Dorothy Gish

Actress. She is most remembered for her ability to play vulnerable yet inwardly strong roles in many silent films, including her most famous roles in “Judith of Bethulia” (1914) and “Hearts of the World” (1918).  Born Dorothy Elizabeth de Guiche in Massillon, Ohio, her father was an alcoholic who left the family to fend for itself.  To help make ends meet, Dorothy, her older sister Lillian, and her mother acted in local productions.  Dorothy made her first stage appearance with her sister, and in 1912, she met child actress Mary Pickford, who introduced them to Director D. W. Griffith.  He immediately cast them both in his film, “An Unseen Enemy” (1912), quickly followed with her in “The Painted Lady” (1912), and many later silent movies.  In her first four years, she would make 84 pictures, and over the years, she would go on to make more than 100 movies and features.  In 1914, she appeared in the very successful “Judith of Bethulia.”  In 1920, her sister, Lillian, tried out as director of the movie “Remodeling her Husband” which starred James Rennie. While she was often overshadowed by her sister Lillian, she never let it show and maintained a positive relationship with her sibling.  Her last silent film was “Madame Pompadour” (1927), and one talkie, “Wolves” (1930), after which she retired from the screen, except for an occasional role or guest appearance.  Her last film was in 1963, “The Cardinal” in which she played the role of Cilia Fermoyle. She died in Italy of Bronchial Pneumonia in June 1968. (bio by: Kit and Morgan Benson)  Family links:  Parents:  James Leigh Gish (1873 – 1912)  Mary Robinson McConnell Gish (1878 – 1948)  Spouse:  James Rennie (1890 – 1965)*  Sibling:  Lillian Gish (1893 – 1993)*  Dorothy Gish (1898 – 1968) *Calculated relationshipCause of death: Bronchial pneumonia