Ida Estelle Taylor, later to become the renowned American Hollywood actress Estelle Taylor, was born on May 20, 1894, in the charming city of Wilmington, Delaware, to Harry D Taylor and his wife Ida LaBertha (Barrett) Taylor. This remarkable individual was fortunate enough to be born into a family that placed a high value on education, and as a result, Estelle was surrounded by a strong sense of determination and ambition from a very young age.
Taylor's formative years were characterized by an unwavering enthusiasm for the world of performing arts, a passion that initially manifested itself through her participation in acting classes. As her interest in the craft continued to grow, she made the bold decision to relocate to the bustling metropolis of New York City, driven by a burning desire to hone her skills and pursue a career in the competitive realm of theater.
Throughout her early years in the city, Taylor gradually worked her way up the ranks, securing a series of modest roles on stage, each one serving as a valuable learning experience that helped to refine her craft. Her determination and perseverance eventually paid off, as she attracted the attention of Hollywood casting directors and landed a string of small but significant parts in films, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career in the entertainment industry.
Taylor's inaugural appearance on the silver screen was in the 1920 cinematic endeavour "While New York Sleeps", where she shared the spotlight with Marc McDermott, a renowned actor of the era. Her portrayal of not one, not two, but three distinct characters across various temporal settings exemplified her remarkable range as a thespian.
This groundbreaking film, initially lost to the annals of time, was rediscovered and subsequently showcased at a prestigious film festival in Los Angeles, allowing a new generation to appreciate Taylor's early work and the significance of this pioneering performance.
Taylor's illustrious acting career continued to flourish throughout the 1920s, with a multitude of film appearances that showcased her remarkable talent. One of her most notable roles during this period was in the cinematic adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' timeless classic, "Monte Cristo", where she shared the screen with the dashing John Gilbert. Her impressive range was further demonstrated in the epic biblical drama "The Ten Commandments", masterfully directed by the visionary Cecil B. DeMille.
Additionally, Taylor's remarkable on-screen presence was on full display in the swashbuckling adventure "Don Juan", where she starred alongside the charismatic John Barrymore and the captivating Mary Astor. Her versatility as an actress was also showcased in the critically acclaimed film "Cimarron", which went on to win the prestigious Academy Award.
In 1932, Taylor appeared in the Clara Bow-starring talkie "Call Her Savage", further solidifying her status as a talented and sought-after actress in Hollywood.
Taylor's personal life was marked by a series of significant romantic relationships, with a total of three marriages occurring throughout her lifetime. Her first marital union was with Kenneth Malcom Peacock, a respected banker, who would later become the father of her first child. However, this initial marriage was short-lived, and Taylor would go on to marry Jack Dempsey, the renowned heavyweight boxing champion, in a union that would last for several years. Her third and final marriage was to Paul Smith, a prominent theatrical producer, with whom she would spend the remainder of her life.
As a trailblazing figure in her industry, Taylor was renowned for her bold and fiery personality, which enabled her to hold her own in a male-dominated professional landscape. Her unwavering confidence and unshakeable determination earned her a reputation as a force to be reckoned with, and her legacy continues to inspire and empower generations of women who have followed in her footsteps.
Taylor's life, though replete with numerous achievements, was also characterized by a profound sense of sorrow and loss. One of her closest acquaintances was the esteemed Mexican-born actress Lupe Vélez, and on the fateful evening of December 13, 1944, Taylor spent several hours in convivial company, sharing a meal and drinks with Vélez at a local restaurant.
Taylor's cinematic legacy came to a close with her appearance in the 1945 drama film "The Southerner", a masterpiece directed by the renowned Jean Renoir. As her life journey progressed, Taylor dedicated a significant portion of her free time to nurturing and caring for her beloved pets. Her passion for animal welfare led her to establish the California Pet Owners' Protective League, an organization that she proudly served as both president and founder. Furthermore, Taylor's commitment to animal welfare was not limited to her role in the league, as she also held a position on the City Animal Regulation Commission in Los Angeles, California.
Taylor's life came to a close on April 15, 1958, when she succumbed to the devastating effects of cancer, marking the end of her remarkable journey at the tender age of sixty-three.
Following her passing, Taylor's final resting place was secured at the prestigious Hollywood Forever Cemetery, a testament to her enduring legacy in the world of cinema.
