About Elsie Van Name
Lived 1890 – 1934 (aged 43–44). Elsie Van Name was an American actor and screenwriter.
Elsie Jane Van Name (1890 – November 4, 1934) was an American screenwriter and actress active during Hollywood's silent era.
Biography She was the second wife of actor/director Francis Ford, whom she met when they co-starred in a play together. The pair married in New York City in 1909. They worked together on a number of projects, though their relationship appears to have been rocky.
They separated early on in the marriage (Ford temporarily moved on with actress Grace Cunard), but they got remarried in Los Angeles in 1916. The pair founded Fordart Films in 1917 and released the film Berlin Via American under this banner.
In 1919, while Ford was away on a shoot, Elsie briefly left him for his business manager and sold the studio.
Selected filmography As screenwriter:
Storm Girl (1922) The Great Reward (1921) (serial) Crimson Shoals (1919) The Mystery of 13 (1919) The Silent Mystery (1918) (serial) Berlin Via America (1918) The Mystery Ship (1918) (serial)
As actress:
The Mystery of 13 (1919) The Silent Mystery (1918) (serial) The Mystery Ship (1918) (serial) John Ermine of Yellowstone (1917)
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Elsie Van Name?
American screenwriter (1890-1934)
When was Elsie Van Name born?
Elsie Van Name was born in 1890 in New York City.
When did Elsie Van Name die?
Elsie Van Name died on 4 November 1934.
What was Elsie Van Name's occupation?
Elsie Van Name was an actor and screenwriter.
What nationality was Elsie Van Name?
Elsie Van Name was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Elsie Van Name. https://biography.guide/elsie-van-name/
MLA: "Elsie Van Name." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/elsie-van-name/.
Chicago: "Elsie Van Name." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/elsie-van-name/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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