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Nance O'Neil
Acting
Born: October 6, 1874
Oakland, California, USA
Biography
Nance O'Neil, born Gertrude Lamson, was an American stage and screen actress. When she decided to become an actress, her religious father, George Lamson, an auctioneer, denounced his daughter in church for going on the stage and asked the congregation to pray for her. O'Neil's first performance in a professional production was in the role of a nun in Sarah at the Alcazar Theatre in San Francisco on October 16, 1893. At the height of her career, she was promoted on theatre bills and in period trade publications and newspapers as the "American Sarah Bernhardt".
Known For

Cimarron
as Felice Venable

Ladies of Leisure
as Mrs. Strong

Transgression
as Honora 'Nora' Maury

The Eyes of the World
as Myra Willard

The Royal Bed
as Martha, the Queen

Secret Service
as Mrs. Varney

The Good Bad Girl
as Mrs. Henderson

A Woman of Experience
as Countess Runyi

The Rogue Song
as Princess Alexandra

Their Mad Moment
as Grand Mere