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Grace La Rue was an American actress, singer, and vaudeville headliner. La Rue was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1882 to Mrs. Lucy L. Parsons. Par...

Orval Hixon was a Kansas City photographer whose artistic abilities out rivaled those of his contemporaries. Hixon was a master of his craft, summoni...

Al Jolson was called the greatest entertainer of his era. He was born in Imperial Russia and traveled to America with his family. He and his brother l...

This photograph is one of Hixon's many figure studies with an unknown woman. It offers a side view of her figure draped in black material. She looks u...

Nance O'Neil was called the "American Bernhardt," playing significant roles such as Lady Macbeth and Camille. She moved from theatre to silent film in...

Valeska was born in Terre Haute, Indiana. She became known as “The Vampire Woman” on the silent screen and appeared in vaudeville with Billy Gould. Sh...

Herbert Clifton, born in London, England, was and actor noted for his female impersonations. Clifton was publicized as “The Male Soprano” and advertis...

Evelyn Nesbit Thaw was an artist model, a chorus girl, and an actress. As a model, she posed for notable artists such as James Carroll Beckwith and Fr...

Margret Breen was originally born in Missouri but moved to California to pursue an acting career. She was busy in the 1930s, starring in films such as...

This portrait of an unknown vaudevillian actress offers plenty for the eye to explore. A layer of black tulle is draped over her head, creating a loos...