Ruth Roland, George Grantham Bain Collection

Ruth Roland (1892-1937) was an American silent film actress and early film producer. She was born on 26 August 1892 in San Francisco, California, and began her acting career in the early 1910s. Ruth Roland appeared in numerous silent films and quickly gained popularity for her roles in action-adventure and drama films. One of her most notable works is the film serial "The Adventures of Ruth" (1919), in which she starred and showcased her athleticism and daring stunts. Roland was known for performing many of her own stunts, which contributed to her image as a strong and adventurous heroine. In addition to her acting career, Ruth Roland also became involved in film production. She co-founded the independent production company Ruth Roland Serials, which produced several successful film serials. Roland's career peaked during the silent film era, and with the advent of sound in cinema, her popularity declined. She retired from acting in the early 1930s. Tragically, Ruth Roland died on 22 September 1937 at the age of 45. Despite her relatively short career, she left a lasting impact on the silent film industry, particularly through her pioneering roles as action heroines and her contributions to film production.