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Roberta Wilson (1896-1977) was an American actress who appeared in several silent films. She had three sisters, and all the young women would eventually act in films. Roberta and her older sister Lois Wilson were born in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Pittsburgh ( ) is a city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States, and the county seat of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Allegheny County. It is the most populous city in both Allegheny County and Wester ...
, while her two youngest sisters were born 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 ...
. In 1907, when Roberta was 11, the entire household moved to
Birmingham, Alabama Birmingham ( ) is a city in the north central region of the U.S. state of Alabama. Birmingham is the seat of Jefferson County, Alabama's most populous county. As of the 2021 census estimates, Birmingham had a population of 197,575, down 1% fr ...
. Roberta and Lois would always regard Alabama as their home. Lois Wilson, the oldest of the girls, would end up experiencing the longest career in films, including both silent and sound pictures. In 1915, Roberta was coaxed into acting by her older sister. After making several uncredited appearances, her career blossomed in 1916. By the end of 1916, she was receiving top billing, and the movie colony glitterati affectionately called her "Bobby." Her star was rising, and 1916 would become the most productive year of her entire movie career. During this time, Roberta and Lois became known as the "Alabama beauties." Roberta completed 24 movies between 1916 and 1918, with the bulk of the films being two-reel shorts. This first phase lasted until Roberta's marriage in 1918. She departed the silver screen at age 21 to concentrate on her marriage. After the collapse of her first marriage, she reinvented her persona and became Diana Kane. She knew the name change was needed because her motion picture career always existed in the shadow of her famous sister Lois. Whenever the media listed Roberta Wilson or Diana Kane in print, the name was accompanied by parentheses and the phrase – sister of Lois Wilson. Roberta's film production in 1916 proved she needed no additional endorsements. Between 1924 and 1927, she acted in eight
feature film A feature film or feature-length film is a narrative film (motion picture or "movie") with a running time long enough to be considered the principal or sole presentation in a commercial entertainment program. The term ''feature film'' originall ...
s as Diana Kane. She received critical praise for all of her performances. Roberta Wilson worked in 31 movies between 1916 and 1927. This second stint of movie making came to a close with her second marriage in 1927. She would never return to the silver screen again in a credited role. Instead, she was content to focus her energy on charity work, children, entertaining, and preserving successful marriages. Roberta's age seemed to fluctuate depending on the source. Many actors of this period and successive eras believed they would extend their careers by remaining youthful. In Roberta's case, the media of the period reported her birth year to be between 1896 — 1905. A verifiable birth certificate could settle the controversy, but the whereabouts of Roberta Wilson's actual birth certificate continues to be a mystery.


Early life 1896–1915

When Roberta Wilson's father, Andrew Wilson (1869-1940), was 14 years old, his family emigrated from
Ottawa, Canada Ottawa (, ; Canadian French: ) is the capital city of Canada. It is located at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River in the southern portion of the province of Ontario. Ottawa borders Gatineau, Quebec, and forms the core ...
to the United States. Provided in association with National Archives and Records Administration The Wilson Family settled in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Pittsburgh ( ) is a city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States, and the county seat of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Allegheny County. It is the most populous city in both Allegheny County and Wester ...
. When Andrew was 23 years old, he met 19-year-old Grace Stock. Grace was from an established family in nearby
Franklin, Pennsylvania Franklin is a city and the county seat of Venango County, Pennsylvania. The population was 6,097 in the 2020 census. Franklin is part of the Oil City, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area. Franklin is known for its three-day autumn festival in Oc ...
. Grace Stock married Andrew Wilson in Pittsburgh on September 7, 1893. They had their first child,
Lois Lois is a common English name from the New Testament. Paul the Apostle mentions Lois, the pious grandmother of Saint Timothy in the Second Epistle to Timothy (commending her for her faith in 2 Timothy 1:5). The name was first used by English C ...
, on June 28, 1894. Their second daughter, Roberta, was born on January 15, 1896. When Roberta was born, Grace Wilson was experiencing the initial stages of
Consumption Consumption may refer to: *Resource consumption *Tuberculosis, an infectious disease, historically * Consumption (ecology), receipt of energy by consuming other organisms * Consumption (economics), the purchasing of newly produced goods for curren ...
. In 1897, she traveled to one of the
Los Angeles, California Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...
sanatorium A sanatorium (from Latin '' sānāre'' 'to heal, make healthy'), also sanitarium or sanitorium, are antiquated names for specialised hospitals, for the treatment of specific diseases, related ailments and convalescence. Sanatoriums are often ...
s for treatment.
Southern California Southern California (commonly shortened to SoCal) is a geographic and Cultural area, cultural region that generally comprises the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. It includes the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the second most po ...
had become an epicenter for people having
tuberculosis Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease usually caused by '' Mycobacterium tuberculosis'' (MTB) bacteria. Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body. Most infections show no symptoms, in ...
, chronic
pneumonia Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung primarily affecting the small air sacs known as alveoli. Symptoms typically include some combination of productive or dry cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. The severity ...
,
cirrhosis Cirrhosis, also known as liver cirrhosis or hepatic cirrhosis, and end-stage liver disease, is the impaired liver function caused by the formation of scar tissue known as fibrosis due to damage caused by liver disease. Damage causes tissue repai ...
, and
jaundice Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a yellowish or greenish pigmentation of the skin and sclera due to high bilirubin levels. Jaundice in adults is typically a sign indicating the presence of underlying diseases involving abnormal heme meta ...
. People who flocked to these sanatoriums believed the sunshine and temperate climate would cure these conditions. Grace Wilson was -years old when she died in Los Angeles on September 11, 1897. The cause was listed as "Tuberculosis of the lungs." When their biological mother dies, Lois is , and Roberta is . Since Roberta was a toddler when her mother died, she would have no memory of her biological mother. After Grace's death, Roberta's father moved to
Chicago, Illinois (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...
. The reasons behind the move are unknown. The 1900 Census listed him as a mercantile reporter. While residing in Chicago, he meets Constance Dooling, and they married on August 17, 1899. Andrew is and Constance . Since Roberta was very young when her biological mother died, Constance would become Roberta's de facto mother for the rest of her life. This explains why Roberta (Diana) would always list her mother as Constance. While living in Chicago, Andrew and Constance have a daughter, Janice, born on October 28, 1900, and another daughter, Constance, on September 13, 1903. In 1907, Andrew, Constance, and the four girls move to
Birmingham, Alabama Birmingham ( ) is a city in the north central region of the U.S. state of Alabama. Birmingham is the seat of Jefferson County, Alabama's most populous county. As of the 2021 census estimates, Birmingham had a population of 197,575, down 1% fr ...
. Andrew and Constance have a listing in the 1909 and 1910 Birmingham phone directories. The 1910 census reveals the entire family living in Birmingham, Alabama. The children are Lois, , Roberta, , Janis, , and Constance, . Provided in association with National Archives and Records Administration Some reporters have implied there was significance that the family moved to the "Pittsburgh of the South." There is no published evidence to support this. In 1915, Roberta Wilson lived Birmingham with her father and stepmother Constance. She is years old. One news article states, "when at finishing school she took part in all branches of athletics." That same year, Roberta's sister, Lois, moves to California after winning a beauty contest put on by
Universal Studios Universal Pictures (legally Universal City Studios LLC, also known as Universal Studios, or simply Universal; common metonym: Uni, and formerly named Universal Film Manufacturing Company and Universal-International Pictures Inc.) is an Ameri ...
and
The Birmingham News ''The Birmingham News'' is the principal newspaper for Birmingham, Alabama, United States. The paper is owned by Advance Publications and was a daily newspaper from its founding through September 30, 2012. After that day, the ''News'' and its two ...
. This beauty pageant was the predecessor to the
Miss Alabama The Miss Alabama competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Alabama in the annual Miss America Competition. Alabama has won three Miss America titles: Deidre Downs in 2005, Heather Whitestone (the first deaf w ...
. Lois Wilson is the original Miss Alabama. Roberta's sister, Lois, started making films in 1915. 21-year-old Lois Wilson's first movie was , a 2-reel short for Universal released in November 1915. Lois becomes convinced her younger sister should follow her to Hollywood to seek fame and fortune. In 1915, 19-year-old Roberta Wilson heeded her sister's advice and settled in Hollywood. She accepted, playing minor parts until her experience secured more demanding roles. She gained an increasing reputation and respect among her colleagues for her excellent acting work. 1916 would become her Golden Age in film making.


Films 1916–1918

The studio directory item on the right states Roberta Wilson started working for
Universal Universal is the adjective for universe. Universal may also refer to: Companies * NBCUniversal, a media and entertainment company ** Universal Animation Studios, an American Animation studio, and a subsidiary of NBCUniversal ** Universal TV, a ...
in November 1915. Like most aspiring actors, she had to earn her acting chops in minor uncredited roles. There are no published listings of these early films. 1916 would prove to be a banner year for Roberta Wilson. It would mark the highest yearly film output of her entire acting career. Wilson would receive onscreen credit for 12 movies consisting of 3
features Feature may refer to: Computing * Feature (CAD), could be a hole, pocket, or notch * Feature (computer vision), could be an edge, corner or blob * Feature (software design) is an intentional distinguishing characteristic of a software item ...
and 9
short film A short film is any motion picture that is short enough in running time not to be considered a feature film. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defines a short film as "an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes ...
s. She had gone from uncredited to shared top billing in a matter of months. She was skilled at her craft and worked hard at perfecting her performances. Her ascension to top billing was not based on the influence of her more famous sister but rather on her determination to achieve success in her chosen art form. Wilson appeared in her first Universal movie with an onscreen credit - . The 2-reel society drama was released on April 25, 1916, and produced by Universal. The magazine ads for the film lists G. Raymond Nye and Roberta Wilson as the featured leads under the direction of
Jacques Jaccard Jacques Jaccard (September 11, 1886 – July 24, 1960) was an American film director, writer and actor whose achievements in cinema were mostly in silent film. He directed 86 films and wrote scripts for 80 films. The best-known of his films as ...
. After her introduction as a
female lead A leading actor, leading actress, or simply lead (), plays the role of the protagonist of a film, television show or play. The word ''lead'' may also refer to the largest role in the piece, and ''leading actor'' may refer to a person who typica ...
in , her leading man, G. Raymond Nye, and director
Jacques Jaccard Jacques Jaccard (September 11, 1886 – July 24, 1960) was an American film director, writer and actor whose achievements in cinema were mostly in silent film. He directed 86 films and wrote scripts for 80 films. The best-known of his films as ...
would unite to make four more films: , , , . They sprinkled these initial offerings with a short comedy, , with
Eddie Lyons Eddie Lyons (November 25, 1886 – August 30, 1926) was an American film actor, director, writer, and producer of the silent era. He appeared in 388, directed 153, wrote for 93, and produced 40 films between 1911 and 1926. He was born in ...
and Roberta Wilson as the featured leads released in July 1916. All of these short films were released between April and August 1916. Roberta Wilson's first feature-length film was the Universal Red Feature production of . Filming started in August 1916, and the film was released on October 30, 1916. The film opened to mostly positives reviews. The movie ad from the October 1916 issue
Moving Picture World The ''Moving Picture World'' was an influential early trade journal for the American film industry, from 1907 to 1927. An industry powerhouse at its height, ''Moving Picture World'' frequently reiterated its independence from the film studios. I ...
December 1916 edition shows Roberta sharing top billing with
Frank Whitson Frank Whitson (March 22, 1877 – March 19, 1946) was an American film actor. He appeared in more than 60 films between 1915 and 1937. He was born in New York, New York, and died in Los Angeles, California. Whitson performed in vaudeville a ...
and
Hayward Mack Hayward Seaton Mack (March 20, 1882 – December 24, 1921) was an American actor of the silent era. Born in Albany, New York, in 1882, Mack appeared in more than 80 films between 1910 and 1921. Mack's motion picture career began in 1910; he ap ...
under the direction of Burton George. Her rise to top billing was remarkably fast. Before shooting her next feature-length film, she released on November 11. Wilson's second feature-length film was the Universal Red Feather production of . The film was released on November 13, 1916. Magazine articles stated the film started as a Bluebird production, but in the end, didn't measure up to Bluebird standards. The film was finally released as a Red Feather Photoplay. Wilson's filmed two more short films, and before releasing her final Feature-length film for 1916 - the Bluebird production of
The Right to Be Happy The Right to Be Happy is a 1916 American silent Christmas fantasy film directed by Rupert Julian. The film is based on the 1843 novella ''A Christmas Carol'' by Charles Dickens. The movie stars Rupert Julian as Ebenezer Scrooge and Claire McDowe ...
. The Christmas production was appropriately released on December 25, 1916, even though that was not the planned release date. Roberta Wilson received credit on the poster ad for the film. This film was capped a successful first year for Roberta Wilson. All the magazine ads show Roberta Wilson stood as a top cast member and stood tall on her own acting legs with no behind-the-scenes support from her sister, Lois, or friends in the industry. In 1917, Roberta Wilson acted in 8 films consisting of 1 feature and seven short films. March would prove to be her most productive month of the year. March 1917 saw the release of 6 films, starting with the Universal feature-length Comedy followed by seven short films, including , , and . Perils of the Secret Service - was a 9-episode series of two-reel adventure films. Wilson would act in 2 of the nine episodes - the fourth episode released March 30 and the fifth episode released in April. Wilson's last film of 1917 was . 1918 saw the continuing decline of her film appearances. Her last short film for Universal was released in January 1918 by a Universal subsidiary
Nestor Film Company The Nestor Film Company, originally known as the Nestor Motion Picture Company, was an American motion picture production company. It was founded in 1909 as the West Coast production unit of the Centaur Film Company located in Bayonne, New Jersey ...
. Roberta signed on with the movie company, Paralta Plays. She acted in two feature-length films, Shackled released in May and . With the July 14, 1918 release of , Roberta Wilson believed she had released her last film. Ironically, was written by
Ouida Bergere Ouida (; 1 January 1839 – 25 January 1908) was the pseudonym of the English novelist Maria Louise Ramé (although she preferred to be known as Marie Louise de la Ramée). During her career, Ouida wrote more than 40 novels, as well as sh ...
, the wife of famous director George Fitzmaurice. A decade later, Diana Kane would wed the divorced director. Wilson had decided to give up Hollywood for marriage. Roberta could not shake her belief that she was living in the shadow of her famous older sister. Most magazine and newspapers articles refer to Roberta as the sister of Lois Wilson. In September 1918, Roberta exchanged wedding vows and "severed her connection with the movie world." All of Roberta Wilson's films made during this period are
lost Lost may refer to getting lost, or to: Geography *Lost, Aberdeenshire, a hamlet in Scotland * Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, or LOST, a hiking and cycling trail in Florida, US History *Abbreviation of lost work, any work which is known to have bee ...
except the 1916 release of


Eyster marriage 1918–1923

In May 1881, Raymond W Eyster was born in Amelia, Ohio. He moved to Chicago by 1900 and rose to become the proprietor of a hotel equipment company - the R.W. Eyster Linen Company. The company's success made him wealthy. Ray Eyster wed Bertha Koch in Chicago on December 24, 1906. They filed for divorce in October 1914, with Bertha citing cruelty. It is uncertain if Roberta knew the reasons for Eyster's earlier divorce, since those details might predict his future destructive behavior. On September 14, 1918, Roberta Wilson, age , wed Ray E Eyster, age , in Chicago, IL. The age disparity barely violated the archaic "Half-your-age-plus-seven rule", so this marriage would not raise any collective societal eyebrows. This nuptial is Roberta Wilson's first marriage and marked Roberta Wilson's entrance into Chicago's society. The 1920 census shows Ray and Roberta Eyster living at 4949 Sheridan Road with a live-in German servant. Newspaper snippets show a contented Roberta Eyster attending country club functions. Another newspaper photograph shows her sitting on a polo pony in a Chicago hotel. The news article stated Roberta Wilson got married and "severed her connection with the movie world." Indeed, she honored her promise to leave the movie business while married to Eyster, releasing her last film one month before her marriage. The apparent facade of years of wedded bliss came crashing down in 1922. The
Chicago Tribune The ''Chicago Tribune'' is a daily newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois, United States, owned by Tribune Publishing. Founded in 1847, and formerly self-styled as the "World's Greatest Newspaper" (a slogan for which WGN radio and television ar ...
printed a picture headlined - BEATEN IN PUBLIC. It further explained, "Blows Mrs. Roberta Eyster alleges her husband, Raymond W. Eyster, struck her in the Congress hotel Pompeian room may win her a divorce." It did lead to a divorce. Several circumstances contributed to their divorce, besides the blatant physical abuse. A check of Chicago newspapers plainly shows Eyster was not an attention-grabbing business owner. But his low-profile days ended when he married a Hollywood starlet scarcely out of her teens. After four years of marriage, they had no children, suggesting Roberta had personal reasons preventing her from embracing motherhood. This conclusion is supported, especially when you consider the timing of children in her second marriage. After his divorce, Eyster went on a year-long cruise around the world. He never remarried and remained devoted to his one daughter. When he was 71, he died of injuries sustained in an elevator accident. After her marital divorcement and subsequent divorce, Roberta worked as a social director in Chicago's Blackstone Hotel. Her responsibilities included scheduling and focusing on conducting debutante functions. The Blackstone attracted celebrities, prominent families, politicians and was named "The Hotel of Presidents." Her working days didn't last long, she had a rebirth as a different persona in another city.


New York 1924–1927

In Summer 1924, Lois Wilson was chosen to represent the motion-picture industry at the
British Empire Exhibition The British Empire Exhibition was a colonial exhibition held at Wembley Park, London England from 23 April to 1 November 1924 and from 9 May to 31 October 1925. Background In 1920 the British Government decided to site the British Empire Exhibi ...
. Starting the first leg of her journey, she boarded a train in Hollywood and headed East to New York. Along the way, she picked up her disgruntled and disillusioned sister Roberta, who had quit her job at the Blackstone hotel. They traveled to New York together. In July, while Lois set sail on the
RMS Aquitania RMS ''Aquitania'' was a British ocean liner of the Cunard Line in service from 1914 to 1950. She was designed by Leonard Peskett and built by John Brown & Company in Clydebank, Scotland. She was launched on 21 April 1913 and sailed on her maiden ...
for Europe, Roberta moved in with her best friend
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 Bebe's mother, Phyllis Daniels. At Bebe's insistence, Roberta moved to New York and started a new life. According to the Hollywood media, Bebe treated Roberta like her "kid" sister. Roberta and Bebe would start living life as New York
Flapper Flappers were a subculture of young Western women in the 1920s who wore short skirts (knee height was considered short during that period), bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for what was then considered acceptab ...
s. Bebe also began working on resetting Roberta's life in an attempt to blot out the memories of a dismal past in Chicago. Bebe decided to create a new pseudonym for Roberta, "Diana Kane as part of the process." Roberta Wilson gave few public explanations for the name change; however, several published views on why Roberta changed her name. 1. Roberta served as a social director at the Blackstone hotel. Chicago held a lot of bad memories, especially her public humiliation at the Congress Hotel restaurant. Moving to New York would bury the bad memories of Chicago. The press states, Roberta Wilson, changed her name to Diana Kane but never mentioned her experiences in Chicago as one of the contributing reasons for change. Also, during this transition, she changed her birthday from January 15, 1896, to January 10, 1901. Bebe's birthday was January 14, 1901. Changing your birth to the
20th century The 20th (twentieth) century began on January 1, 1901 ( MCMI), and ended on December 31, 2000 ( MM). The 20th century was dominated by significant events that defined the modern era: Spanish flu pandemic, World War I and World War II, nuclear ...
also helped secure film roles meant for young actresses. 2. In 1923, Bebe Daniels starred in Sam Wood's production of
His Children's Children ''His Children's Children'' is a lost 1923 American silent drama film directed by Sam Wood and starring the winsome Bebe Daniels. It is based on a novel, ''His Children's Children'' by Arthur Train. Famous Players-Lasky produced and Paramount Pi ...
. The film was produced by
Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film and television production company, production and Distribution (marketing), distribution company and the main namesake division of Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). It is the fifth-oldes ...
, filmed in Astoria, New York, and released on November 4, 1923. The film depicts the rise of the Mayne family (Kayne family in the book). Bebe Daniels played one of the main characters, Diana Mayne (Diana Kayne in the book). Also, Robert Kane was a leading executive of the Famous Players–Lasky Studios at the time of the movie's release. Roberta's sister, Lois, had a long-time friendship with Kane, which might explain why she changed the spelling of Kayne to Kane. 3. Lastly, Roberta mentions her last name of Wilson, always being associated with her more famous sister, Lois Wilson. Roberta believed the movie-going public would endlessly compare her acting to her older sister. In 1924, she stated, "I do not want to shine in reflected glory or to trade on my sister's reputation," says Miss Kane in explanation of her screen name. Roberta also suggested some movie fans told she got her parts in the films because of her sister. Checking the last three pictures she acted in 1918, Roberta Wilson was featured in supporting roles. Reading the reviews of these movies, none mention Lois Wilson, and the vast majority of reviews hardly mention Roberta's supporting roles. Besides changing Roberta's name, Bebe was also trying to redefine Diana's roles. Bebe hoped to switch Diana from drama to comedic roles. Between 1924 and 1927, Diana Kane acted in 8 feature films, and 5 out of the eight projects were comedies. Her return to acting using her new cognomen was the
Paramount Paramount (from the word ''paramount'' meaning "above all others") may refer to: Entertainment and music companies * Paramount Global, also known simply as Paramount, an American mass media company formerly known as ViacomCBS. The following busin ...
release of Sinners in Heaven starring
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 ...
. The film was released in September 1924 and told the story of a man and woman's romance while cast away on a desert island. Her next film was another Bebe Daniels vehicle
Dangerous Money ''Dangerous Money'', also known as ''Hot Money'', is a 1946 American film directed by Terry O. Morse, featuring Sidney Toler as Charlie Chan. This is the second and last appearance of Willie Best as Chattanooga Brown, the cousin of Charlie ...
released in October 1924. Starting in 1925, she acted in the January release of Miss Bluebeard. This film was a comedy starring
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 ...
. The movie was filmed in Astoria, New York for
Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film and television production company, production and Distribution (marketing), distribution company and the main namesake division of Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). It is the fifth-oldes ...
. After a long pause, she acted in a
Paramount Paramount (from the word ''paramount'' meaning "above all others") may refer to: Entertainment and music companies * Paramount Global, also known simply as Paramount, an American mass media company formerly known as ViacomCBS. The following busin ...
comedy
Lovers in Quarantine ''Lovers in Quarantine'' is an extant 1925 American silent comedy film starring Bebe Daniels and directed by Frank Tuttle. It was produced by Famous Players-Lasky and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film is based on a 1924 Broadway play ...
. The film was released in October and featured Bebe Daniels. Her last project for 1925 was a feature-length drama,
The New Commandment The New Commandment is a term used in Christianity to describe Jesus's commandment to "love one another" which, according to the Bible, was given as part of the final instructions to his disciples after the Last Supper had ended, and after Judas ...
released in November for another New York-based production company,
First National Pictures First National Pictures was an American motion picture production and distribution company. It was founded in 1917 as First National Exhibitors' Circuit, Inc., an association of independent theatre owners in the United States, and became the count ...
. The film featured
Blanche Sweet Sarah Blanche Sweet (June 18, 1896 – September 6, 1986) was an American silent film actress who began her career in the earliest days of the Hollywood motion picture film industry. Early life Born Sarah Blanche Sweet (though her first na ...
and
Ben Lyon Ben Lyon (February 6, 1901 – March 22, 1979) was an American film actor and a studio executive at 20th Century-Fox who later acted in British radio, films and TV. Early life and career Lyon was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of Alvine ...
. In January 1926,
First National Pictures First National Pictures was an American motion picture production and distribution company. It was founded in 1917 as First National Exhibitors' Circuit, Inc., an association of independent theatre owners in the United States, and became the count ...
released
Bluebeard's Seven Wives ''Bluebeard's Seven Wives'' is a 1926 American silent comedy film produced and released by First National Pictures. It was directed by Alfred Santell and starred Ben Lyon, Lois Wilson, and Blanche Sweet. Plot As described in a film magazine r ...
. The comedy project featured
Ben Lyon Ben Lyon (February 6, 1901 – March 22, 1979) was an American film actor and a studio executive at 20th Century-Fox who later acted in British radio, films and TV. Early life and career Lyon was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of Alvine ...
,
Blanche Sweet Sarah Blanche Sweet (June 18, 1896 – September 6, 1986) was an American silent film actress who began her career in the earliest days of the Hollywood motion picture film industry. Early life Born Sarah Blanche Sweet (though her first na ...
and Diana's sister, Lois Wilson. Diana Kane's name is displayed on the lobby poster. Next was
First National Pictures First National Pictures was an American motion picture production and distribution company. It was founded in 1917 as First National Exhibitors' Circuit, Inc., an association of independent theatre owners in the United States, and became the count ...
's massive production of The Brown Derby, released in July 1926. Diana Kane's last onscreen credited film was
The Perfect Sap ''The Perfect Sap'' is a 1927 American silent comedy film directed by Howard Higgin. It is based on the 1926 play ''Not Herbert'' by Howard Irving Young. The film stars Ben Lyon, Pauline Starke, Virginia Lee Corbin, Lloyd Whitlock, Diana Kane ...
released in January 1927 and filmed at the
Biograph Studios Biograph Studios was an early film studio and laboratory complex, built in 1912 by the Biograph Company at 807 East 175th Street, in The Bronx, New York City, New York. History Early years The first studio of the Biograph Company, formerly ...
in
The Bronx The Bronx () is a borough of New York City, coextensive with Bronx County, in the state of New York. It is south of Westchester County; north and east of the New York City borough of Manhattan, across the Harlem River; and north of the New Y ...
, New York City, New York. This would become her farewell performance from filming making. She would marry for the second time in November 1927. All of Roberta Wilson's films made during this second stint are
lost Lost may refer to getting lost, or to: Geography *Lost, Aberdeenshire, a hamlet in Scotland * Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, or LOST, a hiking and cycling trail in Florida, US History *Abbreviation of lost work, any work which is known to have bee ...
except, Miss Bluebeard
Lovers in Quarantine ''Lovers in Quarantine'' is an extant 1925 American silent comedy film starring Bebe Daniels and directed by Frank Tuttle. It was produced by Famous Players-Lasky and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film is based on a 1924 Broadway play ...
and The Brown Derby.


Fitzmaurice marriage 1927–1940

George Fitzmaurice George Fitzmaurice (13 February 1885 – 13 June 1940) was a French-born film director and producer. Career Fitzmaurice's career first started as a set designer on stage. Beginning in 1914, and continuing until his death in 1940, he directed ...
was a film director born in
Paris, France Paris () is the Capital city, capital and List of communes in France with over 20,000 inhabitants, most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,165,423 residents in 2019 in an area of more than 105 km² (41 sq mi), ma ...
, on February 13, 1885. He studied fine arts before moving to America. His background allowed him to work as a set designer for stage productions, eventually designing sets for motion pictures. In 1914, he made his first motion picture. His shows would become admired for their innovations and extravagant sets. He had a string of successful pictures, which made him wealthy. His first marriage was to his chief scenario writer,
Ouida Bergere Ouida (; 1 January 1839 – 25 January 1908) was the pseudonym of the English novelist Maria Louise Ramé (although she preferred to be known as Marie Louise de la Ramée). During her career, Ouida wrote more than 40 novels, as well as sh ...
, in September 1919. They divorced in 1924. After his divorce, Fitzmaurice became engaged to
Florence Vidor Florence Vidor (née Cobb, later Arto; July 23, 1895 – November 3, 1977) was an American silent film actress. Early life Vidor was born in Houston on July 23, 1895, to John and Ida Cobb. Her parents had married in Houston on March 3, 1894, bu ...
, but she broke the engagement. Now a bon vivant, George Fitzmaurice was sitting in his new home when Diana Kane stopped in to ask for a part in a movie. The media claimed it was love at first sight for both. As mentioned previously, after Roberta's marriage failed, she moved to New York and settled in with
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 ...
In 1923, she changed her name to Diana Kane. While living in New York, she became involved with Fitzmaurice. Diana Kane married
George Fitzmaurice George Fitzmaurice (13 February 1885 – 13 June 1940) was a French-born film director and producer. Career Fitzmaurice's career first started as a set designer on stage. Beginning in 1914, and continuing until his death in 1940, he directed ...
at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 1, 1927, in
Santa Barbara, California Santa Barbara ( es, Santa Bárbara, meaning "Saint Barbara") is a coastal city in Santa Barbara County, California, of which it is also the county seat. Situated on a south-facing section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coas ...
. At the time of their marriage, she was 31, and he was 42. It was the second marriage for both bride and groom. The private ceremony was performed at the Hotel El Mirasol with only a handful of guests present. Diana's older sister, Lois Wilson, was a bridesmaid. After George and Diana were married, they moved into George's new Tudor-style mansion in Beverly Hills. The home had been completed in 1926 for $300,000 (). The new home featured 10,000 Square Feet of living space. George Fitzmaurice was interviewed By Anne Bye of Screenland Magazine for her column, "In New York," in 1928. She writes, ". . . there is just one thing I have against George Fitzmaurice, he is responsible for keeping Diana Kane, Mrs. Fitzmaurice, off the screen she hasn't made a picture in months, and it is all his fault I asked him why - "One of us had to retire," he said with the muse smile. "Two picture people in one family? But you may be sure she will always be my favorite actress." Diana Kane's experience as a social director would serve her well in becoming a prominent socialite and Hollywood hostess. Diana used her home to stage weddings, showers, social functions, and most importantly, a place to raise children. According to the 1930 census, the house was a primary residence for George, Diana, 1-year-old daughter Sheila, an
English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ide ...
Butler, servant, Child Nurse, and a 35-year-old French maid. Diana Kane and George Fitzmaurice would have three children together during their marriage. * Diana's firstborn daughter was Sheila Mary Fitzmaurice, born on March 10, 1929, in Los Angeles. Sheila's Godmother was
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 ...
. Sheila was years old when she married year old William Shay (1919 – 2000) in May 1950. They had six children together and remained married for 50 years. Sheila was the only surviving child to take care of her mother's estate when she died in 1977. Lois Wilson, her famous aunt, spent her final years with Sheila in Reno before dying in 1988. Bill Shay died in June 2000, and Sheila died in Reno, Nevada, on June 10, 2013. Sheila Shay was years old when she died. *After Sheila's birth, Diana had twins. Patricia Constance and Michael were born on June 2, 1931. Michael died a few weeks later on June 19. When Patricia was years old she married year old Leslie (Les) Thompson Baxter (1922–1996) in San Francisco on December 14, 1951. They had two children together. Patricia Baxter tragically died in February 1961 at the age of . Les Baxter never remarried and died in 1996. George Fitzmaurice directed the picture
Adventure in Diamonds ''Adventure in Diamonds'' is a 1940 American crime film directed by George Fitzmaurice and starring George Brent, Isa Miranda, John Loder and Nigel Bruce. It was also released under the alternative title of ''Diamonds are Dangerous''. Critics n ...
. The film was released by
Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film and television production company, production and Distribution (marketing), distribution company and the main namesake division of Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). It is the fifth-oldes ...
on March 8, 1940, and would become the last movie he directed. He began work on his next picture but suffered from ill-health. He was hospitalized in the Beverly Hills Good Samaritan Hospital for a rare blood disorder. His health continued its downward spiral. While surrounded by Diana, Sheila, 11, Patricia 8, and Diana's sister Lois, he died on June 13, 1940. He was 55 at the time of his death. Fitzmaurice had directed over 80 films in his 35-year. In 1960, he was given a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. George Fitzmaurice was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.


Cousins marriage 1945–1960

Ralph Pittmann Cousins was born in
Mexia, Texas Mexia ( ) is a city in Limestone County, Texas, Limestone County, Texas, United States. The population was 6,893 at the 2020 census. The city's motto, based on the fact that outsiders tend to mispronounce the name , is "A great place to live, ...
on December 1, 1891. Cousins graduated from the
West Point Military Academy The United States Military Academy (USMA), also known metonymically as West Point or simply as Army, is a United States service academy in West Point, New York. It was originally established as a fort, since it sits on strategic high groun ...
and became a
Cavalry Historically, cavalry (from the French word ''cavalerie'', itself derived from "cheval" meaning "horse") are soldiers or warriors who fight mounted on horseback. Cavalry were the most mobile of the combat arms, operating as light cavalry ...
officer under Jack Pershing. He also flew airplanes for the
British British may refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * British people, nationals or natives of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies. ** Britishness, the British identity and common culture * British English, ...
in
World War I World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...
.
Brigadier General Brigadier general or Brigade general is a military rank used in many countries. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries. The rank is usually above a colonel, and below a major general or divisional general. When appointed ...
Cousins took charge of the Army Air Forces West Coast Training Center in 1942. He was promoted to
Major General Major general (abbreviated MG, maj. gen. and similar) is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. The disappearance of the "sergeant" in the title explains the apparent confusion of a ...
the same year. He helped "build the struggling US air arm into the colossus of World War II." In an article by Hollywood gossip columnist
Louella Parsons Louella Parsons (born Louella Rose Oettinger; August 6, 1881 – December 9, 1972) was an American movie columnist and a screenwriter. She was retained by William Randolph Hearst because she had championed Hearst's mistress Marion Davies and su ...
dated April 27, 1945, she states, "Mrs. Diana Fitzmaurice, widow, of one of Hollywood's most beloved directors,
George Fitzmaurice George Fitzmaurice (13 February 1885 – 13 June 1940) was a French-born film director and producer. Career Fitzmaurice's career first started as a set designer on stage. Beginning in 1914, and continuing until his death in 1940, he directed ...
announced today she would wed Maj. Gen. Ralph Cousins, commandant of the Santa Ana Army Air Base." Parsons further stated Diana is "one of the film colony's favorite personalities," and her future husband is "well-liked in Hollywood" and "made hosts of friends among southern California movie and society celebrities." Parson's comment explains how they met since they traveled in the same social circles. Major General Ralph P Cousins (age ) married Diana Fitzmaurice (age ) in the base chapel on May 10, 1945. After honoring the couple on the base parade ground, they were treated to a small reception on base. It was his second marriage and her third. Diana had two daughters, Sheila, age 16, and Patricia, age 14. There was no honeymoon. After the ceremony, the general resumed his duties, and Diana hers. It should be noted - even though
VE Day Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945, marking the official end of World War II in Europe in the Easter ...
was celebrated on Tuesday, May 8, 1945, the war with Japan would continue until V.J. Day was celebrated on August 15, 1945. After the war, the general retired in 1946. He became active in several post-ware projects. Diana kept up with her busy social calendar and volunteer work, along with raising two daughters. Retired General Ralph died at his ranch on Sunday, March 15, 1964. The year old died of complications resulting from a heart attack. Diana was years old at the time of his death. Cousins was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.


Death

Wilson died of heart failure on April 20, 1977, in Beverly Hills, California. She was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. He
grave marker
reads: Diana Fitzmaurice Cousins obituary reads: Mother of Sheila Shay, Sister of Janice Stroub and Lois Wilson, six grandsons, two granddaughters, and one great-grandson. There is no mention of an acting career. Her marker shows the birth year of 1897, but both the California death index and social security death index show the birth year of 1901. Even in death, they were still disputing her age and identity. On her death certificate, they list her occupation as - housewife.


Parents and siblings

, Roberta's father was years old when he died in January 1940. , Roberta's stepmother was years old when she died in February 1950. Their successful daughters had moved them to California, providing them with a nice Beverly Hills home and a comfortable lifestyle for the rest of their lives. Lois Wilson remained devoted to her parents. She lived with them until they both passed. In later life, Lois Wilson moved to
Reno, Nevada Reno ( ) is a city in the northwest section of the U.S. state of Nevada, along the Nevada-California border, about north from Lake Tahoe, known as "The Biggest Little City in the World". Known for its casino and tourism industry, Reno is the ...
to be closer to her niece Sheila Shay, Roberta's only surviving daughter. During her career, she appeared in over 150 films between 1915 and 1952. Lois never married. Lois Wilson died of pneumonia at a Skilled Care facility in Reno, Nevada, on March 3, 1988, at the age of years old. began her brief career in films by acting in Pitfalls of a Big City released on April 13, 1919. 4 more movies would follow: , The White Circle, The Mask and The Swamp released on October 30, 1921. The Swamp would be Janice Wilson's last film. Janice married James Bell (1900–1966) on December 5, 1921. They had one son James Edgar Bell Jr (1922–1942). They later divorced, and Janice Bell married Harold Stroub (1896–1967) in December 1947. , Roberta's younger sister, was years old when she died on November 5, 1982, in Beverly Hills, California. , Roberta's youngest sister married George Lewis (1900–1951) on August 18, 1923, when she was years old. Lewis was an ensign in the
United States Navy The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. It is the largest and most powerful navy in the world, with the estimated tonnage ...
. They had one son George Lewis III (1924–2014). They later divorced, and Constance Lewis married Abraham Bayuk (1906–2005), the scion of Bayuk cigars in 1935. She had a short movie and television career but never left a mark in the industry. (Connie), Roberta's youngest sister, was years old when she died on January 4, 1968, in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the sixth-largest city in the U.S., the second-largest city in both the Northeast megalopolis and Mid-Atlantic regions after New York City. Sinc ...
after choking on a piece of meat in a restaurant.


Other age factors

Roberta Wilson (Diana Kane) had birth dates ranging from Jan 1896 to 1905. Other birth sources are shown below: * The 1900 Census would list the birth date as January 15, 1896. * The 1910 Census is consistent with the 1900 census citing Roberta's age as 14. Roberta's birth year is consistent with the 1900 Census. * On November 12, 1958, Diana Fitzmaurice Cousins filed a Social Security Claim. The claim lists the name as Roberta Wilson, born on September 15, 1896. Further investigation would discover a second Social Security Number filing and a third Social Security number on her death certificate. * In Social Security Death filing issued in 1963, list Diana Cousins born on January 10, 1901. This would make her 76 at the time of her death. Genealogists commonly use this document as a source for determining her birth date. * Another source purporting to be a source determining her age was the "Find a Grave Index." This index shows Diana Roberta Fitzmaurice Kane Cousins, born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 10, 1901. * The most outrageous source used to determine her age was the newspaper articles displaying her third marriage in 1945. The headline read - "Gen. Cousins, Flight Training Chief, Weds" and further states, "Maj. Gen. Ralph Cousins, 53, commandant of the Western Flying Training Command, and Mrs. Diana Fitzmaurice, 40, widow of film director George Fitzmaurice." Using this article to determine age would assess her birth date as sometime in 1905, making her age 11 when she made her first movie in 1916. * Searching for in the "Cook County, Illinois, U.S., Birth Certificates Index, 1871-1922" database shows: Constance Wilson was born on September 13, 1903, in Oak Park, Illinois. There were no other Wilson discoveries. *Diana Fitzmaurice Cousins death certificate displays wrong SSN, mother, birthplace, and birth date.


Filmography

This listing does not include every film Roberta Wilson appeared in. Only one film with an offscreen credit film is listed, while the rest are lost to time.


Gallery

RobertWilson08191916.png, Roberta Wilson
1916 RobertaWilson.png, Roberta Wilson
1916 RevealingRobertaMar1917.png, Roberta Wilson
1917 DianaKane1925.png, Diana Kane
1925 GeorgeFitzmauriceAndDianaKane.png,
George Fitzmaurice George Fitzmaurice (13 February 1885 – 13 June 1940) was a French-born film director and producer. Career Fitzmaurice's career first started as a set designer on stage. Beginning in 1914, and continuing until his death in 1940, he directed ...
and
Diana Fitzmaurice 1929 Fitzmaurice_cousins_marriage.png, Diana Fitzmaurice_and_
Ralph P. Cousins 1945 LoisWilsonDianaKane1926.png, Lois Wilson and
Diana Kane 1926 Constance_and_Lois_Wilson.jpg, Constance Wilson and
Lois Wilson 1921 Lois_Wilson_Witzel.png, Lois Wilson
1924 RobertaWilson1927a.png, Roberta Wilson
1927 ConstanceWilsonPhotoplay1923.png, Constance Wilson
1923 Janice Wilson, silent film actress (SAYRE 10210).jpg, Janice Wilson
1924


Notes


References


Further reading

* * * * * B movies (Hollywood Golden Age)#Roots of the B movie: 1910s–1920s


External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Wilson, Roberta 1896 births 1977 deaths 20th-century American actresses American film actresses American silent film actresses Actresses from Pittsburgh Actresses from Alabama Burials at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale) Paramount Pictures contract players