20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century

Shannon Quinn - June 20, 2025

The early 20th century was a time of explosive growth in entertainment. Film, radio, music, and sports all underwent rapid transformations—creating new avenues for fame. Yet, in this whirlwind of innovation, countless icons who once dazzled audiences have faded from memory. Their influence, however, still echoes through modern culture. Revisiting these overlooked celebrities is more than an exercise in nostalgia. It’s a way to honor the pioneers whose talents and ambitions shaped the foundations of cinema, music, and stage—reminding us that history’s brightest lights can sometimes be the first to dim.

1. Florence Lawrence

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Florence Lawrence, the pioneering silent film actress, poses gracefully in early Hollywood attire, embodying classic cinematic charm. | Photo by Wikipedia

Often called “The First Movie Star,” Florence Lawrence broke new ground as a leading actress in silent films. She was among the earliest performers to receive on-screen credit—a rarity in her day. Despite her immense popularity, Lawrence’s career waned, leading to personal and financial struggles. Today, her pioneering legacy is largely forgotten. Discover more about her remarkable story on Britannica.

2. Bert Williams

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Bert Williams, a pioneering African-American vaudeville entertainer, stands in costume, exuding charisma and quiet confidence on stage. | Photo by Wikipedia

Bert Williams stood out as a groundbreaking performer in early 20th-century vaudeville. He became one of the first African-American stars on Broadway, captivating audiences with his sharp wit and soulful comedic style. Williams’ recordings and stage presence paved the way for countless entertainers who followed, yet his legacy is rarely celebrated today. Learn more about his enduring influence at PBS.

3. Pearl White

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Pearl White leads a daring group of female stunt performers on a silent film set, mid-action and full of energy. | Photo by Wikipedia

Pearl White thrilled audiences worldwide with her fearless performances in silent film serials like The Perils of Pauline. She became an early action heroine, performing many of her own stunts. However, the arrival of sound films brought her dazzling career to an abrupt halt. Today, her pioneering spirit is largely forgotten. Uncover her story at Library of Congress.

4. Sessue Hayakawa

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Sessue Hayakawa, a pioneering silent film star, poses elegantly in period attire, representing early Asian actors in Hollywood. | Photo by Wikipedia

Sessue Hayakawa broke barriers as one of Hollywood’s first Asian leading men, captivating audiences in silent films with his charisma and talent. His stardom reached international heights, and he eventually earned an Oscar nomination—a rare feat for Asian actors of his era. Despite his groundbreaking career, Hayakawa’s achievements have faded from public consciousness. Learn more about his remarkable journey at Smithsonian Magazine.

5. Annette Kellerman

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Annette Kellerman, a pioneer among early swimmers and silent film actresses, poses gracefully in her iconic swimming attire. | Photo by Wikipedia

Annette Kellerman, an Australian swimmer and actress, made waves as a pioneer of synchronized swimming and helped revolutionize women’s swimwear by popularizing the one-piece suit. She also found success on the silver screen, starring in several silent films. Despite her trailblazing achievements, Kellerman’s name is rarely mentioned today. Delve into her multifaceted legacy at Australian National Maritime Museum.

6. Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Fatty Arbuckle, surrounded by fellow silent film comedians, stands center stage amid the glitz and gossip of early Hollywood scandals. | Photo by Wikipedia

Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle was once a beloved comedic force in the silent film era, shaping the art of slapstick comedy with his inventive routines and boundless energy. However, his meteoric rise ended abruptly following a sensational scandal. Even though Arbuckle was acquitted, public opinion never shifted in his favor, and his legacy was overshadowed. Discover more about Arbuckle’s rise, fall, and lasting contributions at History.com.

7. Theda Bara

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Theda Bara, draped in dramatic costume and dark makeup, epitomizes the iconic vamp roles of silent film actresses. | Photo by Wikipedia

Famous as the original “vamp,” Theda Bara captivated audiences with her mysterious and exotic screen presence. Her bold, unconventional roles made her one of early Hollywood’s most intriguing stars. As cinematic tastes evolved, Bara’s fame quickly diminished, and she became a footnote in film history. Explore more about her fascinating career at TCM.

8. Paul Robeson

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Paul Robeson, one of the earliest African-American celebrities, stands confidently, embodying his legacy as a celebrated singer and actor. | Photo by Wikipedia

Paul Robeson was a true Renaissance man—an acclaimed singer, actor, and passionate civil rights activist. He mesmerized audiences worldwide in the 1920s and 1930s, earning international fame for his deep baritone and commanding stage presence. However, Robeson’s outspoken advocacy for social justice led to his blacklisting during the McCarthy era, pushing his achievements into the shadows. Discover more about Robeson’s incredible life at Biography.

9. Clara Bow

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Clara Bow, the iconic flapper, poses in a beaded dress and bobbed hair, embodying silent film glamour. | Photo by Wikipedia

Dubbed the original “It Girl,” Clara Bow epitomized the spirit of the Roaring Twenties and was once Hollywood’s top box office sensation. Her vibrant, charismatic presence made her the face of the flapper era. However, difficulties adapting to sound films and personal struggles led to her rapid fall from stardom. Explore Bow’s enduring influence at Smithsonian Magazine.

10. John Gilbert

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
John Gilbert, dashing in a classic suit, stands among fellow silent film actors known for their iconic romantic roles. | Photo by Wikipedia

John Gilbert was one of silent cinema’s most beloved romantic leads, captivating audiences with his charm and good looks. Despite his massive popularity, Gilbert’s career faltered with the advent of sound films—largely due to studio politics and shifting industry tastes. Today, his once-bright star has dimmed considerably. Discover more about his rise and fall at Britannica.

11. Billie Burke

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Billie Burke beams alongside fellow early stage actresses, capturing the charm and elegance of classic cinema’s golden era. | Photo by Wikipedia

While most remember Billie Burke as the enchanting Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, her career spanned far beyond this iconic role. Burke was a celebrated stage actress and silent film star, captivating audiences with her wit and elegance long before her Hollywood fame. Sadly, her early accomplishments are often overshadowed by her later work. Discover Burke’s remarkable contributions at Playbill.

12. Al Jolson

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Dressed in a classic tuxedo, Al Jolson performs on stage, capturing the spirit of vaudeville and early sound film stardom. | Photo by Wikipedia

Al Jolson, once hailed as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer,” made history starring in The Jazz Singer—the first feature-length “talkie.” His dynamic performances captivated audiences, but his use of blackface has sparked significant controversy in modern times, complicating his legacy. Jolson’s influence on early entertainment remains, even as he fades from popular memory. Learn more at Biography.

13. Olive Thomas

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Olive Thomas, famed Ziegfeld Follies beauty and silent film star, poses gracefully in a shimmering 1920s gown. | Photo by Wikipedia

Olive Thomas dazzled as a Ziegfeld Follies beauty and quickly rose to silent film stardom. At the peak of her career, her life was cut short by a mysterious and tragic death, sparking rumors and intrigue that only added to her legend. Despite her fame in her era, Thomas is rarely remembered today. Read more at Smithsonian Magazine.

14. Lon Chaney Sr.

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Lon Chaney, the legendary silent movie star, transforms into a chilling character, embodying the spirit of early horror film pioneers. | Photo by Wikipedia

Lon Chaney Sr. earned the nickname “The Man of a Thousand Faces” for his astonishing ability to transform himself with makeup and contortions in silent horror and drama films. His iconic performances in classics like The Phantom of the Opera and The Hunchback of Notre Dame set new standards for character acting. Yet, despite his groundbreaking artistry, Chaney’s legacy is often confined to film enthusiasts. Learn more at TCM.

15. Josephine Baker

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Josephine Baker dazzles on stage in a glamorous French cabaret, surrounded by fellow African-American performers in vibrant costumes. | Photo by Wikipedia

Josephine Baker was an American-born French entertainer whose electrifying stage presence made her a sensation in Paris during the Jazz Age. Not only did she break barriers in performance, but she also championed civil rights and contributed to the French Resistance in World War II. While her legacy endures in Europe, her remarkable achievements are less celebrated in the U.S. Discover more at National Women’s History Museum.

16. Harold Lloyd

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Harold Lloyd dangles perilously from a city skyscraper, showcasing the daring spirit of silent film comedians and stunt performers. | Photo by Wikipedia

Harold Lloyd was a master of silent comedy, standing alongside legends like Chaplin and Keaton. His iconic glasses and thrilling, often dangerous stunts—such as dangling from skyscrapers—delighted audiences and defined an era. Despite his immense box office success and innovative comedic style, Lloyd’s fame has faded over time. Explore more about his daring career at Britannica.

17. Mabel Normand

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Mabel Normand, one of the pioneering female comedians of the silent era, beams in vintage costume on set. | Photo by Wikipedia

Mabel Normand was among the earliest female comedic stars, sharing the screen with icons like Charlie Chaplin and Roscoe Arbuckle. Her quick wit and expressive performances helped shape the foundations of film comedy. Unfortunately, scandals and recurring illness overshadowed her pioneering achievements, leaving her legacy largely overlooked. Learn more about Normand’s groundbreaking work at Women Film Pioneers Project.

18. Ramon Novarro

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Ramon Novarro, dressed in Roman armor, stands confidently on the set of Ben-Hur alongside fellow silent film actors. | Photo by Wikipedia

Ramon Novarro was a major heartthrob of the 1920s, best known for his iconic role in Ben-Hur. His striking appearance and remarkable talent made him a top box office draw during the silent era. As Hollywood’s tastes shifted and personal difficulties mounted, Novarro’s star faded from view. Read more about his life and career at Britannica.

19. Anna May Wong

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Anna May Wong, one of the first Chinese-American silent film stars, gazes thoughtfully in a vintage Hollywood portrait. | Photo by Wikipedia

Anna May Wong was Hollywood’s first Chinese-American movie star, breaking barriers in an industry rife with typecasting and limited opportunities for Asian actors. Despite these obstacles, she carved out a remarkable career, starring in both American and international productions. While her influence on global cinema is being slowly rediscovered, her contributions remain underappreciated today. Learn more about Wong’s enduring impact at NPR.

20. Fanny Brice

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
Fanny Brice, dressed in sparkling vaudeville attire, takes center stage as the original Funny Girl among fellow actresses. | Photo by Wikipedia

Fanny Brice was a trailblazing comedic singer and actress, best known today as the inspiration for the musical Funny Girl. Her dynamic performances in vaudeville, radio, and film made her a beloved figure in early American entertainment. Despite her once-household name, Brice’s remarkable career is often overlooked in modern times. Discover more about her legacy at Jewish Women’s Archive.

Remembering the Pioneers of Fame

20 Forgotten Celebrities from the Early 20th Century
A montage of vintage film reels, classic cameras, and glamorous early 20th-century Hollywood portraits.

The stories of these forgotten celebrities highlight just how fleeting fame can be, even for those who once stood at the heart of popular culture. Their creative vision and daring broke ground for generations to come, shaping the worlds of film, music, and stage. By revisiting their legacies, we honor the architects of modern entertainment—and find inspiration in their resilience and artistry. Explore further, and keep their memories alive.

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