Tell me about the place and time that you lived.
I was born Olga Edna Purviance in Paradise Valley, Nevada, on October 21, 1895. I moved Lovelock, Nevada with my mother and my two sisters since my father divorced at this time. In Lovelock, we ran the Singer Hotel and I started playing the piano professionally. I also enjoyed art and literature. After I graduated high school, I decided to become a stenographer. I then moved to San Francisco, California and lived with my sister and her husband. Meanwhile, a man named Charlie Chaplin was looking for a women to accompany him in his two reel comedies for Essanay Studio. He and Broncho Billy Anderson were interviewing show girls in the San Francisco area. One of my dear friends suggested me to Charlie and Broncho and I was chosen for the job. At the moment, Charlie and I are in fact dating and we are working on a film called "The Tramp".
I was born in the "Silent Period" or the "Silent Film Era". All of the movies during this time were obviously, silent. I guess that's what will make these years memorable. I was born into a middle-class family which was common in 1895. My first film with Charlie was earlier this year, named, "His Night Out". This was when I was recognized as, "Charlie's Leading Lady".
What events in your early life made you get interested in the arts?
By age 4, I was singing in Church my parents had to do something about it. I took piano lessons and became a good piano player, if I do say so myself and I spent my free time reading. I was a very hyper child, so my mother had to find something to keep me in ballet. I hated it. I wanted to be on stage singing and dancing. Finally, after 2 years of ballet, my mother put me into plays and musicals at age 6.
From age 6, i knew that I wanted to be a actress. Since that age, I haven't stopped performing and I love every moment of it. There is nothing like being on stage and performing for an audience and I think that's why I enjoyed it so much as a child. Acting in the movies and acting on stage are very similar. you have to portray a character to your audience whether they are there watching you on stage or on a movie screen. You also have to send a message or else, what's the point.
What role did mentors play in helping you develop the interests and talents you have as an artist?
My mother influenced me to continue with the acting. I guess I was pretty good. She was the one who was always there, encouraging me and holding my hand when i was scared. I can't remember now but, I'm sure my first day of ballet class was pretty interesting, sorry mother. I wouldn't be here, shooting a movie with Charlie Chaplin, if it wasn't for my mother.
Charlie has also helped me. He is such a comedian and he has helped me find my funny side. One night during the making of, "His Night Out", the cast went to a party. Charlie explained that he could hypnotize anyone in a matter of minutes. I of course challenged him on his claim. I came forward to be "hypnotized". As Charlie was mumbling his hocus pocus to impress the cast, he moved closer towards my ear and whispered, "Fake it!" so i did, even though I could have won the bet, which was $10. This convinced Charlie that I was a true actress and that I had a great sense of humor.
What was the world of art like in your particular art field when you entered it?
Every film that I have ever seen, has been silent. These films originated in Italy and France. The hardest part about silent films, is that you can't talk. Silent film actors and actresses are like dancers. They have to get their point across without saying anything.
American silent films originated in New York City, New York. They then traveled to Hollywood, California and then spread out from there. Silent films are to express desires and fantasies and the best part, we get to be overly dramatic. We as actors and actresses, are here to make you feel something. Whether it's guilt, joy, sadness, anger, fear or even disgust.
How did the major cultural, economic and political situations of the time impact your work?
On August 4, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson declared US neutrality. This reflected strong public opinion and citizens were in reached when the president stated that the US would not go to war. Then on April 2, 1917 Wilson declared war by saying, "The world must be made safe for democracy". In January 1918 President Woodrow Wilson declared is 14 points. Including his goals for a war free world, and the League of Nations.
Soon it became 1920 and things were changing. Girls hair became shorter along with their dresses. They smoked cigarettes and danced in clubs. These girls are called flappers. They have a free spirit and want to break out the norm of society. Me being one of them, I think they are pretty cool.
What were your major accomplishments and the methods you used in your art?
I would have to save my biggest accomplishment was becoming Charlie Chaplin's leading lady. Getting to perform and being films with him is a great honor. It was such a great experience to have when I was told that I had gotten the part even though I never auditioned. Somethings in life may just be handed to you but others you have to work for. In this case I was handed the job but I definitely had to work for it.
Methods… I am a comedian and I'm supposed be funny. I was not funny nine tire life. As a child I was actually small and quiet but I changed once I got the lead for Charlie's film. I didn't change on my own though. I had help from the rest of my cast including Charlie. He is such an amazing actor and comedian that he transferred some of his greatness into me and I am so very thankful.
What were the key opportunities you had that led to turning points in your life and art?
I wasn't born famous. In high school I took piano and performed at my high school graduation. In August of that year I entered a popularity contest sponsored by the Lovelock review miner. I didn't win. I tried a lot of things to get my name out there but nothing seem to be working. I know now that all those parties I attended, performances I played at and all the high schools I danced for got me to the point that I am now.
Once I graduated high school in 1913 I knew I had no time to waste and that I had to move to San Francisco. Let's be honest, there is nothing in Lovelock. Thanks to a long lost friend I am sitting next to Charlie Chaplin now. She told Charlie about my sense of humor and the likeliness of me being an amazing comedian. I never auditioned for him but he had heard about me and thought that he'd give me a shot.
What hardships or roadblocks did you have to overcome in order to be an artist?
I knew to become an actress I had to work hard. I was in the most amazing actress starting out and I needed to lessons. So, I worked hard and continued to do what I loved hoping for an outcome. I also had some hard times at home. Other was single and she needed help running the house so I didn't get as much time to do what I wanted outside of the house.
I also had to deal with rejection and people telling me I wasn't good enough. I entered talent shows, popularity contests and competitions and never won a single one. I had to get over the fact that I had lost and had to continue working hard. If I would have stopped acting, playing the Piano and dancing. There would have been no future for me.
What personal stories (anecdotes) best illustrate how you became successful in the arts?
Well, I will always remember the stunt Charlie pulled at the cast party. That was a defining moment in my acting career. It made Charlie realize that I was the right lady for him. I remember performing at church with my piano. I got a standing ovation and claps for probably two minutes straight. Being that I was six, this was the greatest day of my life. I still remember it today because it was a big part of my life.
When I was told that I was going to be in films with Charlie Chaplin I really couldn't believe it. How could a girl from Lovelock, Nevada move to San Francisco where all the big shots work. I thought I didn't stand a chance but surely help me become the person I am today. I can't think him and my other cast members enough for what they had done.
How did your work impact the world of art?
I became, "Charlie Chaplin's right hand woman". I was also known as his, "leading lady." I changed the face of silent films along with Charlie in our many takes in comedy. During the war I encouraged other women to break out of the norm of society.
Being a flapper dancer, Actress, piano player many women looked up to me as a role model. I hope them understand that women shouldn't be told what to do. If you want to show your shoulders you should show your shoulders. This interview has helped me understand how people are seeing me and I can't wait to meet the other amazing artists that are coming to this dinner.
Being a flapper dancer, Actress, piano player many women looked up to me as a role model. I hope them understand that women shouldn't be told what to do. If you want to show your shoulders you should show your shoulders. This interview has helped me understand how people are seeing me and I can't wait to meet the other amazing artists that are coming to this dinner.
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