April 26: Commemorating the Death Anniversary of the American-British Actress Bessie Love

Bessie Love died on April 26, 1986, at Mount Vernon Hospital in Northwood, London, from natural causes. Born Juanita Horton in Midland, Texas, she left school in 1915 to start a film career under D.W. Griffith. Moving through silent films with Fine Arts and Pathé, Love gained prominence as an ingenue, evolving into diverse roles during the silent era. She starred in notable films like The King on Main Street (1925) and The Lost World (1925). Transitioning to sound films, Love achieved acclaim in The Broadway Melody (1929), earning an Academy Award nomination. As musical films declined, she shifted focus, marrying in 1929 and semi-retiring. During World War II, she worked on San Demetrio London (1943) and for the American Red Cross in Britain. Post-war, Love returned to acting in theatre, radio, and British films. Her career spanned decades, from The Barefoot Contessa (1954) to The Hunger (1983). Marrying and divorcing William Hawks, she moved to England in 1935, gaining British citizenship. Despite erroneous death reports, Love's legacy endures, honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Margot Robbie paid homage in Babylon (2022). Portraits at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and Sardi's caricature immortalize her. In 1977, she penned her autobiography, concluding a remarkable life.