Irene Franklin was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Blazing Barriers, Registered Nurse, and Down to Their Last Yacht. Born on June 13, 1876, in New York City, she had a prolific career in vaudeville and on Broadway.
Personal and Family Life
Irene Franklin was married twice, first to Burton Green, with whom she had two children, and later to Jerry Overton Jarnigan until his death in 1934. She began her performing career at a very young age, taking the stage at just six months old and transitioning to vaudeville by the age of five. Despite her early success, she faced significant challenges later in life.
Career
Franklin was recognized as a talented character comedienne and appeared in numerous films during the 1930s. She became known as “The Most Popular Woman Vaudeville Artist,” showcasing her comedic prowess and stage presence throughout her career.
Death and Legacy
Irene Franklin passed away on June 16, 1941, in Englewood, New Jersey, due to a cerebral hemorrhage. Her later years were marred by financial difficulties, particularly after losing her savings in the stock market crash of 1929. She died in poverty, leaving a legacy as a pioneer in comedic acting and vaudeville.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Swingtime in the Movies | 1938-12-24 | Head Waitress Kate |
| Ladies Crave Excitement | 1935-06-21 | Victoria |
| Along Came Love | 1936-11-05 | Mrs. Minnie ‘Goldie’ Grant |
| Registered Nurse | 1934-04-06 | Sadie Harris |
| Land Beyond the Law | 1937-03-13 | Cattle Kate Turner |
| Blazing Barriers | 1937-06-29 | Fleurette Varden |
| Flirting with Fate | 1938-12-02 | Hattie |
| Down to Their Last Yacht | 1934-08-31 | Mrs. Gilhooley |
| A Very Honorable Guy | 1934-04-18 | Toodles |
| Wanted: Jane Turner | 1936-12-04 | Ruby Winston |
| Rebellious Daughters | 1938-07-01 | Ma Delacy |
| Death Flies East | 1935-02-28 | Mrs. Laura Madison |
| The Women in His Life | 1933-12-08 | Mrs. Florence Steele / Madame Celeste |
| The Affair of Susan | 1935-09-01 | Miss Perkins |
| Finishing School | 1934-05-04 | Aunt Jessica |
| The President Vanishes | 1934-11-17 | Mrs. Orcott |
| Change of Heart | 1934-05-18 | Greta Hailstrom |
| Fatal Lady | 1936-05-15 | Russian Countess (uncredited) |
| Lazy River | 1934-03-16 | Suzanne |
| Fixer Dugan | 1939-04-21 | Jane |
| Fast Workers | 1933-03-10 | Lily White (Uncredited) |
| Midnight Madonna | 1937-07-01 | Cafe Proprietor |
| Song and Dance Man | 1936-03-11 | Goldie McGuffy |
| Whipsaw | 1935-12-18 | Mme. Marie |
| Married Before Breakfast | 1937-06-18 | Mrs. Baglipp |
| Strictly Dynamite | 1934-05-11 | Mrs. Figg |
| Timothy’s Quest | 1936-01-31 | Flossie Cudd |