Esther Ralston was the older sister of actor Howard Ralston, who appeared in nine films between 1920 and 1924.
10 Facts About Esther Ralston
2.
Esther Ralston began her career as a child actress in a family vaudeville act which was billed as "The Ralston Family with Baby Esther, America's Youngest Juliet".
3.
Esther Ralston appeared mainly in comedies usually with her name billed above the title, often portraying spirited society girls, and received good reviews for her forays into dramatic roles.
4.
On radio, Esther Ralston portrayed Kathy Marsh in Portia Faces Life and Marcella Hudnall in Our Gal Sunday.
5.
Esther Ralston's last leading role was in To the Last Man in 1933, directed by Henry Hathaway and starring Randolph Scott with a supporting cast featuring Noah Beery Sr.
6.
Esther Ralston made her final film Tin Pan Alley in 1940 and chose to retire from films.
7.
Esther Ralston continued working on the stage and in radio throughout the 1940s, including being the leading lady for part of the run of Woman of Courage.
8.
In 1985, Esther Ralston released her autobiography Some Day We'll Laugh.
9.
Esther Ralston was graylisted and soon found herself toppled from the height of the industry to being predominantly relegated to supporting roles, mainly at minor studios, solving the mystery of why her career faltered at the dawn of sound despite her having had a lifetime of theatrical stage experience and a superb speaking voice.
10.
On January 14,1994, Esther Ralston died of a heart attack at age 91 in her home in Ventura, California.