Myrtle Stedman (born Myrtle Lincoln; March 3, 1883 – January 8, 1938) was an American leading lady and later

character actress A character actor is a supporting actor who plays unusual, interesting, or eccentric characters.28 April 2013, The New York Acting SchoolTen Best Character Actors of All Time Retrieved 7 August 2014, "..a breed of actor who has the ability to be ...

in motion pictures who began in

silent film A silent film is a film with no synchronized recorded sound (or more generally, no audible dialogue). Though silent films convey narrative and emotion visually, various plot elements (such as a setting or era) or key lines of dialogue may, when ...

s in 1910.

Biography

Stedman was born Myrtle Lincoln in

Chicago, Illinois (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...

, and educated at Mrs. Starett's School there and at the Chicago School of Acting. She and her family moved to Colorado because of her father's mining interests there. Stedman performed in

light opera Comic opera, sometimes known as light opera, is a sung dramatic work of a light or comic nature, usually with a happy ending and often including spoken dialogue. Forms of comic opera first developed in late 17th-century Italy. By the 1730s, a ne ...

and

musical comedies Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance. The story and emotional content of a musical – humor, pathos, love, anger – are communicated through words, music, movemen ...

in Chicago. Her voice was cultivated in France. Her tutor was Marchesi, who was known as one of the finest instructors of voice culture in his country. She married

Marshall Stedman Marshall Stedman (August 16, 1874 – December 16, 1943) was an American stage and silent screen actor/director, playwright, author and drama teacher. Early life Edward Marshall Stedman Jr. was born in Bethel, Maine, the son of Edward Sr. a ...

, a drama school conductor, in January 1900. They had one child together,

Lincoln Stedman Lincoln Stedman (May 18, 1907 – March 22, 1948) was an American silent film actor. Biography Stedman was born in Denver, Colorado, the only child to Marshall Stedman and silent film beauty Myrtle Stedman. Stedman had a career in films dat ...

, before divorcing in 1920. In 1915, Stedman became the first woman elected to the Motion Picture Board of Trade of America.

Music career

Stedman debuted in Chicago as a solo dancer with the Whitney Opera Company. She did not enter the field of opera because of her preference for light opera. She starred for a number of seasons in ''Isle of Spice'' and ''The Chocolate Soldier''. She performed for a year at the Whitney Theater in Chicago and was a

prima donna In opera or commedia dell'arte, a prima donna (; Italian for "first lady"; plural: ''prime donne'') is the leading female singer in the company, the person to whom the prime roles would be given. ''Prime donne'' often had grand off-stage pers ...

of the

Chicago Grand Opera Company Two grand opera companies in Chicago, Illinois, have gone by the name Chicago Grand Opera Company during the first half of the 20th century. Like many opera ventures in Chicago, both succumbed to financial difficulties within a few years, and i ...

Film career

Her first appearances in movies, beginning in 1910, were in Selig studio Western and action short films. She was the only female member of Selig's company at that time, making her the female lead in all of that studio's Westerns. Among her feature films are '' Flaming Youth'', '' The Valley of the Moon'', ''The Dangerous Age'', and ''

The Famous Mrs. Fair ''The Famous Mrs. Fair'' is a 1923 American silent drama film produced by Louis B. Mayer, distributed through Metro Pictures, and directed by Fred Niblo. The film is based on the Broadway play of the same name by James Forbes that had starred ...

''. After Selig, Stedman joined the Hobart Bosworth Productions Company. She also worked for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Famous Players-Lasky studios. She retired in 1931, but in 1936, she was signed by

Warner Brothers Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (commonly known as Warner Bros. or abbreviated as WB) is an American Film studio, film and entertainment studio headquartered at the Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, Warner Bros. Studios complex in Burbank, Califo ...

to play bit and extra roles.. A contract with Warner Bros. was in effect at the time of her death. In 1917, Stedman toured the United States for 10 weeks, making personal appearances at theaters that had shown her films. After the tour, she planned to go to New York to form her own company to make films. Her last release was ''Accidents Will Happen'', in 1938.

Death

On January 8, 1938, Stedman died of a heart attack at age 52. She was interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California. the American Beauty

Partial filmography

*''

The Telltale Knife ''The Telltale Knife'' is a 1914 American short silent Western film starring Tom Mix and directed by William Duncan. Cast * Tom Mix as Tom Mason * Charles Tipton * William Duncan * Myrtle Stedman * Rex De Rosselli See also * Hoot Gibson ...

'' (1911) *'' When the Heart Calls'' (1912) *''

The Cattle Thief's Escape ''The Cattle Thief's Escape'' is a 1913 American short silent Western film directed by and starring William Duncan. It co-stars Rex De Rosselli and Myrtle Stedman while Tom Mix appears in a supporting role. The film was produced by the Selig ...

'' (1913) *'' Valley of the Moon'' (1914) *'' Hypocrites'' (1915) *''

The Wild Olive ''The Wild Olive'' is a lost 1915 American drama silent film directed by Oscar Apfel and written by Elmer Blaney Harris, Basil King and Oliver Morosco. The film stars Myrtle Stedman, Forrest Stanley, Mary Ruby, Charles Marriott, Edmund Lowe and H ...

'' (1915) *''

Nearly a Lady ''Nearly a Lady'' is a lost 1915 American comedy silent film directed by Hobart Bosworth and written by Elsie Janis. The film stars Elsie Janis, Frank Elliott, Owen Moore, Myrtle Stedman and Harry Ham. The film was released on August 12, 1915, b ...

'' (1915) *''

Jane Jane may refer to: * Jane (given name), a feminine given name * Jane (surname), related to the given name Film and television * ''Jane'' (1915 film), a silent comedy film directed by Frank Lloyd * ''Jane'' (2016 film), a South Korean drama fil ...

'' (1915) *''

As Men Love ''As Men Love'' is a lost film, lost 1917 American Drama film, drama silent film directed by E. Mason Hopper, and written by Adele Harris and Lois Zellner. The film stars House Peters, Sr., Myrtle Stedman, Jack W. Johnston, and Helen Jerome Eddy. ...

'' (1917) *''

The World Apart ''The World Apart'' is a lost 1917 silent film western directed by William Desmond Taylor and starring Wallace Reid and Myrtle Stedman. It was produced by Oliver Morosco Photoplay Company (Oliver Morosco) and distributed by Paramount Pictures.

'' (1917) *''

In the Hollow of Her Hand contemporary advert ''In the Hollow of Her Hand'' is a lost 1918 American silent mystery drama film directed by Charles Maigne and starring Alice Brady. It was produced and distributed by the Select Pictures Corporation. Cast * Alice Brady as ...

'' (1918) * ''

In Honor's Web ''In Honor's Web'' is a 1919 American silent drama film directed by Paul Scardon, written by Sam Taylor (scenario) and Perry N. Vekroff (story). The film stars Harry T. Morey, Gladden James, and George Backus George may refer to: People * ...

'' (1919) *''

Sex Sex is the trait that determines whether a sexually reproducing animal or plant produces male or female gametes. Male plants and animals produce smaller mobile gametes (spermatozoa, sperm, pollen), while females produce larger ones (ova, oft ...

'' (1920) * ''

The Tiger's Coat ''The Tiger's Coat'' is a 1920 American silent drama film directed by Roy Clements and starring Lawson Butt, Tina Modotti and Myrtle Stedman.Connelly p.421 Cast * Lawson Butt as Alexander MacAllistter * Tina Modotti as Jean Ogilvie / Maria de ...

'' (1920) *'' The Silver Horde'' (1920) *''

Harriet and the Piper ''Harriet and the Piper'' is a 1920 American drama film directed by Bertram Bracken and written by Monte M. Katterjohn. It is based on the 1920 novel ''Harriet and the Piper'' by Kathleen Norris. The film stars Anita Stewart, Ward Crane, Charl ...

'' (1920) *''

Old Dad ''Old Dad'' is a 1920 American drama film directed by Lloyd Ingraham and written by J. Grubb Alexander. It is based on the 1919 novel ''Old Dad'' by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott. The film stars Mildred Harris, John St. Polis, Myrtle Stedman, Irving ...

'' (1920) *''

The Whistle A whistle is a single-note woodwind instrument, in the percussion section of the orchestra, and with many other applications in sport and other fields. Whistle may also refer to: Music * Whistle (band), a 1980s hip-hop band Songs * "Whistle" ...

'' (1921) *'' Sowing the Wind'' (1921) *'' Black Roses'' (1921) *''

Nancy from Nowhere ''Nancy from Nowhere'' is a lost 1922 American silent romantic comedy film directed by Chester Franklin and starring Bebe Daniels. It was produced by Realart Pictures and distributed by Paramount Pictures. Plot As described in a film magazine, J ...

'' (1922) * ''

The Hands of Nara ''The Hands of Nara'' is a 1922 American silent drama film directed by Harry Garson and starring Clara Kimball Young, Elliott Dexter and Vernon Steele.Munden p.323 It is based on the novel of the same title by Richard Washburn Child. Cast * Cl ...

'' (1922) * '' Ashes'' (1922) * ''

Rich Men's Wives ''Rich Men's Wives'' is a lost 1922 American silent drama film directed by Louis J. Gasnier and starring House Peters, Claire Windsor and Gaston Glass. Synopsis A bored wife of a wealthy man is irritated by his neglect, and is drawn into a flirt ...

'' (1922) *''

Reckless Youth Thomas Carter (born September 18, 1974) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Reckless Youth. He has competed in numerous North American independent promotions including the East Coast Wrestling Association, Comba ...

'' (1922) *''

The Dangerous Age ''The Dangerous Age'' is a 1923 American silent drama film directed by John M. Stahl and written by J.G. Hawks, Bess Meredyth, and Lenore Coffee. The film stars Lewis Stone, Cleo Madison, Edith Roberts, Ruth Clifford, Myrtle Stedman, and Jam ...

'' (1923) * ''

Temporary Marriage Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognized union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children, and between ...

'' (1923) *''

'' (1923) * '' Six Days'' (1923) *''

Crashin' Thru ''Crashin' Thru'' is a 1923 American silent Western film directed by Val Paul and starring Harry Carey. With no copies of ''Crashin' Thru'' located in any film archives, it is a lost film. Cast * Harry Carey as Blake * Cullen Landis as Cons Sa ...

'' (1923) *''

The Age of Desire ''The Age of Desire'' is a 1923 American silent drama film directed by Frank Borzage and starring Josef Swickard, William Collier Jr., and Mary Philbin. It was distributed through Associated First National Pictures. Plot As described in a fil ...

'' (1923) *'' Flaming Youth'' (1923) *'' Lilies of the Field'' (1924) *''

The Woman on the Jury ''The Woman on the Jury'' is a lost 1924 American silent drama film produced and released by Associated First National and directed by Harry Hoyt. It is based on a Broadway stage play, ''The Woman on the Jury'', and stars Sylvia Breamer and B ...

'' (1924) *'' The Breath of Scandal'' (1924) *''

Judgment of the Storm ''Judgment of the Storm'' is a 1924 American silent drama film directed by Del Andrews and starring Lloyd Hughes, Lucille Ricksen, and George Hackathorne George Hackathorne (February 13, 1896 – June 25, 1940) was an American actor of ...

'' (1924) *''

Bread Bread is a staple food prepared from a dough of flour (usually wheat) and water, usually by baking. Throughout recorded history and around the world, it has been an important part of many cultures' diet. It is one of the oldest human-made f ...

'' (1924) *''

Wine Wine is an alcoholic drink typically made from fermented grapes. Yeast consumes the sugar in the grapes and converts it to ethanol and carbon dioxide, releasing heat in the process. Different varieties of grapes and strains of yeasts are m ...

'' (1924) *''

The Mad Whirl ''The Mad Whirl'' is a 1925 American jazz age black-and-white silent drama film about the "loosening of youth morals" that took place during the 1920s. Written by Edward T. Lowe Jr. and Lewis Milestone, and directed by William A. Seiter for U ...

'' (1925) *''

Sally Sally may refer to: People *Sally (name), a list of notable people with the name Military *Sortie (siege warfare), Sally (military), an attack by the defenders of a town or fortress under siege against a besieging force; see sally port *Sally, ...

'' (1925) *''

Chickie ''Chickie'' is a 1925 American silent drama film produced and released by First National Pictures. Based on the novel of the same name by Elenore Meherin, the film was directed by John Francis Dillon and starred Dorothy Mackaill Dorothy Ma ...

'' (1925) *''

Tessie "Tessie" is both the longtime anthem of the Boston Red Sox and a 2004 song by the punk rock group Dropkick Murphys. The original "Tessie" was from the 1902 Broadway musical ''The Silver Slipper''. The newer song, written in 2004, recounts how th ...

'' (1925) *''

The Far Cry ''The Far Cry'' (Portuguese title: ''Um Divorcio Feliz'') is a 1926 American silent epic drama film produced and distributed by the First National Pictures. The film was directed by Silvano Balboni, the husband of writer June Mathis, and st ...

'' (1926) *'' The Prince of Pilsen'' (1926) * ''

The Man in the Shadow ''The Man in the Shadow'' is a 1926 American silent drama film directed by David Hartford and starring David Torrence, Mary McAllister and Joseph Bennett.Munden p.482 Cast * David Torrence as Robert Rodman * Mary McAllister as Lucy Rodman * ...

'' (1926) *''

Don Juan's Three Nights ''Don Juan's Three Nights'' also known as ''Don Juan's 3 Nights'' is a 1926 American silent romantic drama film directed by John Francis Dillon and starring Lewis Stone, Shirley Mason, and Malcolm McGregor. It was produced by Henry Hobart an ...

'' (1926) *''

The Black Diamond Express ''The Black Diamond Express'' is a 1927 silent railroad feature film drama directed by Howard Bretherton and starring Monte Blue. It was produced and distributed by Warner Bros. It is not to be confused with several early short actuality style ...

'' (1927) *''

The Life of Riley ''The Life of Riley'' is an American radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film, a 1950s television series, and a 1958 comic book. Radio The radio program initially aired on the Blue Network (later kn ...

'' (1927) *''

The Irresistible Lover ''The Irresistible Lover'' is a lost 1927 American silent comedy film directed by William Beaudine. Cast * Norman Kerry as J. Harrison Gray * Lois Moran as Betty Kennedy * Gertrude Astor as Dolly Carleton * Lee Moran as Lawyer * Myrtle Stedm ...

'' (1927) *''

Alias the Deacon Alias the Deacon may refer to: * Alias the Deacon (1927 film), an American silent drama film * Alias the Deacon (1940 film), an American comedy film {{dab ...

'' (1928) *''

Their Hour ''Their Hour'' is a 1928 American silent comedy film directed by Alfred Raboch and starring John Harron, Dorothy Sebastian and June Marlowe.Sharot p.129 Premise A shipping clerk falls under the spell of a socialite, but eventually returns to ...

'' (1928) *'' The Jazz Age'' (1929) *''

The Wheel of Life ''The Wheel of Life'' is a famous boulder problem in the sport of rock climbing. Located in Hollow Mountain Cave in the Grampians of Australia and initially graded , it is now commonly considered to be . Route The problem, which consists of ...

'' (1929) *''

The Love Racket ''The Love Racket'' is a 1929 American early sound crime drama film produced and distributed by First National Pictures. It was directed by William A. Seiter and starred Dorothy Mackaill. It is based on a Broadway play, ''The Woman on the Jury ...

'' (1929) (sound remake of ''The Woman on the Jury'') *'' Lummox'' (1930) *'' The Truth About Youth'' (1930) *''

Beau Ideal ''Beau Ideal'' is a 1931 American pre-Code adventure film directed by Herbert Brenon and released by RKO Radio Pictures. The film was based on the 1927 adventure novel ''Beau Ideal'' by P. C. Wren, the third novel in a series of five novels base ...

'' (1931) *''

The Widow in Scarlet ''The Widow in Scarlet'' (also known as ''Lady Raffles'') is a 1932 American Pre-Code Hollywood, pre-Code mystery film, mystery crime film directed by George B. Seitz and starring Dorothy Revier, Kenneth Harlan and Lloyd Whitlock . It was distri ...

'' (1932) *''

Forbidden Company ''Forbidden Company'' is a 1932 American pre-Code drama film directed by Richard Thorpe and starring Sally Blane, John Darrow and John St. Polis.Pitts, p. 90 Cast * Sally Blane as Barbara Blake * John Darrow as Jerry Grant * John St. ...

'' (1932) * ''

Alias Mary Smith ''Alias Mary Smith'' is a 1932 American mystery crime film directed by E. Mason Hopper and starring Blanche Mehaffey, John Darrow and Raymond Hatton.Langman & Finn p.6 It was released by the independent company Mayfair Pictures. Synopsis A youn ...

'' (1932) *'' Klondike'' (1932) *''

Beggars in Ermine ''Beggars in Ermine'' is a 1934 American pre-Code film directed by Phil Rosen. Plot John Dawson, a steel-mill owner loses his legs and his company in an accident engineered by his crooked secretary/treasurer, Jim Marley. After meeting a blind ...

'' (1934) *''

Give Me Liberty ''Give Me Liberty'' is an American four-issue comic book mini-series published by Dark Horse Comics in 1990. It was created and written by Frank Miller and drawn by Dave Gibbons. The title of the series comes from a famous quotation by American ...

'' (1936)

References

External links

*
Myrtle Stedman
at Virtual History {{DEFAULTSORT:Stedman, Myrtle 1883 births 1938 deaths 20th-century American actresses Actresses from Chicago American film actresses American silent film actresses Burials at Inglewood Park Cemetery History of Oakland, California Warner Bros. contract players 20th-century American singers 20th-century American women singers Western (genre) film actresses

Biography

Music career

Film career

Death

Partial filmography

References

Further reading

External links