Louise Fazenda


Louise Fazenda was an American film actress, appearing chiefly in silent comedy films.

Early life

Fazenda was born in her maternal grandparents' house in Lafayette, Indiana, the daughter of Joseph A. Fazenda and Nelda T. Schilling Fazenda. Fazenda grew up in California, where she attended Los Angeles High School and St. Mary's Convent.

Career

Fazenda was discovered by a scout employed by Mack Sennett in a high school comedy show. She made her first film in 1913. She was best known as a character actor in silent films, playing roles such as a fussy old maid and a blacksmith. She briefly left films during 1921 and 1922 to perform vaudeville. Her transition into talking pictures led to more serious roles. The Old Maid, in 1939, was her last of her nearly 300 movie appearances.

Marriage

In 1927, Fazenda married Hal B. Wallis, a producer at Warner Bros., and they remained married until her death. They had one son, Brent, who became a psychiatrist.

Death

Fazenda died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Beverly Hills, California. Wallis was in Hawaii making a film and left immediately for home. She was interred at the Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California. At her funeral, many stories were told of Fazenda's volunteer work, such as caring for children at UCLA Medical Center and taking in two children during World War II.

Recognition

Fazenda has a star at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard in the Motion Pictures section of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Selected filmography