Emmor Jerome Miley, subsequently known as Jerry Miley, a striking individual with a commanding presence, having been born in the year 1899 in the city of Alameda, embarked upon a remarkable career in the realm of silent films. Initially, he appeared in a diverse array of cinematic productions, including dramas, crime thrillers, and comedies, in association with the esteemed Cosmopolitan Film Company. His inaugural foray into the world of filmmaking was in the 1926 motion picture "Wild Oats Lane," directed by the illustrious Marshall Neilan, where he demonstrated his remarkable acting abilities, laying the foundation for a successful and enduring career in the entertainment industry.
Jerry Miley's impressive performance in the cinematic masterpiece "Wild Oats Lane" caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to a remarkable opportunity to take on the starring role in the highly anticipated film "Bred in Old Kentucky". Directed by the renowned Edward Dillon and co-starring the accomplished Viola Dana, this pivotal role marked a significant milestone in Miley's career.
As the advent of talkies brought about a seismic shift in the cinematic landscape, Jerry Miley's acting career, which had once been marked by a string of notable performances, gradually began to falter, relegating him to minor roles and precipitating a decline in his professional fortunes.
His final film appearance, a bit part in the 1952 movie "Les Miserables", served as a poignant reminder of the once-promising actor's gradual descent into relative obscurity.
Tragically, Jerry Miley's later years were marred by the debilitating effects of chronic alcohol abuse, which ultimately ravaged his liver and left him a shadow of his former self.
In the end, it was cardiac arrest that claimed his life at the age of 80, bringing a close to a life that had once been full of promise and potential, but had ultimately been marked by struggle and hardship.
Jerry Miley's passing took place in Santa Barbara, a location that had served as the backdrop for many of the most pivotal moments of his life.
