Margaret Chute

Margaret Chute (1886–1948) was an English stage actor, suffragist, freelance journalist, and photographer.

Personal life Chute was the daughter of Charles Kean Chute and Sybil Claridge Andrews. Her parents were notable stage actors, performing in the West End and throughout Britain, including at Hastings’ Gaiety Theatre.

During World War II, Joan Crawford volunteered as Chute's guarantor, allowing her to move from England and continue working in the United States.

Chute passed away in Los Angeles, California on November 30, 1948, due to a stroke caused by cirrhosis of the liver.

Career Chute was on the professional stage from 1908-1919. In 1911 to 1912, she played Mrs. Cowper-Cowper in the first revival of Lady Windermere's Fan.

In 1917, George Robey employed Chute as his private secretary. In 1920, she was employed by Sir Oswald Stoll as the first woman press representative for London's Coliseum and Alhambra theatres.

In 1925, Chute travelled to Germany to survey their studio systems. In 1926, Chute travelled to Hollywood to interview some of her favorite film stars, including Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks. She would return every year. Chute wrote for various fan magazines including Hollywood Magazine, Photoplay, and Picture Play magazine.

Chute also took photographs of many stars, including Jean Harlow, Marion Davies, Dorothy Sebastian, and Joan Crawford.

Her career declined after Chute published articles exposing the mistreatment of women in Hollywood, similar to today's MeToo movement.

Legacy In July 2021, The Stables Theatre premiered Picture Picture by Chute's relation David Charles Manners, which focused on Chute's life and hosted the first-ever exhibition of Chute's photographs. Mrs Cowper-Cowper St. James's, London 1912 The Bear Leaders Lloyd Comedy Theatre, London 1913 Turandot, Princess of China Tien-wa St. James's, London 1913 Lady Noggs Suzette Comedy Theatre, London 1913 The Month of Mary Sister of Charity The Little Theatre, Adelphi (Pioneer Players) 1913 The Big Game Mildred Carruthers New Theatre, London 1914 Love and the Law Margaret Devonshire Park, Eastbourne 1914 The Impromptus Margaret Kean Bournemouth Winter Gardens & Boscombe Pier 1914-15 Humpty Dumpty Pansy Prince's, Bristol 1915-16 Goody Two Shoes Ronnie, the Mayor’s son Prince's, Bristol 1919 The Lymelights Margaret Kean 12-week tour