Pauline Starke (January 10, 1901 – February 3, 1977) was an American silent-film actress.

Early years

Pauline Starke was born on January 10, 1901, in Joplin, Missouri, the daughter of George W. Starke and Edythe Edna Starke (née Bruce). Starke left school after completing the 5th grade. She accompanied her mother to Los Angeles and caught the attention of D. W. Griffith while her mother was working as an extra.

Career

Selected as one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars in 1922, Starke starred in a number of films from 1916 to 1935. She made her acting debut as an extra in The Birth of a Nation (1915) and appeared as a dance extra in Intolerance (1916). She continued to play bit parts until director Frank Borzage started casting her in leading roles, beginning in 1917. She scored several lead roles in films, establishing her as a prominent silent-film actress during the 1920s. On Broadway, Starke portrayed Sylvia Clayton in Zombie (1932).

Personal life and death

Starke married producer/director Jack White on September 4, 1927, and they divorced in 1931. In 1932, she married actor George Sherwood. Starke died from the aftermath of a stroke on February 3, 1977, in Santa Monica, California.

Recognition

Starke has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at 6125 Hollywood Blvd, for her contributions to Motion Pictures.

Selected filmography