Ruth Clifford

Biography

Ruth Clifford (February 17, 1900 – November 30, 1998) was a prominent American actress whose career spanned from the silent film era into the beginnings of television. She embarked on her acting journey at the young age of 15 with Universal Pictures, initially taking on extra roles before earning her first credit in the film *Behind the Lines* (1916).

By her twenties, Clifford had transitioned into leading and supporting roles, most notably portraying Ann Rutledge, the beloved of Abraham Lincoln, in *The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln* (1924). As the industry evolved into talkies, she found her opportunities becoming more limited, leading to smaller parts throughout the subsequent decades.

Notably, she developed a close working relationship with director John Ford, appearing in eight of his films, despite often being cast in minor roles. Additionally, she lent her voice to iconic characters such as Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck during her career.

Clifford's contributions to the film industry were recognized posthumously, with her obituary in the *Los Angeles Times* highlighting her importance as a valuable resource for historians studying the silent film era. Her extensive career illustrates the resilience and adaptability of an actress who navigated the changing landscape of Hollywood over nearly a century.