Natalie Talmadge

Natalie Talmadge was the middle daughter of Margaret Talmadge, often referred to as the original "stage mother." Her two sisters, Constance Talmadge, known for her comedic roles, and Norma Talmadge, recognized for her dramatic performances, were also prominent figures in the film industry. Both sisters operated their own production companies, which were financially supported by Norma's husband, Joseph M. Schenck, in the 1920s. Natalie married Buster Keaton in 1921 and played a role as "Virginia Canfield" in his film *Our Hospitality* (1923). Prior to that, she had worked as a script girl and secretary for Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle at Comique in 1917, and accompanied the troupe to California when Schenck secured new premises for Arbuckle. Natalie frequently signed autographs on behalf of her popular sister, Constance. Anita Loos, the author of *Gentlemen Prefer Blondes*, wrote a book titled *The Talmadge Girls*, primarily about Constance and Norma; Loos based the philosophy of "Lorelei Lee" on the philosophy of Peg Talmadge ("Get the money, and then get comfortable"). After her divorce from Keaton, Natalie spent her later years in a house in Santa Monica and was a confirmed alcoholic. In addition to *Our Hospitality*, she appeared in supporting roles in several of her sister Norma's films, which are now believed to be lost.