Frances Lee, whose given name at birth was Myrna Tibbetts, initially embarked on a career path as an educator prior to exploring her passion for dance, a pursuit that ultimately led to her being discovered by the renowned Gus Edwards, proprietor of a prominent New York City theater. Edwards, having taken notice of Lee's exceptional talent, successfully persuaded her to join the theater's esteemed cast, where she made her debut in 1923 as a member of the illustrious Ziegfeld Follies.
Lee made a significant career move in the mid-1920s, relocating to the vibrant city of Hollywood with the ultimate goal of establishing herself as a talented actor. This bold decision ultimately led to her landing her very first film role in the year 1924, where she shone brightly in the hilarious comedy short film "Hello and Goodbye".
Notable milestones in her cinematic career began to unfold in 1925, as she secured significant roles in a trifecta of films, marking a significant turning point in her burgeoning filmography. The following year, 1926, witnessed an exponential surge in her screen presence, with a total of seven films showcasing her remarkable acting prowess.
As her star continued to rise, she found herself frequently invited to the esteemed residence of Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, where she forged lasting bonds with other luminary figures in the Hollywood firmament. Among these influential connections was the enigmatic Rudolph Valentino, whose untimely passing in 1926 left a lasting impact on her life and career.
Despite the tragic loss of her friend and fellow thespian, she persevered, her dedication to her craft remaining unwavering as she continued to captivate audiences with her undeniable talent and captivating on-screen presence.
The year 1927 proved to be a pivotal one in the life and career of this talented individual, marked by a series of notable film appearances. During this time, she managed to secure roles in a staggering five films, a testament to her burgeoning success in the entertainment industry. Furthermore, she was honored with the distinction of being selected as one of thirteen young women to be included in the prestigious WAMPAS Baby Stars program, an elite group that boasted some of the most promising and talented actresses of the era.
In 1928, her career continued to soar to new heights, with a remarkable nine film appearances that year alone. One of the most notable of these was her starring role in the cinematic production "Sweeties," opposite the charismatic actor Bobby Vernon. This impressive feat solidified her position as a rising star in Hollywood, and cemented her status as a talented and versatile performer.
1929 emerged the as most remarkable year in the illustrious career of this iconic actress, as she had the privilege of starring in a staggering ten films, with the leading role in the captivating production of Stage Struck Susie, opposite the talented Eddie Barry, standing out as a particularly memorable experience. Another notable achievement during this year was her starring role in the film Divorce Made Easy, alongside the accomplished Marie Prevost and Douglas MacLean, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the Hollywood firmament.
In the midst of her professional triumphs, this actress also found romance, marrying the charming Alexander Bennett, who happened to be the brother of the renowned Australian silent film actress Enid Bennett. The wedding, which took place amidst great fanfare, was attended by an esteemed gathering of Hollywood luminaries, including the illustrious Fred Niblo, the enigmatic Gloria Swanson, the elegant Greta Garbo, the dashing Rod La Rocque, and the charismatic John Gilbert, each of whom added to the glamour and excitement of the occasion.
Lee, a renowned actress, brought her illustrious film career to a close in 1935, subsequently relocating to the affluent community of Beverly Hills, California, where she resided with her husband.
Subsequently, she redirected her focus towards the realm of interior design, undertaking a comprehensive course of study to hone her skills in this field. Her academic endeavors culminated in the attainment of a degree in teaching, a testament to her unwavering dedication to personal growth and self-improvement.
Following her academic pursuits, Lee and her husband settled in the picturesque neighborhood of Brentwood, where she embarked upon an innovative initiative, establishing one of the pioneering Head Start programs at the esteemed Knox Presbyterian Nursery School.
Noted was her additional profession as a dance instructor, wherein she educated young ladies in the art of movement, alongside guiding them in societal norms and proper etiquette, at the esteemed Elisa Ryan Studio, where she had the privilege of teaching the daughters of the 37th President of the United States, Richard M. Nixon.
Subsequently, in the year 1972, she and her spouse, Alex, made the decision to relocate to the picturesque town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Throughout her later years, Lee dedicated herself to a career in librarianship, serving as a children's librarian at the Rancho Sante Fe Library, a role she fulfilled until a few years prior to her passing.
She breathed her last on November 5, 2000, in the charming coastal town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, situated in the picturesque state of California, at an impressive age of ninety-four, marking the culmination of a long and fulfilling life.
