London, Jean, 1901-1980.

Jean "Babe" London, an actress born as Ruth Glover, appeared in over 50 silent comedy films whose stars included Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Charlie Chaplin and Harry Langdon. Weighing 255 pounds at the height of her career, she was forced by ill health to diet, but never regained the success she had known in her "jolly fat girl" roles, although she did continue working in small roles until about 1970. She was a recipient of the Rosemary Award, which honors stars of the silent movies.

In the late 1950s London began a second career as a painter and devoted the last 20 years of her life to recording the early years of Hollywood on canvas in a series of works she titled "The Vanishing Era." She married Phil Boutelje in 1975.

From the description of Papers, ca. 1870-1979 (bulk 1920-1979). (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 29760806