' gives Davis's birth date as January 1, 1900.August 18, 1969) was an American actress who appeared in fifteen of

Harold Lloyd Harold Clayton Lloyd, Sr. (April 20, 1893 – March 8, 1971) was an American actor, comedian, and stunt performer who appeared in many silent comedy films.Obituary '' Variety'', March 10, 1971, page 55. One of the most influential film c ...

's classic silent comedies and eventually married him.

Early life and career

The daughter of Howard Beckett Davis, she was born in

Philadelphia Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania#Municipalities, largest city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the List of United States cities by population, sixth-largest city i ...

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania (; ( Pennsylvania Dutch: )), officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a state spanning the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions of the United States. It borders Delaware to its southeast, ...

, and educated at the Friends School in

. After several years spent studying, she traveled to

Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, largest city in the U.S. state, state of California and the List of United States cities by population, sec ...

in the hopes of securing a role in a film. After appearing in several small roles, she caught the attention of

Hal Roach Harry Eugene "Hal" Roach Sr. Skretvedt, Randy (2016), ''Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies'', Bonaventure Press. p.608. (January 14, 1892 – November 2, 1992) was an American film and television producer, director, and screenwriter, ...

, who pointed her out to comedian Lloyd. He was looking for a leading lady to replace

Bebe Daniels Phyllis Virginia "Bebe" Daniels (January 14, 1901 – March 16, 1971) was an American actress, singer, dancer, writer, and producer. She began her career in Hollywood during the silent film era as a child actress, became a star in musicals such ...

, and cast Davis in his comedy short '' From Hand to Mouth'' in 1919. It would be the first of fifteen films they would star in together. On February 10, 1923, she married Lloyd. After their marriage, Lloyd announced that Davis would not appear in any more motion pictures. After much persuasion on Davis' part, and much grief, she received Lloyd's consent for her return to the screen in '' Too Many Crooks'', which Lloyd produced through his production company. It was the only acting role she undertook after her marriage.

Personal life and death

She and Lloyd had three children including daughters Peggy and Gloria Lloyd and son, Harold Lloyd Jr. Davis was very active in Beverly Hills and as hostess at the Lloyds' estate, Greenacres, where she particularly enjoyed rose gardening. Her brother was actor Jack Davis of '' Our Gang'', later a prominent Beverly Hills physician. The couple remained very close for their entire life together. She found comfort in her strong friendships with actresses

Marion Davies Marion Davies (born Marion Cecilia Douras; January 3, 1897 – September 22, 1961) was an American actress, producer, screenwriter, and philanthropist. Educated in a religious convent, Davies fled the school to pursue a career as a chorus girl ...

and Colleen Moore. She also developed a long-lasting friendship with Lloyd's assistant, Roy Brooks, who lived with them at Greenacres for over 40 years. On August 18, 1969, Davis died in St. John's Hospital in

Santa Monica, California Santa Monica (; Spanish: ''Santa Mónica'') is a city in Los Angeles County, situated along Santa Monica Bay on California's South Coast. Santa Monica's 2020 U.S. Census population was 93,076. Santa Monica is a popular resort town, owing t ...

Filmography

Notes

References

External links

*
Mildred Davis
at Virtual History {{DEFAULTSORT:Davis, Mildred 1901 births 1969 deaths Actresses from Philadelphia American film actresses American silent film actresses 20th-century American actresses Burials at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale)