Vola Smith, a talented individual, made her debut into the world in the city of Buffalo, located in the state of New York. As she grew and developed, she pursued her educational endeavors in the affluent and historic town of Chevy Chase, situated in the state of Maryland.
Before she embarked on her illustrious acting career, Vola Smith began to hone her skills in the world of theatre by participating in amateur productions in the vibrant city of Rochester, located in the state of New York. Her passion for the craft only continued to grow as she joined various stock companies, where she had the opportunity to refine her abilities and develop her unique style.
Vola's entry into the film industry was facilitated by the tutelage of the illustrious director D.W. Griffith at Biograph, a pioneering studio in the early days of cinema. Under Griffith's guidance, Vola began her journey with minor roles, but her talent and dedication did not go unnoticed. In fact, just a month into her career, she was offered a substantial part, which marked a significant milestone in her development as an actress. This pivotal role found her donning a stunning velvet gown with a train, paired with a majestic feathered hat, a testament to her growing confidence and versatility. As her star continued to rise, Vola found herself appearing in numerous short film reels for Biograph, sharing the screen with some of the most notable actors of the time, including the charismatic William S. Hart, the talented Sessue Hayakawa, the captivating Tsuru Aoki, the charming William Haines, the seasoned Harry Carey, the accomplished Tully Marshall, and the esteemed William Russell.
Noted thespian Vola showcased a remarkable aptitude for bringing to life characters from a diverse array of cultural backgrounds, effortlessly capturing the nuances of Spanish, Italian, French, and Gypsy roles with remarkable authenticity.
Vola's far-reaching aspiration was to assume the starring role of Madame Butterfly with a reputable Japanese theatrical company, while also bringing to life the character of Lorna Doone. Her creative endeavors were significantly influenced by the remarkable acting style of Sessue Hayakawa, prompting her to strive for a similar level of subtlety and nuance in her own performances.
Interestingly, Vola had the opportunity to collaborate with Hayakawa on the film Each To His Kind, released in 1917. Prior to the commencement of filming, a decision was made that her birth name, Smith, was too ordinary and uninspiring for a motion picture star, leading her to adopt a new professional moniker - Vola Vale.
