Actress. Born Helen Laurette Magdalene Cooney in New York, she began her theatrical career as a child in vaudeville, where she was billed as “La Belle Laurette”. She was one of the brightest stars on Broadway and played in various stock companies as well as touring in plays produced by her first husband, Charles A. Taylor. She made her screen debut in the silent film “The Bird of Paradise” (1912), followed by “Peg O’ My Heart” (1922). Returning to Broadway after performing in a national tour, she was a regular at the Cort Theater for hundreds various performances until her death. (bio by: John “J-Cat” Griffith)  Family links:  Spouse:  J. Hartley Manners (1870 – 1928)Cause of death: Coronary thrombosis