Eugenie Besserer (1869 or 1870 – May 29, 1934)[1] was a French-American actress who starred in silent films and features of the early sound motion-picture era, beginning in 1910. Her most prominent role is that of the title character's mother in the first talkie film, The Jazz Singer.
Early life
Born in Marseilles, France, Besserer attended the Convent of Notre Dame in Ottawa, Ontario.[1] She was taken by her parents to Ottawa as a girl, and spent her childhood there. She was left an orphan and escaped from her guardians at the age of 12. She came to New York City and arrived at Grand Central Station with only 25 cents (Canadian currency, equivalent to US$0.34 at the time) in her pocket. With the assistance of a street car conductor, Besserer managed to locate a former governess, who, in turn, helped locate the uncle with whom she ultimately took up residence. There, Besserer continued her education, gaining some proficiency in athletics, and in fencing in particular—so much so that she was gratified to find herself holding her own against noted stage swashbuckler Alexander Salvini.[2][3]
Career
Besserer's initial theatrical experience came with McKee Rankin when the producer had Nance O'Neill as a star. Soon, she appeared with notable stage actors including Frank Keenan and Wilton Lackaye. As a youth, she played a juvenile part with Maurice Barrymore. She performed a season at Pike's Opera House in Portland, Oregon. Another season, Besserer acted in a drama opposite Henry Kolker. The illness of her sister brought her to the West Coast, and she came to Hollywood in 1910 when films were just starting to be made there.[citation needed]
In motion pictures, Eugenie was usually cast in mother roles,[4] including as the mother of Al Jolson's character in The Jazz Singer. Besserer became associated with the Selig Polyscope Company. She portrayed Aunt Ray Innis in The Circular Staircase (1915), based on the novel by Mary Roberts Rinehart.
Personal life
When Besserer was 15, she married art dealer Albert W. Hegger. They had one daughter.[1]
Death
On May 29, 1934, Besserer died at her Hollywood home, aged 64.[1] A funeral mass was held at St. Theresa's Church, with a rosary service at Edwards Brothers Colonial Mortuary, Venice Boulevard, in Los Angeles.[citation needed] She is buried in Calvary Cemetery, East Los Angeles.[5]
^ abcd"Eugenie Besserer". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 31, 1934. p. 19. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
^Besserer, Eugenie (October 1, 1915). "Miss Eugenie Besserer Arrived in New York City With Just 25 Cents—Now a Star in Pictures". Evening Record, and Bergen County Herald. p. 13. ProQuest2681595664. I was born in Paris, but was taken by my parents to Ottawa, Canada, early in life and I spent my girlhood in Canada. Unfortunately I was left an orphan and later, at the age of 12 years, I escaped from my guardians and found myself an absolute stranger, in the Grand Central Station, with 25 cents in Canadian money in my pocket. Through the kindly aid of a street car conductor and a directory, I succeeded in locating a former governess whose name I happily remembered. This kindly lady was delighted to see me and with her aid, I discovered the residence of an uncle, with whom I took up my abode. I continued my studies and became quite proficient in athletics. I took lessons in fencing and became rather proficient. I shall always remember that I held my own against no less than the late Alexander Salvini.
^"At the Playhouses". The Los Angeles Times. December 25, 1894. p. 3. ProQuest163677711. Alexander Salvini, familiar to our stage in such roles as D'Artagnan, in 'The Three Guardsmen,' and as Don Caesar de Bazan, the devil-may-care adventurer of Spain, revealed himself last night as a tragedy player of such force, fire and vividness as to compel a compliment rare, indeed, that of three curtain calls after the close of the last act.
^"Eugenie Bessier: Actress Who Played Mother Roles". New York Herald Tribune. Associated Press. May 31, 1934. p. 19. ProQuest1263725404. Eugenie Bessier, player of mother roles in many motion pictures, died at her home last night after a protracted illness.
The Monessen, Pennsylvania Daily Independent, "Miss Eugenie Besserer Arrived In New York City With Just 25 Cents-Now A Star In Pictures", September 16, 1915, p. 3
