Mildred Davis

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Mildred Hillary Davis (February 22, 1901 – August 18, 1969) was an American actress who appeared in many of Harold Lloyd's classic silent comedies and eventually became his wife.

Early life and career

Davis was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and educated at the "Friends School" there. After several years spent studying, she traveled to Los Angeles in the hopes of securing a role in a film. After appearing in several small roles, she caught the attention of Hal Roach, who pointed her out to comedian Harold Lloyd. Lloyd was looking for a leading lady to replace Bebe Daniels, and cast Davis in his comedy short From Hand to Mouth in 1919. It would be the first of fifteen films they would star in together.

On Saturday February 10, 1923, she married Harold Lloyd. After their marriage Lloyd announced that Davis would not appear in any more motion pictures. After much persuasion on Davis' part she received Lloyd's consent for her return to the screen in Too Many Crooks, which Lloyd produced through his production company.

Personal life and death

Her brother was actor Jack Davis of Our Gang, and later a prominent Beverly Hills physician. She and Harold Lloyd had three children including Harold Lloyd, Jr. Davis was very active in Beverly Hills, and as hostess at the Lloyds' estate, Greenacres, where she particularly enjoyed rose gardening.

Although the Lloyd marriage was held up to the public as ideal, there were problems with Lloyd's workaholism and infidelities. Despite this, the couple remained very close for their entire life together. In later life she suffered with bouts of alcoholism and depression, but found comfort in her strong friendships with actresses Marion Davies and Colleen Moore. She also developed a long lasting friendship with Lloyd's assistant Roy Brooks, who lived with them at Greenacres for over forty years.

Davis died from a coronary following a series of strokes in Santa Monica, California in 1969.

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