Celebrity Info
Violet Mary Klotz, better known as Mae Clarke, is perhaps most famous for her role as Elizabeth Lavenza—the tragic Bride of Frankenstein—in the classic 1931 horror film starring Boris Karloff. And while that performance remains one of her most iconic, Mae Clarke also made a mark in another major 1931 release: The Public Enemy, where she shared a memorable scene with James Cagney. That tomato-squashing moment? Yeah, that was Mae Clarke. Before Hollywood came calling, though, she started out in vaudeville, dancing and performing live on stage, building the foundation of a career that would soon transition to the silver screen. Her cinematic debut came in 1929 with the film Big Time, and from there, Mae Clarke steadily climbed the ranks of early talkie-era stardom. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she grew up surrounded by music and movies—her father was an organist at a local movie theater, which probably sparked her fascination with film. As for her personal life, Mae Clarke experienced her share of ups and downs. She married three times: first to fellow entertainer Lew Brice, then to Stevens Bancroft, and finally to Herbert Langdon. Sadly, all three marriages ended in divorce. Still, through it all, Mae Clarke remained a resilient figure in Hollywood’s golden age—a woman whose talent and presence left a lasting impression, even if she wasn’t always given the spotlight she deserved.
Back in the 1950s, she made a number of appearances across various episodes of popular anthology series like The Ford Television Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. She really began to make her mark during that era, showcasing her talent on shows that were quite influential at the time. Her work on The Ford Television Theatre stood out, and she brought a similar energy to Lux Video Theatre, helping solidify her presence on television. It was a pivotal decade for her career, with each role contributing to her growing reputation. She balanced both series well, demonstrating versatility and depth as an actress throughout the 1950s.
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United States
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