Virginia Fox

Virginia Fox, born in Wheeling, West Virginia, was the daughter of Marie (née Oglesby) and Frederick Fox. Although her grave mistakenly cites Charleston as her birthplace, her true origins lay in Wheeling. During a vacation from her boarding school, she visited a friend in Los Angeles, where an impromptu visit to Mack Sennett's studio led to her being hired as a bathing beauty for the studio's productions. Fox quickly became a prominent figure in the silent film era, notably appearing as the leading lady in several early Buster Keaton films, including the acclaimed 1920 short "Neighbors."

In 1924, Virginia wed film producer Darryl F. Zanuck, with whom she had three children: Darrylin (b. 1931), Richard Darryl (1934–2012), and Susan Marie (1935–1980). Although she eventually retired from acting, Fox remained a significant behind-the-scenes presence, influencing her husband's career decisions. The couple's relationship faced challenges, leading to their separation in 1956 due to Zanuck's infidelities, yet they never finalized a divorce. In the early 1970s, following Zanuck's decline in health, she devoted herself to caring for him until his passing in 1979. Virginia Fox was laid to rest alongside him at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Importantly, Virginia Fox is not related to William Fox, the founder of Fox Studios, which later became 20th Century Fox under Zanuck's leadership.