Laura Bayley
Born: 1862-02-04 in Ramsgate, Kent, England, UK
Died: 1938-10-25
Known For: Acting
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.
Filmography
2024
- Noisy Silencers as (archive footage)
1906
- Two Clowns as Female clown
1903
- Mary Jane's Mishap as Mary Jane
1901
- The Death of Poor Joe as Joe
1900
- Let Me Dream Again as Young woman
- The Old Maid's Valentine as Miss Pimple
1899
- The Kiss in the Tunnel as Wife (as Mrs. George Albert Smith)
1898
- Santa Claus
- Cinderella as Cinderella
1897
- The X-Ray Fiend as Woman
- Hanging Out the Clothes as Maid