Rosina Lawrence, a captivating individual with striking green eyes and blonde locks, was born to British parents in Canada, where she spent her formative years attending schools in various locations, including Canada, England, Boston, and Los Angeles. Her father, a skilled stage carpenter and set designer, played a significant role in nurturing her creative inclinations, providing a stimulating upbringing that would later influence her artistic pursuits.
As a child, Rosina was drawn to the world of the arts, and her parents encouraged her to explore this passion. She devoted four years to studying ballet, developing her technique and discipline. Furthermore, she spent an additional period honing her tap dancing skills, a testament to her dedication to mastering various forms of dance. Additionally, she received singing lessons, allowing her to cultivate her vocal talents.
Rosina's artistic education was further enriched by her studies under the guidance of the renowned French-Canadian thespian, Joseph De Grasse. His tutelage not only refined her acting abilities but also instilled in her a deep appreciation for the craft. Through her diverse experiences and training, Rosina Lawrence developed a strong foundation in the arts, setting her on a path that would ultimately lead her to a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Rosina's professional journey in the entertainment industry commenced with her participation in school plays during holidays, allowing her to hone her craft and gain valuable experience. At the tender age of ten, she made her motion picture debut in the 1924 film "A Lady of Quality", marking the beginning of her foray into the world of cinema. Notably, at the age of thirteen, Rosina appeared in the 1927 film "The Angel of Broadway", where she played a significant role alongside the renowned director Cecil B. DeMille. Furthermore, during her time on set, she also fulfilled the role of hand double for the talented actress Leatrice Joy. Following this notable appearance, Rosina spent the next seven years oscillating between vaudeville performances and film work, supplementing her income by working as a fashion model in Hollywood, thereby diversifying her professional portfolio.
In the early days of her Hollywood career, Rosina's similarity in physical appearance to Sally Eilers led to her being cast as a double for the latter in not one, but two notable films of the era, specifically Dance Team (1932) and Disorderly Conduct (1932).
Initially, her screen presence was limited to fleeting appearances, including brief cameos and walk-ons, which, although not necessarily leading to breakout roles, did provide her with valuable experience and exposure within the industry.
However, it wasn't long before Rosina's talent and dedication earned her a few substantial opportunities to take center stage, starring in a couple of leading roles in second feature mysteries, with notable co-stars including James Dunn in Welcome Home (1935) and Warner Oland in Charlie Chan's Secret (1935).
Rosina Lhen appeared in two notable production numbers within MGM's ambitious biographical film, The Great Ziegfeld, which was released in 1936. However, those scenes ultimately failed to make the final cut.
Despite this setback, Rosina's career underwent a significant resurgence following her signing with renowned filmmaker Hal Roach. She discovered a unique niche for herself as the school teacher in the popular "Our Gang" comedy short films.
In addition to her work in these beloved shorts, Rosina also had the opportunity to star alongside comedic legends Charley Chase and the iconic duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in the 1937 film, Way Out West. Interestingly, this film is reportedly the personal favorite of the legendary duo.
Rosina's illustrious acting career came to a close following her marriage to Juvenal Marchisio, a respected Brooklyn lawyer, with whom she shared the joy of parenthood, giving birth to three precious children.
Marchisio's untimely passing in 1973 left Rosina to navigate the challenges of widowhood, and it wasn't until 1987 that she tied the knot once more, this time with John McCabe, a multifaceted individual whose talents extended to both the stage and the page, as an actor, academic, and renowned biographer of the iconic comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy.
