Everyone knows the remarkable American cinema actress Myrtle Gonzalez, who is also the first Latin American Movie Star.
Her stage name is Myrtle Gebhart, and she starred on the silver screen in the early 90s. She gained more prominence when her name was written in a Google Doodle.
She has starred in almost 160 movies, making a lasting impression on Hollywood. When the legacy persists, her contribution is still honored in the cinema.
She passed away in 1918, but people are still interested in knowing about her life, career, personal life achievements, etc. So, let’s start and read the biography of Myrtle Gonzalez.
Early and Professional Life of Myrtle
Myrtle was born on 28 September 1891 in Los Angeles, California. She was the youngest among five siblings and her parents were Mexican immigrants.
Myrtle’s father, Francisco Gonzalez, was a carpenter, and her mother, Maria Rodriguez, was a homemaker. Gonzalez spent most of her childhood in Los Angeles and explored various cultures and languages at an early age.
Once, she met with a traveling Vaudeville troupe at 14 when they visited her school for a performance.
At that time, she wanted to assist the company and convinced her parents of this. During this time, she knew that she had a passion for acting and wanted to continue it as her career.
At the age of 19, Myrtle made an appearance in the western mobile show “ The Invaders.” It was the beginning of her successful career.
She also worked in Vita Graph Company of America for a few years after debuting in the Yellow Streak in 1913.
Myrtle was recognized for her work, as she starred in five motion pictures with Tylor in 1913 and 1914. They appeared in dramas such as The Kiss, Captain Alvarez, Tainted Money, and Millions of Defense.
After Vitagraph, she joined Universal Studios, where she appeared in the Girl of Lost Lake and The Secret of The Swamp.
Her most popular movies include The Easter Lily, One Law for Both, and The Serpent. Myrtle played roles in many comedic plates and earned the nickname La Unica, which means ‘ the unique one.’ Her dynamic roles were really appreciated and challenged gender stereotypes.
Achievements and Tributes
As we already said, Myrtle was the first Latin American star and talented actress whose legacy continues. She left an unforgettable mark on the industry and paved the way for future Latino actresses.
Let’s look at her contributions to cinema; first, she got Posthumous awards for her roles in many movies.
Furthermore, she got a Bronze Plaque from Photography Magazine in 1919 for her performance in ‘The Mexican,’ an honorary award given by Alma de Mexico magazine as the most beautiful woman in Mexico.
Myrtle got ‘a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 after her death. In the industry, it was considered the biggest achievement.
Relationship Status
Myrtle wed two times in her life. Her first marriage was with film director George Marshall in 1913. She remained for six years and then divorced because of some personal differences.
Again, She married cinematographer Allen McNeil, and the couple remained together until Allen died in 1950. Despite all the challenges in her life, she always maintained her career and had strong relationships with other fellow actresses like Ramona Novarro and Dolores Del Rio.
Gonzalez had a son from the first marriage named James Parks Jones. Unfortunately, life did not give her more time, and she died at the age of 27 because of a non-communicable disease.
Spanish flu was a pandemic disease at that time, and that was her cause of death in 1918. Well, Myrtle’s movies have been saved by the Library of Congress as a tribute to her influence on the business.
Reason of Death
Myrtle contracted a non-communicable disease ‘ Spanish Flu’ in October 1918. Due to this pandemic, she lost her life at the age of 27.
Undoubtedly, that was a tragic loss for her family and the film industry. Myrtle was passionate about her acting career and was an avid doodler. She spent her time on set sketching and drawing, where she drew amazing patterns and designs.
How Much She Earned In Her Life?
We don’t know Myrtle Gonzalez’s net worth. However, we can estimate her salary, popularity, and lifestyle on her behalf. Some reports claim that she earned $500 per week at that time and received plenty of bonuses and royalties.
She always lived a luxurious lifestyle with jewelry, cars, clothing, and money. At the time of death, we can say that the approximate net worth of Gonzalez was $100,000 – $250,000.
In a nutshell, Myrtle is still considered a successful and well-recognized actress in Hollywood despite her death. The actress faced many challenges but dedicated her life to her career.
She left her legacy, which continues to inspire other celebrities in the industry. Myrtle faced many controversies, but her work made her a popular personality along with the first Mexican American stars in Hollywood.
