Daisy Belmore

Daisy Belmore (30 June 1874 – 12 December 1954) was an English stage and film actress. Born in England, Belmore moved to the United States in 1910 where she settled, achieving citizenship in 1939 and fame as a leading stage actress, as well as on film. Her career started at the age of 8 and following a break to complete her education, she returned to stage aged 15, touring the world with the Wilson Barrett company to countries including America, Australia and India. Her godmother was Ellen Terry, who was among the most famous actresses of her time. She first visited the United States in 1910 to appear in the musical comedy Our Miss Gibbs, produced by Charles Frohman and would later work with William Faversham. Her breakthrough role came in 1921 as the character of Old Sweetheart in Three Live Ghosts, as a "gin drinking lovable old mother" which earned her much praise and she was barely recognised in the street following her character's appearance transformation. She was later part of a "strong cast" for the 1928 silent film We Americans and was part of the supporting cast of My Past in 1931, alongside stars including Joan Blondell and Virginia Sale. Belmore helped arrange acting classes in Shakespearean drama for Nellie Bramley, an upcoming Australian stage actress. She married Melbourne-born Samuel Waxman in 1902 had 2 children, Eric and Ruth, before their separation in 1923 and his death in 1942. Her daughter was also a stage actress and musician, sometimes appearing alongside her mother. One of her brothers was director Lionel Belmore. Belmore died in her apartment at the Wellington Hotel in December 1954 due to a heart attack. Early life Belmore was born on 30 June 1874 and baptised on 27 September 1874 in St Marylebone, Westminster, England as Daisy Gertrude Garstin. Her parents were George Benjamin Garstin and Alice Maud Mary Ann Garstin and she was one of seven children. Her godmother was Ellen Terry, who was among the most famous actresses of her time. Belmore did not believe she resembled her mother and in her opinion, took after her father who was a prominent comedian and acted alongside his friend Sir Henry Irving.