Births on February 5

Peg Entwistle, Welsh-American actress (d. 1932)

Millicent Lilian "Peg" Entwistle, born on 5 February 1908, was a promising British stage and screen actress whose life was tragically cut short on 16 September 1932. Her brief but impactful career, coupled with the circumstances of her untimely death, cemented her place in Hollywood lore. Entwistle's story remains a poignant reminder of the allure and often unforgiving nature of the entertainment industry.

The Rise of a Stage Talent: Broadway Acclaim

Peg Entwistle embarked on her professional stage career in 1925, quickly establishing herself as a notable presence on the American theatrical landscape. She graced numerous Broadway productions, showcasing her talent and versatility. Critics often praised her performances, with her role in the critically acclaimed 1927 play Tommy being particularly highlighted for its charm and depth. Her Broadway credits also included significant roles in Henrik Ibsen's The Wild Duck, The Man From Toronto, The Furies, and The Mad Hopes, underscoring her commitment to diverse dramatic works. These early successes on the legitimate stage signaled a bright future for the young actress, leading her to set her sights on the burgeoning world of motion pictures in Hollywood.

A Fleeting Foray into Film: "Thirteen Women"

Driven by the ambition to transition from the stage to the silver screen, Entwistle moved to California. Her cinematic debut and only film appearance was in the RKO Radio Pictures production Thirteen Women, a pre-Code psychological thriller released in 1932. In the film, she portrayed Hazel Clay Cousins, a relatively minor but pivotal character. The movie, which also starred Irene Dunne and Myrna Loy, explored themes of astrology, revenge, and psychological manipulation. Tragically, a significant portion of Entwistle's scenes were cut from the final release of Thirteen Women, diminishing her role and potentially disheartening the aspiring film actress. The film itself was released posthumously, meaning it premiered to the public only after her death, adding a layer of tragic irony to her sole cinematic credit.

The Hollywoodland Sign Tragedy and Enduring Legacy

Peg Entwistle gained enduring, albeit sorrowful, notoriety following her death by suicide on 16 September 1932. At just 24 years old, she climbed a ladder to the top of the "H" on the iconic Hollywoodland sign and jumped to her death. The sign, originally erected in 1923 as a massive billboard advertisement for a real estate development called "Hollywoodland," stood as a towering symbol of dreams and aspirations in Los Angeles. Her body was discovered by a hiker the following day below the sign, alongside a note found in her purse that alluded to her despair and feelings of being a "coward," lamenting that she should have taken this step "long ago." Her death sent shockwaves through the nascent Hollywood community, becoming a stark and tragic symbol of the unfulfilled promises and immense pressures faced by those who flocked to Los Angeles seeking fame and fortune. The Hollywoodland sign itself, later shortened to simply "Hollywood" in 1949 after the "LAND" portion was removed, remains intrinsically linked to her story, a silent monument to her brief life and a cautionary tale of the dark side of the dream factory.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peg Entwistle

Who was Peg Entwistle?

Peg Entwistle was a British stage and screen actress who became known for her promising Broadway career and, more tragically, for her death by suicide from the Hollywoodland sign in 1932. Her full name was Millicent Lilian Entwistle.

What was the Hollywoodland sign?

The Hollywoodland sign was a large outdoor advertisement erected in 1923 to promote a new real estate development in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. It originally spelled out "Hollywoodland" and became a famous landmark. The "LAND" portion was removed in 1949, and it has since been known simply as the Hollywood Sign.

What film did Peg Entwistle appear in?

Peg Entwistle appeared in only one film, a psychological thriller titled Thirteen Women (1932). The film was released posthumously after her death.

Why is Peg Entwistle famous?

Peg Entwistle is famous primarily because of the tragic circumstances of her death. Her suicide from the "H" of the Hollywoodland sign at a young age became a poignant and enduring symbol of the dashed hopes and pressures faced by aspiring actors in Hollywood.

How old was Peg Entwistle when she died?

Peg Entwistle was 24 years old when she died on 16 September 1932.