Kathlyn Williams
Kathlyn Williams was born in Butte, Montana, May 31,
1888. She studied drama at Wesleyan University. She began acting
in local stock companies, and then went on to attend the Franklin
Sergent Dramatic Academy in New York, her education financed by
a benefactor, local tycoon Senator W.A. Clark. She once again
began touring with stock companies, and while in Chicago, Col.
William Selig signer her to the Selig-Polyscope Company. At least
one source says she made three films for Biograph in New York
in 1910 before signing with Selig. Williams made 45 films for
Selig from 1910 to 1912, and then came the serial "The Adventures
of Kathlyn" in 1913-1914 which made her a star. She also
made a series of films with Harold Lockwood that year. She also
had a starring role in the first filming of Rex Beach's "The
Spoilers" in 1914 with William Farnum and Tom Santschi. The
next three years continued to be busy years for her not only starring
in a number of films but writing screenplays, as well. Also in
1916, she married film executive Charles Eyton. Since Eyton was
employed by Paramount, it was natural that she move there. She
made 26 films from 1917 to 1926. Her contact with Paramount ended
in 1921, but she continued acting on a freelance basis now appearing
more in older roles or character parts. Two such roles that can
be viewed today are as Anita Page's mother in "Our Dancing
Daughters" (1928) and as Greta Garbo's mother in "The
Single Standard" (1928). She was financially well of and
only appeared in six talkies between 1929 and 1935. She had divorced
Eyton in 1931. Williams maintained an active social life after
her film career ended. In 1949, she was involved in a car accident
that resulted in the loss of a leg. Fitted with a prosthetic leg,
she continued her social activities until a heart attack ended
her life Sept. 23, 1960.
Selected films of this
star available for viewing:
Sweet Alyssum (1915)
The Whispering Chorus
(1918)
Conrad in his Quest of his Youth (1920)
The Spanish Dancer
(1923)
Our
Dancing Daughters (1928)
The Single Standard
(1929)
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