Marion Davies Biography

Marion Cecilia Douras was born in Brooklyn, New York on 3 January 1897. She was entranced by the stage as a young girl, watching her sisters perform in local productions in Brooklyn. She had four older siblings and her sisters decided to change their names to Davies, which was seen on a real estate poster, as British-sounding surnames generally offered better prospects. Marion followed their example.

Davies began as a dancer working in a chorus line-up, though it was always her intention to become an actress.

She wrote the script of 'Runaway Romany', her first film, and persuaded her brother-in-law to direct it in 1917. Although the film received limited viewing, it was a start.

The next year, 1918, Davies featured in three films, one of which, 'Cecilia of the Pink Roses', was backed by newspaper magnate William Randolf Hearst.

He fell for Davies, becoming her lover and patron for the next thirty years. Hearst devoted millions of dollars to promoting Davies; in just a few years, Davies' face was a staple in cinemas across the US. It was Hollywood's 'worst kept secret' that Davies was living with Hearst in California while his wife Millicent lived in New York. Hearst's wife refused to divorce him so he could marry Davies.

Meanwhile, her acting career was going from strength to strength as she impressed in 'The Cinema Murder' in 1919 in a suspenseful role. She also showcased her talents playing Mary Tudor in the 1922 film 'When Knighthood was in Flower'. Hearst had invested millions into the film, which acted as a showcase for the young actress. She wowed film goers and critics with her performance.

In the late 1920s it was obvious that sound films were about to do away with their silent predecessors. Davies' faith in her future faltered; she stuttered when excited, and feared she would never be able to deliver her lines properly. It was a difficulty she overcame.

Her most impressive performances during the 1930s included 'Not so Dumb' and 'The Gay Nineties', both released in 1930.

By the mid 1930s, Davies' films were losing their allure. Hearst tried to force film studios to hire his lover but executives refused, undaunted by the newspaperman.

With the film industry rejecting her, and the relationship with Hearst under pressure, Davies wilted and became an alcoholic. She made her last film 'Ever Since Eve' in 1937 at the age of 40 as she retired to look after Hearst whose health was failing.

After Hearst died in 1951, Marion married for the first time at the age of 54 and remained with her husband Horace Brown until she died of cancer of the jaw in 1961.She was buried at the Hollywood Memorial Cemetery.

Davies was involved with many charities from 1952 onward, donating $1.9 million to establish a children's clinic called the Mattel Children's Hospital, which still exists today.

She also helped fight childhood diseases through the Marion Davies Foundation.