Merna Kennedy (September 7, 1908 – December 20, 1944) was an American actress of the late silent era and the transitional period into talkies. Kennedy (born as Maude Kahler) was best known during her brief career for her role opposite Charlie Chaplin in the silent film The Circus (1928).  She began performing in vaudeville at age nine and was already a seasoned stage veteran when Charles Chaplin chose her for his leading lady in “The Circus” (1928).  It was her first film, and remains her best. Talkies gave Kennedy the chance to display her song and dance skills and she starred or was featured in several musicals, including “The King of Jazz” (1930) and “Wonder Bar” (1934). Merna Kennedy was brought to the attention of Chaplin by her friend Lita Grey, who became Chaplin’s second wife in 1924. A dancer, she had muscular legs which helped her gain the role of the circus bareback rider. Kennedy continued acting after The Circus. Kennedy starred in early sound films, but retired in 1934, when she married choreographer/director Busby Berkeley. Their marriage broke up a year later. Kennedy died of a heart attack in 1944, aged 36.