Is Alice Howell Living or Dead?

About Alice Howell

Alice Howell: The Silent Film Comedienne Who Paved the Way for Women in Hollywood

Alice Howell was a trailblazer in the early days of Hollywood, paving the way for women in comedy and film. Born on May 5, 1888, in New York City, Howell began her career in vaudeville before transitioning to silent films in the early 1910s.

Howell quickly made a name for herself in Hollywood, starring in over 100 films throughout her career. She was known for her physical comedy and zany characters, often playing the role of a bumbling, hapless woman who found herself in absurd situations.

Despite the limitations placed on women in the film industry at the time, Howell was able to carve out a successful career for herself. She was one of the few women in Hollywood who had control over her own career, writing and producing her own films.

Howell's influence on the film industry cannot be overstated. She was a pioneer for women in comedy, paving the way for future female comedians like Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett. Her work also helped to break down gender barriers in Hollywood, proving that women could be just as funny and successful as their male counterparts.

Despite her contributions to the film industry, Howell's legacy has largely been forgotten. Many of her films have been lost or destroyed over time, and she is often overlooked in discussions of early Hollywood. However, her impact on the industry cannot be denied.

Alice Howell passed away on April 12, 1961, at the age of 72. Though she may not be a household name today, her work continues to inspire and influence generations of comedians and filmmakers.

References:

- "Alice Howell: A Forgotten Comedienne." The Silent Film Quarterly, vol. 9, no. 3, 2017, pp. 12-15.

- "Alice Howell." Women Film Pioneers Project, Columbia University Libraries, wfpp.columbia.edu/pioneer/alice-howell/.

- "Alice Howell." IMDb, IMDb.com, www.imdb.com/name/nm0397641/.