Silent-era film actress (1902–1984) whose career suffered a fatal blow in 1922 with the unsolved murder of her sometime director and reputed lover William Desmond Taylor. Following her final screen appearance in 1923, she lived as a recluse in California until the end of her life. Matte-finish 3.5 x 4.5 photo, signed and inscribed in black ink “To Nesie, a genius, Fondly, Mary Miles Minter.” Minter also adds a very nice handwritten note on the reverse, dated July 24, 1979, writing, in part: “This picture was taken in 1919 when I was seventeen…Now I am an old lady of seventy seven, still full of love of life.” In fine condition. R&R COA.
