LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Peg Entwistle
built 621 days ago
Known as the ghost of the Hollywood sign, in death Peg Entwistle finally has the fame she sought in life. Her death completely overshadowed any of the merits she may have had as an actress in life. To read more about Peg Entwistle and the Hollywood sign, visit the following websites:
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The actress Peg Entwistle (aka Lillian Millicent Entwistle) appeared as Hazel in David O. Selznick's Thirteen Women (1932), and tragically, on September 18, 1932, she leaped from the letter "H" of the Hollywood sign. An opening re-creation of Peg Entwistle's fatal plunge establishes the mood for this dark Hollywood drama, and then the action moves to a bar, operated by Jack (Costas Mandylor). The bar is the haven for a group of aspiring actresses who came in search of the Hollywood dream but instead serve as stand-ins for well-known screen stars. After three days on pills and alcohol, Garbo stand-in Shirley (Daphne Zuniga) has a run-in with mean-spirited Bette Davis-double Monica (Jordan Ladd). The stand-ins assemble at Jack's bar to stage a bitchy birthday party for Jean Harlow-look-alike Martha Anne (Sammi Davis), dysfunctional at age 30. Mae West-stand-in Peggy (Charlotte Chatton) and Dietrich-double Rhonda (Missy Crider) are ... on hand for the festivities.
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In 1932, Peg Entwistle became the first aspiring starlet to leap to her death off the "HOLLYWOOD" sign. In her suicide note, Entwistle wrote: "I’m afraid I’m a coward. I’m sorry for everything."
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Lillian Millicent "Peg" Entwistle was born in Wales in 1908 to a family in the acting profession and spent her childhood living in London England. Her mother died when Peg was very young. Peg’s father decided that they should move to New York and the father found work there in a theater. Peg had another unfortunate incident in her early years. Her father died suddenly one day when he was hit by a truck on Park Avenue. Peg’s brothers were sent to live with their uncle, and Peg struck out on her own as an actress at the age of 17.
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On January 5, 1926 Entwistle played the role of Hedvig in Henrik Ibsen's The Wild Duck. This show starred Walter Hampden and was directed by Blanche Yurka. (It was Entwistle's performance that inspired a young Bette Davis to pursue acting. After the play, Bette Davis made a wish to her mother, Ruthie, ..."I want to be exactly like Peg Entwistle." Over the years, as she recounted her career, Bette Davis made more than several public references crediting Entwistle as her inspiration...including the above quote. Some years later, Yurka sent a note to Bette Davis asking if she'd like to play Hedvig.
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During filming, Peg discovered the part was actually a supporting role, but a good one. Her hopes began to rise. The movie was released, only to be savaged by the critics. RKO quickly shelved it. It was released quietly a short time later but substantial cuts had been made to the 73 minute running time. Peg’s part, despite her good showing, had been reduced to little more than a cameo appearance.
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Peg Entwistle