Natalie Talmadge, the middle daughter of Margaret Talmadge, affectionately known as "Peg", was a pivotal figure in the Talmadge family's foray into the world of cinema. Her two sisters, Constance and Norma, were also actresses, with Constance being a comedienne and Norma a tragedian. The sisters' careers were backed by Norma's husband, Joseph M. Schenck, who bankrolled their respective production companies in the 1920s.
In 1921, Natalie married the renowned filmmaker and actor, Buster Keaton. She went on to appear in only one more film, "Our Hospitality" (1923),playing the role of Virginia Canfield. Prior to her marriage, Natalie had worked as a script girl and secretary for Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle at Comique in 1917. She even traveled with the troupe to California when Schenck established new premises for Arbuckle.
Natalie's life was marked by her close relationship with her sisters, particularly Constance. She often signed autographs on behalf of her popular sister, and the two shared a strong bond. In fact, author Anita Loos, who wrote "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", penned a book called "The Talmadge Girls", which primarily focuses on Constance and Norma's lives. Loos drew inspiration from Peg Talmadge's philosophy, which emphasized the importance of securing financial stability before seeking comfort.
Tragically, Natalie's life took a dark turn after her divorce from Keaton. She became a confirmed alcoholic and spent her later years in a house in Santa Monica. Apart from "Our Hospitality", Natalie appeared in supporting roles in several of her sister Norma's films, which are now believed to be lost.
