Peggy Cartwright was a Canadian silent film actress and the leading lady of the Our Gang comedy series during the silent film era. She appeared in four short films released in 1922. Cartwright is confirmed as having starred in these first four Our Gang shorts: One Terrible Day premiered on September 10, 1922; Fire Fighters premiered on October 8, 1922; Young Sherlocks premiered on November 26, 1922; and Saturday Morning premiered on December 3, 1922.
Early life and career
Peggy Cartwright was a child actress born on November 14, 1912 in Vancouver, British Columbia. She appeared in several of the early Our Gang short films from the silent film era; although her appearances would solely be those released in 1922. in a publicity still from the silent dramaLove As Cartwright's career was beginning to advance, her father—a doctor—insisted that his family return to Canada in order that his children receive decent scholarships. Subsequently, Cartwright continued her studies in Vancouver. She later became proficient in Russian ballet. In 1927, Cartwright traveled with her mother to London, where she entered Rada. Two years later, she worked on the London stage at the St. Martin's Theater. In 1931, she briefly returned to filming, firstly with a minor role in Victor Saville's The Faithful Heart. She also starred alongside Jack Buchanan and Anna Neagle as Greta in the musical filmGoodnight, Vienna. The same year, Cartwright performed in the British drama filmHindle Wakes, which would prove to be the final film in which she would perform. Shortly thereafter, Cartwright relocated to New York. The same year Cartwright relocated to America, she married comedian Phil Baker, with whom she subsequently had four children. She would later divorce Baker in 1941, and later married actor William "Bill" Walker in 1962.
Later years
When her children reached adulthood, Cartwright obtained a job as a secretary in Los Angeles. Here, she became acquainted with William Walker, whom she later married. They remained married until his death in 1992. Cartwright made an appearance at the 12th International Sons of the Desert Convention in 2000. This was her first and only appearance at the convention, and she happily discussed her brief tenure in the Our Gang series. She was the last surviving member of the original Our Gang group of children.
