In my research on early American theater I came across stories about an incredible woman, a true pioneer of stage and screen – Elsie Janis.

Elsie Janis Bierbower was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1889. She first took the stage at the tender age of 2, and quickly became a child star at the age of 8, billed as Little Elsie.  Three years later, she wowed audiences with her Broadway debut in the old Casino Theater Roof Garden, When We Were Forty-One, 1905. As a teenager, Elsie toured nationally in vaudeville, fascinating audiences with her comedic skills, imitating Sarah Bernhardt, John Barrymore and other idols of the day. On Broadway, she starred in a number of successful shows, including The Vanderbilt Cup (1906), The Hoyden (1907), and The Century Girl (1916). She made her London debut in 1914 in The Passing Show and became an instant success with English audiences.

During WWI, Elsie was the pioneer of modern troop entertainment. She became a tireless advocate for British and American soldiers, doing what Bob Hope was to become famous for. Elsie entertained troops stationed dangerously near the front lines, and lead many U.S. Government War Bond Rallies. The soldiers worshiped her and crowned her the Sweetheart of the AEF (American Expeditionary Forces).

Elsie was also an accomplished writer, publishing magazine articles, books and her autobiography about her wartime experiences, The Big Show: My Six Months with the American Expeditionary Forces. She composed more than 50 songs, and was one of the first movie stars to write for and star in silent films including “The Regular Girl” and “The Imp.”

After a long and brilliant career, Elsie died in 1956 at the age of 66 at her home in Beverly Hills, California. Mary Pickford, who was at the bedside of Elsie at her death said, “This ends the vaudevillian era. She was certainly one of the greatest entertainers of all time.”