Olive Borden, a stunning actress of the silent era, began her career as a Mack Sennett bathing beauty at the tender age of 15, setting the stage for a remarkable journey in the world of cinema. By 1926, she had reached the pinnacle of her profession, starring in an impressive 11 films for Fox Studios and earning a staggering $1,500 per week.
As her fame and fortune continued to soar, Borden became one of the most sought-after actresses of her time. However, in 1928, she made the bold decision to refuse a salary cut, ultimately leading to her departure from Fox Studios. Despite attempts to revive her career with a few films for other studios, Borden's star began to fade, and she eventually retired from the industry in 1938.
The once-beloved actress's fortunes took a dramatic turn in 1943, when she joined the Women's Army Corps (WACS). After her discharge, she returned to Hollywood, hoping to revive her flagging career. Unfortunately, her efforts were met with disappointment, and she found herself struggling to make ends meet.
As the years went by, Borden's circumstances became increasingly dire. By 1946, she was forced to take on menial jobs to survive, and by 1947, at the age of 40, she tragically passed away due to a "stomach ailment" at the Sunshine Mission, a home for destitute women on Los Angeles' notorious Skid Row.
