Viola Allen

Viola Emily Allen (October 27, 1867 – May 9, 1948) was an American stage actress who played leading roles in Shakespeare and other plays, including many original plays. She starred in over two dozen Broadway productions from 1885 to 1916. Beginning in 1915, she appeared in three silent films.

Biography Allen was born in Huntsville, Alabama, on October 27, 1867, She moved to Boston at three years of age and later moved with her family to Toronto. She was educated at the Bishop Strachan School, her brothers being educated at Trinity College School, Port Hope, Ontario. She then attended a boarding school in New York City, Allen's debut attracted the attention of actor John McCullough, who made her his leading lady in 1883.

Between the years of 1884 and 1886, she performed in a variety of modern and Shakespearean plays. She performed with the best-known 19th century actors including: Tommaso Salvini, Lawrence Barrett, Joseph Jefferson, and William J. Florence. In the Palace of the King (1900), Twelfth Night, A Winter's Tale, As You Like It, The Lady of Coventry (1911), and others. She played such roles as Virginia, Cordelia, Desdemona, Lydia Languish, Dolores, Julia and Roma.

Allen starred in the 1915 silent film The White Sister along with Richard Travers. The film was produced by the Essanay Studios and was based on the 1909 play The White Sister that was a hit for Allen.

Her last professional appearance was in 1918, at a benefit supporting war relief. She remained an active supporter of charitable and theatrical organizations.

Allen married Peter Edward Cornell Duryea on August 16, 1905, and they remained wed until his death in 1944.

Allen died in her home in New York City on May 9, 1948, aged 78. She is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Sleepy Hollow, New York.

Filmography Getting Evidence (1907) short The Scales of Justice (1914) The White Sister (1915) Open Your Eyes (1919)