Vola Vale

Vola Vale, born Vola Smith in Buffalo, New York, grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where she developed a passion for the performing arts. She initially honed her craft in amateur theater productions in Rochester, New York, before moving on to stock companies, paving the way for her future in film.

Vale's cinematic journey began at Biograph Studios, where she was guided by the legendary director D.W. Griffith. After a month of playing minor roles, she secured her first significant part in a film, showcasing her talent in a striking velvet gown and feathered hat. Her work at Biograph included collaborations with notable actors such as William S. Hart, Sessue Hayakawa, and Harry Carey, and she quickly became known for her versatility in portraying various ethnic characters, including Spanish, Italian, French, and Gypsy roles.

Throughout her career, Vale lent her talents to several prominent studios, including Fox Film, Famous Players-Lasky, Universal Pictures, and Paramount Pictures. She aspired to perform as Madame Butterfly with an authentic Japanese troupe and to embody the character of Lorna Doone on screen. In 1917, she starred alongside Sessue Hayakawa in "Each to His Kind," marking a significant milestone in her career. To stand out in the industry, she adopted the professional name Vola Vale, leaving behind the more common surname of Smith.