Jobyna Howland was born on March 31, 1880, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to a family with a notable history - her father was a veteran of the American Civil War. As a young girl, she relocated to Denver, Colorado, where she developed a passion for acting. This passion led her to New York City, where she began her career as a model, posing for Charles Dana Gibson's iconic "Gibson Girl" sketches.
As a teenager, Jobyna's tall, fiery red hair and booming voice made her stand out in the world of entertainment. She started her acting career on stage, appearing in plays such as "Rupet Of Hentzau" in 1899, "The Messenger Boy," and "Winsome Winnie." Initially, Jobyna aspired to play dramatic roles, but her physical attributes and vocal range made her more suited for comedic performances.
On October 2, 1900, Jobyna married novelist Arthur Stringer, with whom she had a tumultuous relationship, separating and reuniting several times before eventually divorcing in 1914. Following her divorce, she fell deeply in love with playwright Zoe Akins, and the two women moved in together in Los Angeles.
Jobyna made her film debut in the 1918 drama "Her Only Way," followed by appearances in "The Way Of The Woman" with Norma Talmadge and the comedy "Second Youth." Her brother, Olin Howard, also pursued a successful acting career.
In 1922, Jobyna starred in the Broadway show "The Texas Nightingale," written by her girlfriend Zoe Akins. She then appeared in the hit musical "Kid Boots" alongside Eddie Cantor. During the 1930s, she collaborated with Bert Wheeler & Robert Woolsey on several comedies, including "The Cuckoos," "Dixiana," and "Hook Line And Sinker."
Jobyna and Zoe Akins were renowned for their lavish dinner parties and frequent disagreements, yet they remained close even after Zoe's marriage in 1932. Jobyna's final film was the 1934 comedy "Ye Old Saw Mill."
In 1936, Jobyna returned to Broadway to star in "O Evening Star," but the show unfortunately flopped and closed after only five performances. Sadly, Jobyna passed away on June 7, 1936, at the age of fifty-six, due to heart disease. She was laid to rest at Forest Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
