Ann Little, a true daughter of the West, was born in a small, unassuming town situated at the foot of the majestic Mt. Shasta, a mountain of breathtaking grandeur, located in the northern region of California. Growing up on a ranch, nestled in the shadow of this awe-inspiring peak, Ann developed an innate connection to the great outdoors, a bond that would ultimately prove to be a valuable asset in her future acting career. Upon completing her high school education, Ann joined a traveling stock company, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead her to the stage in San Francisco, a city renowned for its vibrant cultural scene. As her skills and experience continued to evolve, Ann transitioned to the film industry, initially working on one-reel westerns alongside the legendary Broncho Billy Anderson. Later, she relocated to Southern California, where she worked for various film companies, further honing her craft and solidifying her status as a talented and accomplished actress.
Ann's remarkable aptitude for outdoor pursuits, encompassing horseback riding, marksmanship, and swimming, ultimately led to her securing an increasing number of roles in western films, with a notable concentration on portrayals of Native American maidens, which brought her immense delight.
Her prolonged and in-depth study of Indian culture, a lifelong endeavor, granted her the capacity to convincingly depict these characters, thereby garnering the admiration and camaraderie of the Native American extras who worked alongside her in films such as The Squaw Man, released in 1918.
Ann's stint at Universal Studios served as the launching pad for her prolific serial career, with her making her debut in six serials in 1915. However, by 1917, she had grown weary of the western genre and made the bold decision to relocate to the bustling metropolis of New York City, driven by her desire to explore the realm of straight drama. Despite experiencing some degree of success in this new direction, Ann eventually found herself drawn back to the sun-kissed state of California and the serial field, where she ultimately achieved an even greater level of success.
Ann's career had reached a pinnacle of success when, in the year 1925, she made the abrupt and enigmatic decision to abruptly abandon the film industry. The suddenness and secrecy surrounding her departure led to widespread speculation and gossip, with some reports suggesting that she had discovered a profound spiritual awakening through her study of Christian Science, and was subsequently dedicating herself to a life of religious devotion and service.
However, Ann remained resolute in her refusal to publicly discuss her experiences in Hollywood, and never provided a clear explanation for her decision to leave the industry. Despite residing in the Los Angeles area, she maintained a veil of secrecy surrounding her past, and remained elusive about her life story until her passing in the year 1984.
