Wanda Hawley

Wanda Hawley, 1921

Wanda Hawley (a.k.a. Wanda Petit), (July 30, 1895 - March 18, 1963) was a veteran of the silent screen films era. She co-starred with Rudolph Valentino in the 1922's The Young Rajah, and rose to stardom in a number of Cecil B. DeMille and director Sam Wood's films.

Life and career

Hawley was born Selma Wanda Pittack in Scranton, Pennsylvania, but together with her family moved to Seattle, Washington, when she was a child. She entered the theatrical profession with an amateur group in Seattle, and later toured the U.S. and Canada as a singer. She made her screen debut with the William Fox Company and later joined Lasky studio forces and appeared as leading lady for Douglas Fairbanks, in Mr. Fix-it. She has also appeared opposite William S. Hart, Charlie Ray, Bryant Washburn, Wallie Reid and others. One of her most notable screen characterizations was the symbolic role of "Beauty" in Everywoman. With the advent of sound, Hawley's career ended.