Phyllis Haver, 1920s silent film star, was born on a farm near Douglass, Kansas on January 6, 1899. She moved to Los Angeles, California with her mother when she was eight years old, where she grew up.

 

After graduation from Manual Arts High School, Haver went on to a highly successful career as an actress in silent films. She played the part of Roxie Hart in the original film version of Chicago, achieving worldwide recognition.

 

Thought by many to be America’s finest actress in both comedy and dramatic roles, Haver chose to walk away from the fame and glamour of Hollywood in favor of marriage to millionaire William Seeman. The couple later divorced.

 

On November 19, 1960, Phyllis Haver was found dead in her Connecticut home of a possible drug overdose.