O'NEIL, NANCE

(1874-1965)

Born Gertrude Lamson in Oakland, California, the actress made her debut in 1893 at San Francisco's Alcazar Theatre. She toured inMcKeeRankin's popularmelodramaThe Danites. Her New York debut came in 1896 at Weber and Fields's Theatre. One of her great roles that long remained in her repertory was Leah inThe Jewess, which she performed successfully in London in 1902 as well as for many years on tour. HerVarietyobituary signalsThe Lilyin 1909 as the role that brought her stardom as anemotional actress. Her stage career peaked with Raimunda inThe Passion Flower(1920), and she eventually went into motion pictures.