Louise Lester (August 8, 1867 – November 18, 1952) was an American silent film actress. She was the first female star of Western films.

Biography

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lester came to California in 1910 with one of the first companies assembled to make motion pictures. She made her debut in movies as a member of the Flying A Company in Santa Barbara, California after a noteworthy career on stage. She starred in over 150 films before her retirement in 1935.

Louise Lester is most famous for starring as Calamity Anne in the film series playing the lead role in films such as Calamity Anne's Inheritance', Calamity Anne's Vanity, Calamity Anne's Beauty and Calamity Anne, Heroine all in 1913. The Calamity Anne series was the beginning of horse operas. She also starred with William Garwood in films such as The Oath of Pierre.

The actress' married name was Louise Lester Beal. She was the widow of Frank Beal, an innovative film director. Louise was one of the best-dressed women in motion pictures.

Louise Lester died at the Motion Picture Country Home in 1952 at the age of 85 years. Her funeral was conducted in the chapel of the Utter-McKinley Strouthers Mortuary, 6240 Hollywood Boulevard. The services were conducted by the Bahá'í World Faith. Her interment was in the Inglewood, California Park Cemetery.