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Laura Bayley

Known For
Acting

Known Credits
11

Gender
Female

Birthday
February 4, 1862 (164 years old)

Place of Birth
Ramsgate, Kent, England, UK

Laura Bayley

Biography

Laura Eugenia Bayley (4 February 1862 – 25 October 1938) was a British actress and filmmaker, active in the Brighton School of early cinema pioneers. Born in Ramsgate, Bayley performed onstage in Victorian burlesques, revues, and pantomimes, often with her three sisters. After marrying the showman George Albert Smith, she entered the world of early experiments with motion picture film; she played main roles in many of the most important films Smith made between 1897 and 1903, including The Kiss in the Tunnel (1899) and Mary Jane's Mishap (1903).

Behind the camera, Bayley likely played a significant hand in the creative development of Smith's fiction films, and may have directed some of those currently credited to him. She also directed and supervised numerous other films on her own, including a series for an early show-at-home projector design. Film historians have highlighted her prolific career as a film performer as well as the creative talent she brought to filmmaking.

Known For

Acting

2024Noisy Silencersas (archive footage)
1906Two Clownsas Female clown
1903Mary Jane's Mishapas Mary Jane
1901The Death of Poor Joeas Joe
1900The Old Maid's Valentineas Miss Pimple
1900Let Me Dream Againas Young woman
1899The Kiss in the Tunnelas Wife (as Mrs. George Albert Smith)
1898Santa Clausas
1898Cinderellaas Cinderella
1897The X-Ray Fiendas Woman
1897Hanging Out the Clothesas Maid

Production