BAINTER, FAY

(1891-1968)

Born in Los Angeles, California, where she began acting in childhood, Fay Bainter made her first New York stage appearance inThe Rose of Panama(1912), a musical. She also appeared inThe Bridal Path(1913) and toured withMinnie Maddern FiskeinMrs. Bumpstead-Leigh(1914) before achieving her first important successes inArms and the Girl(1916) andThe Willow Tree(1917). Although most of Bainter's later career would be as a versatilecharacter actressin all genres on stage and in motion pictures, she often appeared in musicals andoperettassuch asThe Kiss Burglar(1918) andThe Dream Girl(1924). Bainter attained stardom as the hoyden Ming Toy in the comedyEast Is West(1918). She had a very active period in the 1920s in a variety of contemporary and classical roles, includingThe Enemy(1925),The Two Orphans(a 1926 revival), Noël Coward'sFallen Angels(1927),She Stoops to Conquer(1928),The Beaux' Stratagem(1928),Lysistrata(1930), andThe Admirable Crichton(1931). Bainter made periodic returns to Broadway throughout the remainder of her career, but she acted more frequently in films after the dawn of the sound era.