Corinne Griffith

Corinne Griffith, born on November 21, 1894, was an iconic American film actress, producer, author, and businesswoman, celebrated for her stunning beauty and talent during the silent film era. Known as 'The Orchid Lady of the Screen', she captivated audiences with her performances, particularly in Frank Lloyd's acclaimed film, The Divine Lady, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in 1930.

Originally hailing from Texas, Griffith's journey into the film industry began after she won a beauty contest in Southern California. In 1916, she signed with Vitagraph Studios, where she starred in numerous films throughout the decade. By 1920, she transitioned to First National Pictures, quickly becoming one of the studio's leading stars. Her career flourished in the mid-1920s as she took on the role of executive producer, contributing to films like Déclassée and Classified, both of which she also starred in.

As the 1920s progressed, Griffith's film appearances became less frequent, though she still delivered notable performances in Outcast and The Garden of Eden, both released in 1928. The following year marked a significant milestone in her career with her nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in The Divine Lady. After a brief hiatus, she returned to the screen in 1932 for Lily Christine, but soon after, she retired from acting to pursue a successful career as an author and businesswoman.

In addition to her literary accomplishments, Griffith ventured into real estate, a field she had begun exploring in the 1920s. She married George Preston Marshall, owner of the Washington Redskins, in 1936, and their marriage lasted until 1958. After a long absence from the film industry, she made a minor appearance in Paradise Alley in 1962, marking her return to the screen after twenty-eight years. A biographical film titled Papa's Delicate Condition, based on her memoir, was released in 1963, highlighting her relationship with her father.

Griffith's life came to a close after suffering a stroke in July 1979, leading to her hospitalization in Santa Monica, California, where she passed away from a heart attack shortly thereafter. At the time of her death, she left behind a remarkable estate valued at one hundred fifty million dollars, solidifying her status as one of the wealthiest women of her era.