Lucille La Verne (November 7, 1872 – March 4, 1945) was a prominent American actress celebrated for her compelling performances in silent films and her striking portrayals of sharp, sarcastic, and malevolent characters in the early days of sound cinema. With a successful career on the American stage, she earned recognition for her ability to embody complex and often sinister roles. La Verne is perhaps best known for her voice work as the Old Witch in the 1932 Silly Symphony short, Babes in the Woods, and as the Evil Queen, the malevolent stepmother of Snow White, in Walt Disney's first animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), which marked her final film appearance.
Lucille La Verne passed away at the age of 72 in Culver City, California, on March 4, 1945, after battling cancer. She was laid to rest at Inglewood Park Cemetery. For nearly 75 years, her grave remained unmarked until devoted fans rallied together to fund a headstone in her memory, ensuring that her legacy would not be forgotten. La Verne's contributions to film and theater continue to be remembered by audiences and enthusiasts of classic cinema.
