Virginia Kirtley (born Virginia M. Saffell; November 11, 1888 – August 19, 1956) was an American film actress and writer during the silent era. She appeared in more than 50 films in the 1910s and 1920s.

Virginia Kirtley
Virginia Kirtley
Born
Virginia M. Saffell

(1888-11-11)November 11, 1888
DiedAugust 19, 1956(1956-08-19) (aged 67)
Occupation(s)Actress, screenwriter
Years active1913-1928
Spouse(s)Eddie Lyons (1916-1926, his death)
Eddie Fetherston (1927 - ?)
Children1

Kirtley was born Virginia M. Saffell in Bowling Green, Missouri, but went on to live with her family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She took her screen surname from her mother's maiden name.[1] At age 10 she performed with the Burbank Stock Company of Los Angeles, and she acted in other productions before she made the transition to film.[2] She attended school in Colorado at Cutler Academy and Colorado College.[3]

While employed by Keystone Studios, Kirtley appeared in two Charlie Chaplin short comedies in 1914: Making a Living (Chaplin's first film) and A Film Johnnie.

Kirtley married actor Eddie Lyons in 1916, and they had a daughter, Frances Lyons, who was an actress.[1] After Lyons's death, Kirtley married actor Eddie Fetherston in 1927. Kirtley died on August 19, 1956, in Los Angeles and was buried in Calvary Cemetery in East Los Angeles.[1]

Selected filmography

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As an actress:

As a writer:

References

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  1. ^ a b c Walker, Brent E. (January 13, 2010). Mack Sennett's Fun Factory: A History and Filmography of His Studio and His Keystone and Mack Sennett Comedies, with Biographies of Players and Personnel. McFarland. p. 521. ISBN 978-0-7864-5707-6. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  2. ^ "A Happy-Go-Lucky Miss". The Movie Magazine. 2 (3): 75. December 1915. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  3. ^ "Scenario Writers and Editors". Motion Picture Studio Directory and Trade Annual: 232. 1919 – via Ancestry.com.
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