Mary Nolan, born Mary Imogene Robertson in 1905, was a stunning blonde with a promising career in Hollywood. She started as a teenage model, catching the attention of showman Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., who signed her to his "Follies" shows. Initially known as Imogene Wilson, she earned the nickname "Bubbles" due to her party girl nature. However, her career took a drastic turn when she became involved with married Ziegfeld comedian Frank Tinney, leading to a major sex scandal.
Mary's relationship with Tinney was abusive, and the tabloids exposed the affair after she was hospitalized during one of their violent arguments. Ziegfeld fired her, and she was forced to flee to Germany to avoid the negative attention. She starred in a few films under the name Imogene Robertson, weathering the storm for almost two years before returning to Hollywood films in 1927 as Mary Nolan.
As a leading lady, Mary proved capable but not exceptional, appearing in films such as West of Zanzibar with Lon Chaney, Desert Nights with John Gilbert, and Outside the Law with Edward G. Robinson. She even headlined in a few minor efforts, including Shanghai Lady and Young Desire. However, her last film appearance was in Docks of San Francisco in 1932.
Mary's life took a tragic turn as she struggled with her sudden reversal of fortune. She suffered from destructive tendencies, broke and despondent, and her health declined due to malnutrition and various physical ailments. She turned to heroin, which ultimately led to her downfall.
Mary's life remained relatively unknown until her death in 1948 at the age of 45 from cardiac arrest and liver problems. She became another Hollywood tragedy, an incredible beauty whose life turned beastly.
