Estelle Taylor was a luminous figure of the Hollywood industry, known for her captivating performances in silent films, as well as her striking beauty. Her career spanned over three decades, encompassing both the silent era and the Golden Age of Hollywood. Estelle Taylor's mesmerizing talent, elegance, and charisma made her one of the most sought-after actresses of her time, and she went on to become a celebrated socialite in her later years.
Born in 1894 in Delaware, Estelle Taylor began her career as a model and chorus girl before transitioning to the film industry in the 1910s. Her natural acting skills and magnetic presence quickly earned her leading roles in films such as "The Valley of the Moon" (1914) and "The Crimson Gardenia" (1919). However, it was her performance in the epic drama "The Ten Commandments" (1923) that brought her worldwide recognition.
Despite her success, Estelle Taylor faced many personal struggles throughout her life, including a tumultuous marriage to boxing legend Jack Dempsey and battles with depression and addiction. Nevertheless, she remained resilient and continued to thrive in her career, appearing in notable films such as "Cimarron" (1931) and "The Sins of the Children" (1930).
Estelle Taylor's legacy is one of immense talent and grace, as well as her notable contributions to the film industry. In this comprehensive biography, we will delve into the details of her fascinating life, including her age, height, figure, and net worth. Join us as we explore the extraordinary journey of Estelle Taylor, a true Hollywood icon.
Estelle Taylor: A Comprehensive Biography
Early Life
Estelle Taylor was born on May 20, 1894, in Wilmington, Delaware. Her parents were of Irish and German descent, and her mother was a talented opera singer. Estelle grew up in a strict Catholic household and attended Catholic school. She was a shy and introverted child but had a passion for storytelling.
Career in Hollywood
Estelle Taylor's career in Hollywood began in the silent film era. She made her debut in 1919's "A Virtuous Vamp", which garnered critical acclaim and established her as a rising star. She went on to appear in over 50 films, including "The Ten Commandments" (1923), "Ben-Hur" (1925), and "Cimarron" (1931), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting actress.
Personal Life
Estelle Taylor was married five times throughout her life. Her third husband was the famous boxer Jack Dempsey, whom she married in 1925. The marriage was tumultuous and ended in divorce in 1933. She later married businessman Paul Small in 1941, and they remained together until his death in 1968.
Legacy
Despite her success in Hollywood, Estelle Taylor retired from acting in 1932 and devoted herself to her family and philanthropic work. She remained active in the film industry as a writer and consultant, and her contributions to the development of film acting techniques are still recognized today. Estelle Taylor passed away on April 15, 1958, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a talented actress and a trailblazer in the film industry.
"Early Life and Career"
Estelle Taylor was born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1894. Her family moved to New York City when she was a child, and she attended the Professional Children's School before beginning her acting career.
Taylor's first job in show business was as a chorus girl for the Ziegfeld Follies. She quickly caught the attention of Hollywood talent scouts and made her film debut in the 1919 silent film "Upstairs and Down."
Over the next few years, Taylor appeared in numerous films and gained a reputation for her dramatic talent and captivating screen presence. She starred in films such as "Bare Knees," "The Branded Woman," and "The Ten Commandments."
Despite her success, Taylor's career was not without its bumps in the road. She struggled with alcoholism and was briefly married to actor Jack Dempsey, which ended in divorce.
Rise to Fame
Estelle Taylor began her career as a stage actress in the early 1910s. She quickly made a name for herself and started receiving offers to appear in silent movies. Her breakthrough role came in 1919 when she starred opposite Rudolph Valentino in the movie "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse". The movie was a box office smash hit and Taylor's performance received critical acclaim.
Following her success in "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse", Taylor starred in a number of other successful movies, such as "The Ten Commandments" (1923), "The Eagle" (1925), and "The Show" (1927). She became known for her natural acting style and her ability to convey emotions on screen.
Taylor's success in the movie industry continued into the 1930s, but she started to transition to a career in writing. She wrote several novels and articles for magazines, and also worked as a screenwriter for a few movies. Despite her success as a writer, Taylor is best remembered for her performances as an actress.
Today, Estelle Taylor is remembered as one of the most talented actresses of the silent movie era. Her contributions to the movie industry are still celebrated by film enthusiasts all over the world.
Personal Life and Relationships
Estelle Taylor's personal life was fraught with drama and tumultuous relationships. She was married four times and had several high-profile affairs which often made headlines in the tabloids. Despite her success in Hollywood, Estelle struggled to find true happiness in her personal life, and her relationships frequently ended in scandal and heartbreak.
Her first marriage to Jack Dempsey, the heavyweight boxing champion, was short-lived and ended in divorce after only four years. Her second marriage to actor and producer Paul Kohner was more successful and lasted for 18 years, but it also ended in divorce due to Kohner's infidelity.
Estelle's third marriage to film director George Randolph Hearst was perhaps her most controversial. Hearst was the son of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, and their marriage was plagued by scandal and accusations of gold-digging. The couple separated after only a few years and eventually divorced.
Estelle's final marriage was to businessman and inventor Paul "Bill" Davey, who was more than 20 years her junior. The couple was together for 25 years, until Estelle's death in 1958.
Throughout her life, Estelle also had several well-publicized affairs with Hollywood's leading men, including Clark Gable and John Gilbert. Despite the glamorous veneer of her Hollywood lifestyle, Estelle's personal life was often fraught with drama and heartbreak.
Later Years and Legacy
Estelle Taylor continued to work in films until the mid-1930s, after which she retired from acting and became a successful interior decorator. Despite her prolific and accomplished career in Hollywood, Taylor remained humble and grounded, often emphasizing the importance of family and community in her interviews.
After her death in 1958, Estelle Taylor left behind a lasting legacy in the film industry. Her iconic performances in films such as "The Ten Commandments" and "Cimarron" have cemented her status as one of the greatest actresses of the silent era. Her legacy also includes her extensive charity work and philanthropy, which she continued to pursue throughout her life.
- Estelle Taylor's charitable contributions included supporting orphanages and hospitals.
- She also advocated for animal rights and was an active member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
- During World War II, Taylor volunteered as an entertainer for the troops and traveled around the country to boost morale.
Estelle Taylor's dedication to her craft and her community continue to inspire generations of actors and philanthropists. Her impact on the film industry, both as an accomplished actress and as a humanitarian, will never be forgotten.
Achievements and Net Worth of Estelle Taylor
Estelle Taylor was a remarkable actress who conquered the world of Hollywood in her time. She was able to make her mark as a versatile actress due to her hard work and dedication.
Estelle Taylor appeared in more than 60 films and television shows in her career. She rose to fame after playing the role of Maryam in the movie The Ten Commandments. Her portrayal of the character was highly appreciated and awarded her with a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the first Academy Awards in 1929. She was also praised for her performances in films such as Cimarron, The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, and Barbed Wire.
Estelle Taylor was not only an accomplished actress but also a skilled businesswoman. She invested her money wisely and set up a successful cosmetic business. Her perfume brand, called Estelle Taylor Perfume, was widely popular and contributed to her net worth.
Estelle Taylor's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. She lived a lavish life and owned a luxurious mansion in Beverly Hills. She also had a vast collection of antique furniture, paintings, and artifacts.
- Estelle Taylor was a woman of many talents and achievements. She set an example for women in the entertainment industry to strive for success in their careers and personal lives.
- Her contributions to the film industry and the business world are still remembered and appreciated today, making her a true icon of her time.
FAQ
Who is Estelle Taylor?
Estelle Taylor was an American actress, singer, and model who rose to fame in the silent film era and whose career spanned over three decades.
What was Estelle Taylor's height and figure?
Estelle Taylor was 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall and had a curvaceous figure that was considered ideal in the 1920s and 30s. Her measurements were 34-24-36 inches (86-61-91 cm).
What notable films did Estelle Taylor star in?
Estelle Taylor starred in many notable films, including "The Ten Commandments" (1923), "The Call of the Canyon" (1923), "Cimarron" (1931), and "Jezebel" (1938), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
What was Estelle Taylor's net worth?
Estelle Taylor's net worth is not publicly known, but she lived a luxurious lifestyle during her career and owned several properties.
Did Estelle Taylor have any significant relationships or marriages?
Yes, Estelle Taylor was married several times. Her most notable marriage was to heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey, whom she married in 1925. They divorced in 1933. She also had a brief relationship with actor John Barrymore.