Agnes Ayres (1896-1940) was born near Chicago and educated there.It happened that one day accompanied by a friend she was visiting the Essanay Studio in Chicago.A director known to her friend spied the beautiful Agnes and immediately began making overtures to her,offering her a contract to appear for him before the camera.She finally accepted, and after playing her engagement with the Essanay Company.She went on to become one of the most popular female stars of the silent era.In 1920 she signed a contract with Paramount studios and she was on her way.She appeared opposite Rudolph Valentino in "The Sheik" (1921#,and "The Son Of The Sheik" #1926#,but her sparkling personality and beauty also shone forth in roles as "The Outcast" in "The Ten Commandments" #1923#.When sound came in,Agnes made a few minor films,then retired from the screen.She died in L.A. of a cerebral hemorrhage,on Xmas Day,1940.

Kit: Wind of Change by Lynn Griffin and Linda Cumberland.