Born in the illustrious city of Chicago, a metropolis that would significantly influence the early years of her life, Florence Gilbert's existence underwent a profound transformation when her mother, accompanied by her brother Eddie, made the bold and courageous decision to relocate to the sun-kissed city of Los Angeles, a move that took place circa 1918. This pivotal moment in her life marked the initiation of her remarkable and extraordinary journey within the captivating realm of the film industry, with her mother's astute, shrewd, and visionary entrepreneurial spirit securing her a coveted and highly sought-after position at the esteemed and renowned Christy and Fox Studios.
As Florence's life trajectory underwent a profound shift, her individual experiences began to eclipse her professional ambitions, assuming a newfound centrality in her existence. It was the year 1926 that witnessed a pivotal decision, as she chose to embark on a marital union with entrepreneur Ashton Dearholt, with whom she would ultimately co-parent two offspring, a male child named Lee and a female child named Caryl Lee.
During this period, Florence made the conscious choice to retreat from the public sphere, devoting herself to her family and the responsibilities that came with being a mother. However, this period of domesticity was not without its challenges, as the marriage ultimately proved to be short-lived.
The relationship began to unravel when Dearholt returned from a business trip to Guatemala accompanied by aspiring actress Ula Holt, and he subsequently insisted that Holt join them in their household. This development ultimately led to the dissolution of Florence's marriage to Dearholt, marking a significant turning point in her personal life.
Florence Deane, a woman of notable character, embarked on a subsequent marital union with Edgar Rice Burroughs, a 28-year-old gentleman who, due to his advanced age, possessed a level of maturity and life experience that was senior to that of his bride. This union was facilitated by Burroughs' long-standing romantic sentiments towards Deane, which he had been harboring for an extended period of time, awaiting the opportune moment to express his affections.
Before Florence and Burroughs entered into their union, they had both undergone a significant transformation in their personal lives, as they had recently ended their previous marriages, thus freeing themselves from the constraints and responsibilities that had previously bound them.
Subsequently, they made the bold decision to relocate to the idyllic tropical paradise of Hawaii, a place renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, warm climate, and laid-back atmosphere.
Initially, their time in Hawaii was marked by a period of profound harmony and contentment, as they were able to bask in the beauty of their surroundings and focus on building a life together, unencumbered by the stresses and conflicts that had previously plagued their relationships.
As they settled into their new life, they were able to explore the island, discover its hidden gems, and indulge in the local culture, all while nurturing their newfound love and sense of togetherness.
It was during this period of tranquility and happiness that they were able to recharge, reflect, and refocus, ultimately paving the way for a future filled with promise and possibility.
And so, it was against this backdrop of serenity and joy that Florence and Burroughs began their new life together, surrounded by the lush greenery, crystal-clear waters, and majestic volcanoes of the Hawaiian islands.
As the initial euphoria of their relationship began to dissipate, a pattern of destructive behavior started to emerge, threatening to undermine the very foundation of their bond. Burroughs' penchant for excessive drinking became a habitual problem, causing him to treat Florence with a growing sense of detachment, as if she were a stranger rather than his loving partner.
This newfound coldness was compounded by his abusive behavior towards her son, who was subjected to verbal tirades and emotional manipulation, leaving deep scars on the young boy's psyche. Meanwhile, his affection towards her daughter became increasingly excessive, bordering on an unhealthy obsession, further exacerbating the sense of unease and tension that had begun to permeate their relationship.
Florence's third and final marriage was a union with Albert S. Chase, a man who would later take on the responsibility of legal guardian to her two children. Throughout her life, Florence cultivated a robust professional network within the film industry, which was further strengthened through her various marriages. This enduring presence within the industry would ultimately have a profound and lasting impact on her family, as her daughter, Caryl Lee, would later choose to follow in her mother's footsteps and embark on a career as an animal trainer in the vibrant and competitive world of Hollywood. Under the stage name Cindy Cullen, Caryl Lee would go on to carve out a highly successful path for herself in the entertainment industry, solidifying her own legacy within the world of show business.
