Oliveretta Elaine Duffy was born on October 20, 1898 in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. Olive, as she was known to family and friends, did not have much of a childhood. Life in industrial Pittsburgh was depressing and grim with its smoky factories and hard living.
She married Bernard Krug Thomas at the age of 13 (which wasn't uncommon at the time), but the marriage wasn't a happy one and they divorced two years later.
By this time Olive had quit the Pittsburgh public school system and left for New York. Here she found work in a department store.
By chance there was a competition for the most beautiful girl in New York City. On a lark she entered and as fate would have it, she won.
With the publicity coming from the win, Olive was spotted by Florenz Ziegfeld and immediately went to work in his famed Follies. She was absolutely outstanding and men went wild over her beauty.
She also posed nude for the famed Peruvian artist Alberto Vargas. As a result of her sudden fame, she was signed to a contract with Triangle Pictures.
Her first film was at the age of 17 in BEATRICE FAIRFAX in 1916. Later that year, on October 20, she married Jack Pickford the brother of Mary, but the relationship was sometimes a stormy one.
In 1917, she starred in four more films: MADCAP MADGE, A GIRL LIKE THAT, BROADWAY ARIZONA, and INDISCREET CORINNE. With five films on her resume, Olive was the toast of Hollywood and indeed the film world. Her beauty was captivating. One look at her pictures can make one understand why. She made three films in 1918 and six in 1919.
By 1920, Olive was at the top of the film world heap. She continued to make good pictures, most notably, YOUTHFUL FOLLY and THE FLAPPER. The last was an overwhelming success and had assured her place in film history.
After the filming of EVERYBODY'S SWEETHEART, Olive and Jack sailed to France in August for a much needed vacation. The couple seemed happy which makes no sense of what was to follow.
On September 10, 1920 a hotel valet
came into the room and found Olive's nude body lying on a sable cape. In her hand was a bottle of
mercury bichloride tablets. This was to be Hollywood's first major scandal. Was it suicide, murder,
or accidental? No one can say with absolute certainty. The death made worldwide headlines and the
death was finally ruled accidental. Had Olive's death not occurred, she would always be remembered
as one of the finest actresses of the silent era. With the advent of sound pictures, she would have no
doubt continued her dazzling career. Olive was 21 when she died.
Photos of Olive Thomas are right below!
Olive Pic 1
Olive Pic 2
Olive Pic 3
Olive Pic 4
Olive Pic 5
Olive Pic 6
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© 1998 Denny C. Jackson dejackso@iglou.com
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