Gertrude Lamson (1874-1965) was a stage actress with an international reputation who specialized in tragic roles, including Hedda Gabler and Camille.
O’Neil began her film career in 1913, playing Mercedes in a version of The Count of Monte Cristo co-directed by Edwin S Porter. With her stage background, she made an easy transition to sound films, and was fourth-billed in Academy Award-winning Cimarron (1931).
She also featured in three Metro musicals, playing Princess Alexandra in the lost The Rogue Song, wealthy Mrs Vibart (the hero’s mother) in The Florodora Girl and the Mother Superior in Call of the Flesh.
Nance O’Neil attracted press attention in the 1900s when she formed an intimate friendship with Lizzie Borden. That salacious interest is maintained on the internet today.
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