Durable, gifted leading lady and character player of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, best remembered as the homicidal, but wide-eyed and seemingly sympathetic, Brigid O'Shaughnessy in "The Maltese Falcon" (1941). With her small face, brunette hair, and slightly uneven but lovely, cameo-like features, Astor began in silent films as a delicate romantic lead in such films as "Don Juan" (1926). With the coming of sound her image changed somewhat and she played more sophisticated roles, such as the neurotic wife who lusts after Clark Gable in "Red Dust" (1932), and, in an especially fine performance, as
Submitted photograph to contest sponsored by Motion Picture magazine; moved to Chicago when placed among finalists but was deemed too young
1920
Family moved to NYC
Posed for a series of photographs titled "The Madonna Child" for Charles Albin; caught attention of talent scout who put her under six-month contract with Paramount; name changed to Mary Astor
1921
Film debut in a dream sequence of the film "Sentimental Journey"; cut from final print
