Births on January 3

Marion Davies, American actress and comedian (d. 1961)

The Enduring Legacy of Marion Davies: A Hollywood Icon Beyond the Headlines

Marion Davies, born Marion Cecilia Douras on January 3, 1897, and passing on September 22, 1961, was a multifaceted American figure: a celebrated actress, a shrewd producer, a talented screenwriter, and a dedicated philanthropist. Her early life saw her educated within the confines of a religious convent, a path she soon abandoned, drawn instead to the vibrant lights of the stage. She began her career as a chorus girl, a common entry point into show business during that era.

As a teenager, Davies quickly ascended the ranks. She graced the stages of several Broadway musicals, showcasing her burgeoning talent, and made her cinematic debut in the 1917 film, Runaway Romany. Her charisma soon landed her a coveted spot as a featured performer in the iconic Ziegfeld Follies. These elaborate, annual Broadway revues, renowned for their lavish costumes, stunning sets, and beautiful "Follies Girls," were a pinnacle of entertainment and a crucial springboard for many aspiring stars of the early 20th century.

It was during her tenure in the 1916 Ziegfeld Follies that a pivotal encounter shaped the rest of her life. The nineteen-year-old Marion Davies met William Randolph Hearst, the formidable fifty-three-year-old newspaper tycoon. This meeting marked the beginning of their extraordinary and enduring relationship, with Davies becoming Hearst's steadfast companion. A man of immense power and influence, Hearst quickly recognized Davies' potential. He took a direct and unprecedented role in managing her career, dedicating his vast media empire to promoting her transformation into a prominent motion picture actress.

Hollywood Stardom and Philanthropic Endeavors

William Randolph Hearst's patronage was unparalleled in Hollywood. He not only financed Davies's pictures but also orchestrated an extensive promotional campaign for her career across his vast media empire. This included relentless publicity in his dozens of newspapers, prime features in his Hearst newsreels, and extensive coverage in magazines like Cosmopolitan, which he also owned. To further ensure her success and creative control, Hearst founded Cosmopolitan Pictures in 1918, a production company specifically dedicated to producing her films.

This unprecedented support propelled Davies to significant fame. By 1924, Marion Davies was undoubtedly one of Hollywood's most popular female box office stars. Her remarkable success was largely due to the immense popularity of films such as When Knighthood Was in Flower (1922) and Little Old New York (1923). The former, a grand historical epic, and the latter, a charming period comedy, were among the biggest box-office hits of their respective years, solidifying her reputation as a formidable presence on screen.

Beyond her film career, Davies became renowned as the consummate hostess of lavish soirees during the zenith of the Jazz Age. Her legendary beach house in Santa Monica, a magnificent estate known as the "Marion Davies Beach House," was the setting for extravagant parties attended by Hollywood's biggest stars, influential political elites, and prominent international figures. These gatherings were central to the social fabric of Hollywood, fostering connections and serving as a testament to her prominent social standing.

However, 1924 also brought an unfortunate shadow over her public image when her name became linked with scandal. Film producer Thomas H. Ince died suddenly at a party aboard Hearst's yacht, the Oneida. While the official cause of death was ruled as acute indigestion or heart failure, persistent rumors and speculation fueled by the mysterious circumstances and the high-profile guests present led to a lasting cloud of unverified claims that, despite lacking factual basis, continued to associate Davies with the unfortunate incident.

Later Years, Personal Struggles, and Enduring Devotion

Following the golden age of silent film and the onset of the Great Depression, Marion Davies's film career began to decline, mirroring a broader industry shift as the transition to sound challenged many silent stars. During this period, she also bravely struggled with alcoholism, a personal battle she later addressed publicly. In 1937, Davies made the decision to retire from the screen, choosing to devote herself entirely to caring for an ailing William Randolph Hearst and dedicating her time to various charitable works. She was a notable philanthropist, particularly recognized for her generosity towards children's hospitals and special needs children, establishing the Marion Davies Children's Clinic at UCLA.

In Hearst's declining years, Davies remained his steadfast companion and primary caregiver, demonstrating unwavering loyalty until his death in 1951. Just eleven weeks after Hearst's passing, Davies married Horace Brown, a sea captain. Their marriage lasted until Davies's death at the age of 64 on September 22, 1961, from malignant osteomyelitis, a severe form of bone cancer affecting her jaw.

Reclaiming a Legacy: Marion Davies and Citizen Kane

By the time of her death, Marion Davies's formidable legacy as a talented actress and producer had, unfortunately, been largely overshadowed by her popular association with the character of Susan Alexander Kane in Orson Welles's groundbreaking 1941 film, Citizen Kane. The character of Susan, the untalented second wife of the powerful media magnate Charles Foster Kane (who was widely perceived as a fictionalized version of William Randolph Hearst), was often assumed by the public to be a direct and unflattering portrayal of Davies herself. This widespread misconception profoundly distorted public perception of her actual talents.

However, numerous commentators, notably including the film's writer-director, Orson Welles, vehemently defended Davies's actual record as a gifted actress and a brilliant comedienne. Welles consistently maintained that while the film drew inspiration from Hearst's life, the character of Susan Alexander Kane was not a truthful depiction of Marion Davies's artistic capabilities or personality. He often expressed regret that the public erroneously conflated the two, stating that Davies was "one of the most delightful comediennes in the whole history of the movies." Welles argued that Hearst's overwhelming patronage, while providing opportunities, ultimately did more harm than good to Davies's professional reputation by eclipsing her genuine acting prowess and comedic timing. In his final years, Welles made dedicated efforts to correct the widespread misconceptions that Citizen Kane had inadvertently created about Marion Davies's remarkable popularity and versatile talents as an actress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marion Davies

Who was Marion Davies?

Marion Davies was a prominent American actress, producer, screenwriter, and philanthropist, most active during the silent film era and early talkies. She was also widely known for her long-term relationship with newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.

How did Marion Davies meet William Randolph Hearst?

Marion Davies met William Randolph Hearst in 1916 while she was performing as a featured star in the renowned Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway. She was 19, and Hearst was 53 at the time.

What was Cosmopolitan Pictures?

Cosmopolitan Pictures was a film production company founded by William Randolph Hearst in 1918, primarily to produce films for Marion Davies. It was part of Hearst's extensive media empire and played a significant role in promoting Davies's film career.

Was Marion Davies a successful actress?

Yes, Marion Davies was highly successful, particularly in the silent film era. Films like When Knighthood Was in Flower (1922) and Little Old New York (1923) were major box-office hits, establishing her as one of the most popular female stars of her time. Many critics and peers, including Orson Welles, praised her comedic talent.

How was Marion Davies connected to the film Citizen Kane?

Marion Davies was widely believed by the public to be the inspiration for the character of Susan Alexander Kane in the film Citizen Kane (1941). However, Orson Welles, the film's director, repeatedly stated that while Charles Foster Kane was loosely based on William Randolph Hearst, the character of Susan Alexander was not a direct or accurate portrayal of Davies's actual talent or personality.

What was Marion Davies's relationship with William Randolph Hearst?

Marion Davies was William Randolph Hearst's long-term companion and mistress for over 30 years, from 1916 until his death in 1951. She was a devoted partner, particularly in his later, ailing years.

What was Marion Davies's involvement in philanthropy?

Marion Davies was a dedicated philanthropist, especially focused on children's causes. She founded the Marion Davies Children's Clinic at UCLA, demonstrating her commitment to charitable work, particularly after her retirement from film.