Pauline Frederick was born as Pauline Beatrice Libby. She was an established stage actor when she made her first film in 1915. She made her last film in 1937.
As a girl she was fascinated with show business, and determined early to place her goals in the direction of the theater. A well-known stage star, Frederick was already in her 30s when she began making films. She specialized in playing commanding and authoritative women throughout her film career. Her stunning beauty stayed with her as she aged into her best remembered roles--sacrificing mothers and 40-something women having a last fling at youth and romance. She was able to make a successful transition to 'talkies' in 1929, and in 1931 was cast as Joan Crawford's mother in This Modern Age.
