Gladys Walton — Blue Book of the Screen (1923) 🇺🇸

Trivial happenings have put kings upon thrones, but few of these have had the following of the “queens” which accidental occurrences have put on the screen.

Uncle joked Gladys Walton about becoming a picture star, and that was that.

It was during a visit to Los Angeles that this incident happened which removed a lively pupil from school days and, eventually, made her a screen favorite.

The family had removed to Portland, Ore., soon after the daughter was born in Boston. She grew up in the former city and, in 1919, concluded the junior course in Jefferson high school.

During the visit in Los Angeles, the daily scene in Hollywood, with famous stars drifting past constantly, aroused uncle to suggest to Miss Gladys, why she did not go and do likewise.

Putting a suggestion of that character into the head of an alert young member of the feminine gender, is a trifle more effective than dropping a match into a powder barrel. It was a case of film fever on the spot.

The girl did not know how to make the approach. But, taking her uncle for an escort, she applied for work at the Bill Hart Studio [William S. Hart]. She was turned down cold.

But she was determined and, the day before she was to return North, she secured an introduction to a Sunshine comedy manager, and secured her first work.

Her employment continued until she was offered leads and a contract. The mother decided to remain and allow Gladys to continue in pictures. She played comedy.

Next, her work came to the notice of Rollin Sturgeon, a director who had “discovered” a number of screen stars and, upon his recommendation, Miss Walton was taken over by Universal.

Her first picture was “La La, Lucille!” with Lyons and Moran. Next she had the leading role in the drama, “The Secret Gift.”

Thus the high school girl, without previous experience, attained stardom within a period of ten months after entering films.

Miss Walton’s recent productions are too well known to call for complete listing. Some of them are: “The Lavender Bath Lady,” “All Dolled Up” and “Pink Tights.”

Miss Walton’s hobbies are cooking, motoring and swimming. She was champion girl diver of the Pacific Coast two years.

She is five feet, one and one-half inches tall, weighs 115 pounds, has hazel eyes and brown, curly hair.

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Gladys Walton is taking directions from King Baggot, who was one of the pioneer actors of the screen. Gladys looks as though she enjoyed her work. That’s the reason for her success.

Portrait by Freulich • Los Angeles

Collection: The Blue Book of the Screen (1923)