Dolores Costello

Biography

Dolores Costello was an American actress whose greatest success came in silent films. Born in Pittsburgh to actors Maurice and Mae Costello, she and her sister Helene made child appearances for the Vitagraph company from 1909 to 1915, often supporting their father. The sisters danced in Broadway choruses and then signed with Warner Bros.; in 1926 John Barrymore cast her opposite him in The Sea Beast, after which the studio built starring vehicles around her. She alternated modern stories with costume dramas, appearing with Barrymore in When a Man Loves (1927) and with George O'Brien in Noah's Ark (1928), directed by Michael Curtiz. She was named a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1926, and talking pictures proved difficult at first, though voice coaching helped. Later she returned for Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936) and The Magnificent Ambersons (1942), and she retired after making This Is the Army (1943). Her film work earned her a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

75years old at death

Born September 17, 1903Pittsburgh
Died March 1, 1979Fallbrook
Star sign: VirgoThe sign runs August 23 to September 22
Also credited as Dolores Costello-Barrymore

Movie Career

Films: 5
Career span: 16 years1927 to 1943

Every film, newest first

1943This Is the ArmyIMDb rating 5.8
1942The Magnificent AmbersonsIMDb rating 7.6
1936Little Lord FauntleroyIMDb rating 7.3
1928Noah's ArkIMDb rating 6.6
1927When a Man LovesIMDb rating 7.0

Genres

Photos

Did you know?!

A first
Costello was named a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1926 and picked up the nickname "The Goddess of the Silver Screen."
Beyond film
Costello made a rare radio appearance in 1943, playing the Danish Countess Elsa on the Suspense episode The King's Birthday, written by Corporal Leonard Pellitier of the U.S. Army.