Volume III: Biographies

MERRIAM, Pauline *

Actress (date?)

Thanhouser Career Synopsis: Pauline Merriam was an actress with Thanhouser at one time, according to the October 1916 Motion Picture News Studio Directory.

Biographical Notes: Pauline Merriam was born in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1895 and was educated at the Leachwood Seminary in Virginia and in private finishing schools. Her stage debut was in Pilate's Daughter at the Chestnut Street Opera House in Philadelphia. Later, she appeared on the stage at the Century Theatre, New York City and was in stock with Jessie Bonstelle. Miss Merriam was a model for John W. Alexander, Count Tamburini and for pen-and-ink sketches created by Charles Dana Gibson. She was a photographic model for Underwood & Underwood, well-known producer of stereoscope cards and glass slides for lyceums. Her screen career included work with Thanhouser, Famous Players, and Universal, and her credits included Helene of the North, The Incorrigible Dukane, and The Great Problem. The 1916-1918 editions of the Motion Picture News Studio Directory noted that Pauline Merriam was an accomplished musician, sculptress, modeler in clay, and dancer, and lived at 521 West 156th Street, New York City. She was 5'7" tall, weighed 138 pounds, and had curly brown hair and brown eyes.

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