Chaplin’s Leading Lady - Edna Purviance

Silent movie star Edna Purviance was born on this day (October 21st), 129 years ago.

Edna Purviance was an American actress best known for being Charlie Chaplin's leading lady in many of his early silent films. 

Although she was born in Paradise Valley, Nevada, we British can claim a slice of her as her mother was an English immigrant (it does have to be considered that Edna was possibly more qualified to play for England than many of our cricketers are!).

Growing up it is believed she was a talented pianist, but she was spotted while working as a stenographer and recommended to Charlie Chaplin as a leading lady for his upcoming movie. She had no previous acting experience and Chaplin initially considered her too serious for a comedic role, but soon changed his mind.

Chaplin and Edna
(The Idle Class 1921)

Indeed, they were actually romantically involved during 1915-17, which came to an abrupt ending when Edna read a newspaper report that Chaplin had married 16 year old Mildred Harris.

Purviance worked extensively with Chaplin during the 1910s and 1920s, appearing in over 30 of his films.

After their collaboration came to a close, she continued to make a few more movies before she retired from acting in 1927. She and Chaplin remained as close friends for the rest of her life.

For more than 30 years after retiring she lived just outside of Hollywood, marrying an airline pilot. She continued to receive a small monthly salary from Chaplin’s film company until her marriage, which then continued upon the death of her husband in 1945.

She passed away from throat cancer in January 1958, leaving a legacy of being one of the prominent early silent movie stars and integral in the rise of Charlie Chaplin’s career. 

“How could I forget Edna,” Chaplin said in an interview after her death. “She was with me when it all began.”

Olga Edna Purviance - 21 October 1895 to 13 January 1958 (age 62)