Elliott Dexter — Blue Book of the Screen (1923) 🇺🇸

Ambition to enter the ministry guided the early years of Elliott Dexter, born in Galveston, Texas. When he was young his family removed to Washington, D. C, where the youth studied and graduated from high school. Perhaps his penchant for oratory, or the possession of a rostrum presence, turned his mind to the vocation he was actually to follow.

At any rate he made several attempts to go on the stage, but, failing in that city, went to New York for the purpose. Here he was more fortunate, although he obtained but a small part in a stock company, then playing at the American Theatre.

After two years with this organization, Dexter formed a company of his own. He took the troupe to the South, where he made a moderate success of his venture.

He returned to New York and found it much more receptive. The “big fellows” wanted him. Thereafter he played in many leading successes, such as The Lily, a Belasco production; The Master Mind, The Love Leash and The Tyranny of Tears, in which John Drew was the star; Barry’s play, The Whip, with Henry Miller; Just Outside the Door and Diplomacy, with Blanche Bates, William Gillette and Marie Doro.

Then Hollywood called, and he journeyed there to appear with Lillian Gish in “Daphne and the Pirate.” After one return trip to New York, in order to work with Marie Doro in a film production, Dexter returned permanently to Los Angeles, where he still lives.

Among the photoplays in which Mr. Dexter appeared are the following more recent ones; Romance of the Redwoods, “Something to Think About,” “Don’t Change Your Husband,” “The Squaw Man,”  Old Wives for New, The Affairs of Anatol, “For Better or For Worse” and Adam’s Rib.

Mr. Dexter’s name in private life is the same as that of the screen. In 1922 he married Mrs. Nina Chisholm Untermyer, and the two live in one of the most beautiful homes in Altadena, which commands a view of Los Angeles city and valley, as well as the ocean in the far distance.

Mr. Dexter’s hobbies are his dogs and care of the striking landscaping about his home. Many of the trees and plants were selected by Luther Burbank, the plant wizard.

The star also has a kennel of German police hounds, said to be one of the finest in the country.

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Portrait by Seeley • Los Angeles

Collection: The Blue Book of the Screen (1923)