Peggy O'Neil was described in 1942 as "one of the most famous actresses of this generation", but she has been forgotten by the general public. I have just written a Diary about her in the Irish Times. Read it here.
Portrait of Peggy O'Neil. Image source.
Born in Buffallo, New York to an Irish mother, Peggy O'Neil (1898-1960), was the subject of a vaudeville song 'Peggy O'Neil' and was known across Europe and North America for her acting.
The song said that she had "eyes as blue as skies", "walks like a sly little rouge" and "talks with a cute little brogue". Over the years, it was sung by various artists including John McCormack and Danny La Rue. This is a video of a recording by John McCormack from March 1920. Perhaps it's time for a current artist to record the song so that we can introduce Peggy O'Neil to a new generation of movie fans.
When she died in London in 1960, her burial plot was paid for by the Actors' Benevolent Fund.
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