Mabel Normand
Mabel Normand was a comedy great of early film, known for her contributions to the silent era and for debuting iconic comedic elements.
Director | Fiction Writer | Movie Actress
November 10, 1892
February 23, 1930
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Mabel Normand, an American silent film actress, screenwriter, director, and producer, was renowned for her comedic roles and as one of the most successful women in early Hollywood. With over 200 films to her name, she played a crucial role in shaping the early comedy genre and helped launch Charlie Chaplin’s career. Some of her notable works include “Mickey” (1918), “Tillie’s Punctured Romance” (1914), “Molly O'” (1921), “He Did and He Didn’t” (1916), and “The Extra Girl” (1923).
Born Mabel Ethelreid Normand, she adopted her stage name from her mother’s maiden name, Hoskins, and Normandie Avenue, a street in her hometown of Staten Island, New York. Throughout her career, she used this name in the film industry.
An accomplished race car driver, Normand owned several sports cars and participated in thrill-seeking activities like flying planes and riding motorcycles. In 1915, she competed in a charity race at the Sheepshead Bay Speedway, driving a car owned by her friend and frequent co-star, Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle.
As one of the early film comedy greats, Normand introduced the Keystone Cops, Charlie Chaplin’s tramp, and the pie in the face gag. She was a popular star of Mack Sennett’s Keystone Studios and recognized as one of the first female screenwriters, producers, and directors in the film industry.
