Duane Thompson

Who was Duane Thompson?

Duane Thompson was an American film actress in the early, pioneering years of Hollywood's silent film era.

Thompson, born Duane Maloney in Red Oak, Iowa, moved to Hollywood in the early 1920s to pursue a career in acting. She received her first film role in 1921, starring opposite Vernon Dent and Violet Joy in Up and at 'em.

She did not receive her next role until 1923, when she starred in Hot Water opposite Neal Burns. That film launched her into regular roles, with her starring in four films that year. From 1923 to 1929, Thompson starred in 37 films, with uncredited roles in another three films. In 1925, she was one of thirteen girls selected as "WAMPAS Baby Stars" alongside future Hollywood legend June Marlowe. It was said at the time she was selected by "WAMPAS" that "Duane Thompson, 20, Red Oak, Iowa, is steadily climbing to success. First Christie Comedies, and now leading lady for Walter Hiers."

However, like so many stars of the silent film era, the advent of talking films promptly stopped her career. Unable to make a successful transition, she had no film offers until 1937, when she had a small role in Hollywood Hotel. Following that film she retired, settling in Los Angeles, where she lived until her death on August 15, 1970, at the age of 67.