Virginia Hammond (August 20, 1893 – April 6, 1972) was an American film and theatre actress. Her stage name is from the State of Virginia, and her mother’s maiden name.
Early life Hammond was born as Louise ShumateJune 1 1911 "Actress Miss Virginia Hammond (formerly Miss Virginia Louise Shumate) visits Miss Lucile Rosenberger at Penn college during commencement season." Oskaloosa, Mahaska, Iowa, United States:The Oskaloosa Herald "...to note the changes occurring year by year. Miss Virginia Louise Shumate, formerly of Oskaloosa and known by her friends as " Pansy " Shumate, is the guest of Miss Lucile Rosenberger during the commencement season at Penn college. Miss Shumate is now an actress and is known..." in Staunton, Virginia, into an Virginia Huguenot family, as the daughter of a Confederate army major, Thomas Jackson Shumate (originally: de la Chaumette) who died shortly after her birth. Hammond was raised by her mother in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Hammond attended school at Penn College, then Miss Blood’s School of Oratory, and Hinshaw’s Dramatic School, both in Chicago. Hammond auditioned for E.H. Sothern and Julia Marlowe.
Career Hammond began her career in 1907, where she made her theatre debut in the Broadway play, titled, John the Baptist. She continued her career, mainly appearing on theatre, in which her credits includes, Our American Cousin, The Famous Mrs. Fair, Tumble In, What's Your Husband Doing?, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Arsène Lupin, What the Doctor Ordered and Desert Sands, among others. Her final theatre credit was from the Broadway play, titled, Craig's Wife, in which she played the role of "Mrs. Frazier", in 1947.
Hammond then began her film career in 1916, when she appeared in the silent film Vultures of Society, in which she played the role of "Mrs. Upperwon". In her film career, Hammond starred and co-starred in films, such as, Anybody's Woman, The Great Impersonation, The Virginia Judge, The Kiss, Charlie Chan's Courage and Chandu the Magician. Her final credit was from 1936 film Romeo and Juliet, in which she played the role of "Lady Montague.
Personal life She was actress Edna May Oliver's best friend."Edna May Oliver's Funeral Services Set for Tomorrow," The Los Angeles Times, Nov. 11, 1942
Hammond died in April 1972 in Washington, D.C., at the age of 78. She was buried in Fort Lincoln Cemetery.
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2018-03-06