Sarah Whitley
English actress (1816–1888)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sarah Whitley (née Robinson, 1816 – 24 October 1888) is credited as the earliest-born woman known to have appeared in a film. She was the mother-in-law of cinematic pioneer Louis Le Prince and was filmed by him 10 days before her death, aged 72.[1]
1816
Sarah Whitley | |
|---|---|
Whitley (second left) in Roundhay Garden Scene, directed by Louis Le Prince | |
| Born | Sarah Robinson 1816 Wakefield, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
| Died | 24 October 1888 (aged 71–72) United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
| Resting place | St John's Church, Roundhay |
| Spouse | |
| Children | John Robinson Whitley (1843–1922) Sarah Elizabeth LePrice, née Whitley (1846–1925) Joseph (?–?) |
In the 1888 film, Roundhay Garden Scene, Whitley is seen walking or dancing backwards.[2]
She and her husband Joseph, who also appears in the film, were the parents of Le Prince's wife, Elizabeth. The film was shot in their garden at Oakwood Grange, Roundhay, Leeds, on 14 October 1888.[3]
She is the earliest-born woman known to have appeared in a film. The earliest-born man was Pope Leo XIII (1810–1903). He was filmed in 1896. She was also the first known person who had appeared in a film to die.
Death
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1888 | Roundhay Garden Scene | self | Short |
