Thelma Salter (January 15, 1908 – November 17, 1953) was an American child actress during the silent film era. She starred in several Triangle Film Corporation productions during the 1910s, including leading roles in the films The Crab (1917) and In Slumberland (1917–1918). During her brief but widely publicized career, Salter was frequently praised in national promotional campaigns as one of the most appealing child performers in motion pictures.
Early life and career Salter was born in Los Angeles, California. She began acting in motion pictures at a very young age and was cast in several early Triangle-Kay Bee productions under the supervision of producer Thomas H. Ince. By 1917, she had gained recognition in Triangle features and was frequently promoted as a screen personality in her own right.
Film career
In the five-reel drama The Crab, Salter portrayed Ivy Marten, a cheerful orphan girl who is adopted by a reclusive millionaire. Her character’s kindness gradually transforms the man’s cold demeanor and redeems him emotionally. Contemporary film promotions described Salter’s performance as central to the film’s appeal.
Later in 1917, Salter starred in In Slumberland, a fantasy film directed by Irvin Willat and written by L. V. Jefferson. She co-starred with Georgie Stone in a story set in a dreamlike magical world. The production featured elaborate visual effects and double exposures, and was promoted as a children’s fantasy with fairy tale elements.
During her brief period of fame, Salter was widely promoted as a featured child performer. Promotional materials and press coverage referred to her as “the cutest child actress in motion pictures today,” “the beautiful and talented child star,” and “the world’s greatest child actress.”
Salter also appeared in a supporting role in Happiness (1917), a Triangle drama starring Enid Bennett. She had previously been featured in multiple uncredited Triangle-Kay Bee shorts during the mid-1910s.
Salter would later appear as Becky Thatcher in the 1920 film adaptation of Huckleberry Finn. She also played an uncredited extra in the 1925 romantic comedy film Bright Lights.
Later life and death Salter retired from acting after 1929. She later married writer-producer Edward Kaufman. She died on November 17, 1953, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 45. She is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale.Wilson, Scott. Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed.: 2 (Kindle Locations 25047-25048). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1913 Past Redemption Little Tom Silent drama short 1913 The Seal of Silence — Silent short 1914 Little Billy's Triumph — Silent short 1914 Jim Cameron's Wife Jim Cameron's Child Silent short 1915 The Disciple Alice Houston Triangle-Kay Bee short 1915 Bad Buck of Santa Ynez The Daughter Triangle-Kay Bee short 1915 The Alien Dorothy Griswold Triangle-Kay Bee short 1915 Matrimony Viola Feature; directed by Scott Sidney, produced by Thomas H. Ince 1916 The Wasted Years — Triangle short 1917 Selfish Yates Betty Adams Triangle short 1917 The Crab Ivy Marten (aka Ivy Warren) Lead role, Triangle feature; praised nationwide 1917 Happiness Dolly Temple (child) Supporting role, Triangle feature 1917–1918 In Slumberland Eileen McCree / Thelma Lead role, fantasy feature 1920 Huckleberry Finn Becky Thatcher Feature adaptation 1925 Bright Lights — Uncredited extra 1928 The Campus Vamp Bathing Girl Uncredited extra in short 1928 Sword Points — Minor role 1928 Run, Girl, Run Minor role Minor role 1928 Motorboat Mamas Cafe Patron Uncredited extra
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