Whatever Happened to Baby Peggy: The Extraordinary Life and Career of a Child Star

The story of Baby Peggy, one of the most famous and beloved child stars of all time, is a poignant and fascinating tale of talent, exploitation, and the power of redemption. From her humble beginnings to her star-studded childhood, her struggles in adulthood, and her triumphant return to the spotlight, Baby Peggy's life is a true Hollywood fairy tale.

Whatever Happened to Baby Peggy: The Autobiography of Hollywood's Pioneer Child Star

by Diana Serra Cary

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34764 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	552 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Born Peggy-Jean Montgomery in 1918, Baby Peggy began her acting career at the age of two. By the age of five, she was one of the most popular child stars in the world, starring in dozens of films and earning a fortune of over $1 million. However, her success came at a price. Baby Peggy was subjected to grueling work schedules and constant pressure from her parents and the studio executives. She was often overworked and underpaid, and she was denied a normal childhood.

As Baby Peggy grew older, her popularity began to decline. She struggled to find work as a teenager, and she eventually retired from acting in the early 1930s. For decades, Baby Peggy's story was largely forgotten. However, in the 1970s, she began to re-emerge into the public eye. She published her autobiography, gave interviews, and appeared on television. In 2007, she was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Baby Peggy's story is a reminder of the dark side of Hollywood. It is a story of child exploitation and abuse. However, it is also a story of resilience and triumph. Baby Peggy overcame adversity to become a successful author, lecturer, and advocate for child actors.

Early Life and Career

Baby Peggy was born Peggy-Jean Montgomery in San Diego, California, on October 29, 1918. Her father, Jack Montgomery, was a vaudeville performer, and her mother, Marian Montgomery, was a former child actress. Baby Peggy began her acting career at the age of two, when she appeared in the short film "The Kid Reporter." She quickly became a popular child star, and by the age of five, she was one of the most famous children in the world.

Baby Peggy starred in dozens of films during the 1920s, including "Captain January" (1924),"Little Annie Rooney" (1925),and "Our Gang" (1927). She was also a popular vaudeville performer, and she toured the United States and Europe with her parents.

Baby Peggy's success came at a price. She was subjected to grueling work schedules and constant pressure from her parents and the studio executives. She was often overworked and underpaid, and she was denied a normal childhood.

Decline in Popularity

As Baby Peggy grew older, her popularity began to decline. She struggled to find work as a teenager, and she eventually retired from acting in the early 1930s.

There are several factors that contributed to Baby Peggy's decline in popularity. First, she was no longer a child, and audiences were no longer interested in seeing her in the same roles. Second, the Great Depression hit the film industry hard, and many child stars were forced to retire.

Baby Peggy also made some poor career choices. She turned down several roles that could have helped her transition to adult roles, and she insisted on being paid a large salary, which made it difficult for studios to hire her.

Later Life and Career

After retiring from acting, Baby Peggy worked a variety of jobs, including waitress, secretary, and teacher. She also wrote several books, including her autobiography, "Baby Peggy: The Autobiography of America's Silent Sweetheart." In the 1970s, Baby Peggy began to re-emerge into the public eye. She published her autobiography, gave interviews, and appeared on television. In 2007, she was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Baby Peggy died on February 24, 2010, at the age of 91. She is survived by her son, Karl.

Legacy

Baby Peggy was one of the most famous and beloved child stars of all time. She was a talented actress and a beautiful girl, and she brought joy to millions of people during her career. However, her story is also a reminder of the dark side of Hollywood. Baby Peggy was subjected to child exploitation and abuse, and she paid a heavy price for her success.

Despite the adversity she faced, Baby Peggy overcame adversity to become a successful author, lecturer, and advocate for child actors. She is an inspiration to all who have overcome adversity, and her story is a reminder that it is never too late to find redemption.

The story of Baby Peggy is a poignant and fascinating tale of talent, exploitation, and the power of redemption. From her humble beginnings to her star-studded childhood, her struggles in adulthood, and her triumphant return to the spotlight, Baby Peggy's life is a true Hollywood fairy tale. Featuring exclusive interviews, rare photographs, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, this book tells the complete story of Baby Peggy, one of the most enigmatic and unforgettable figures in film history.

Whatever Happened to Baby Peggy: The Autobiography of Hollywood's Pioneer Child Star

by Diana Serra Cary

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34764 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	552 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE