Mary Kornman (born Mary Agnes Evans, December 27, 1915 â€" June 1,
1973) was an American child actress who was the leading female star of
the Our Gang series during the Pathé silent era.Born as Mary Agnes
Evans, the daughter of Verna Comer, who appeared in several films, and
David Lionel Evans. Her stepfather, Hal Roach′s still-photo
cameraman Eugene Kornman adopted Mary after he and Mary's mother were
married in 1921. After Peggy Cartwright, who appeared in only four or
five Our Gang episodes, Mary became the leading lady of the series,
appearing in more than 40 episodes. Kornman was one of the series′
biggest stars during its early years between 1922 and 1926. After
outgrowing the Our Gang series, she and fellow Our Gang alumnus Johnny
Downs spent several years performing as a team on the college and
vaudeville circuits.Her younger sister, Mildred (born July 10, 1925)
was also a child actress. Mildred was featured as a regular in Our
Gang from 1926â€"28, and made further appearances until 1935. She had
no speaking roles and appeared when many children were needed for a
scene such as a classroom. She later achieved a degree of fame as an
adult fashion model known as Ricki VanDusen.When asked in 1960 what
she thought of being part of Our Gang, Mildred Kornman replied "It was
fun being a gang member. It was play. I have no regrets...We didn't
have to be talented, which is natural for kids ... I think we had a
privileged childhood working in those films."
1973) was an American child actress who was the leading female star of
the Our Gang series during the Pathé silent era.Born as Mary Agnes
Evans, the daughter of Verna Comer, who appeared in several films, and
David Lionel Evans. Her stepfather, Hal Roach′s still-photo
cameraman Eugene Kornman adopted Mary after he and Mary's mother were
married in 1921. After Peggy Cartwright, who appeared in only four or
five Our Gang episodes, Mary became the leading lady of the series,
appearing in more than 40 episodes. Kornman was one of the series′
biggest stars during its early years between 1922 and 1926. After
outgrowing the Our Gang series, she and fellow Our Gang alumnus Johnny
Downs spent several years performing as a team on the college and
vaudeville circuits.Her younger sister, Mildred (born July 10, 1925)
was also a child actress. Mildred was featured as a regular in Our
Gang from 1926â€"28, and made further appearances until 1935. She had
no speaking roles and appeared when many children were needed for a
scene such as a classroom. She later achieved a degree of fame as an
adult fashion model known as Ricki VanDusen.When asked in 1960 what
she thought of being part of Our Gang, Mildred Kornman replied "It was
fun being a gang member. It was play. I have no regrets...We didn't
have to be talented, which is natural for kids ... I think we had a
privileged childhood working in those films."
Share this
SUBSCRIBE OUR NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIBE OUR NEWSLETTER
Join us for free and get valuable content delivered right through your inbox.