New book delves into life of famous silent film star who once lived on Staten Island

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Veteran author Sean Crose has written a brand new book that explores the life of silent film actress Mabel Normand, a Staten Island native who spent her formative years in the North Shore community of New Brighton.

Crose calls her latest book “Catholic Girl: The Life and Times of Mabel Normand.”

In describing his subject, Crose called Normand a true Hollywood pioneer, who was truly unlike anyone else.

“Mabel Normand, a self-taught artist who redefined screen comedy, rose from modest means to become one of the most popular and wealthy entertainers on the planet,” the author said.

One of Charlie Chaplin’s favorite actresses, the author describes her as a woman who did her own stunts, directed and mentored Charlie Chaplin (who was older than her), associated with royalty and ran her own studio before the age of 30. “And all this at a time when women did not have the right to vote,” he added.

Speaking about his latest work, the author explains that the book doesn’t focus solely on the groundbreaking Staten Island actress, director and producer. Rather, it “views her story through the prism of her time and place, which makes her legacy all the more remarkable.”

Interestingly, the author has said that his original intention was to write about Charlie Chaplin.

However, over time and with extensive research, he became more interested in Normand than in Chaplin.

But when he contacted Normand’s estate for information, his nephew Stephen (who manages the estate) suggested to him that he write a biography of his aunt with an emphasis on her Catholicism, which is not mentioned too frequently.

“When you consider that Normand was not only a powerful woman, but also came from a modest background, the context surrounding the scandals and unfair accusations that afflicted her becomes all the clearer,” said Crose, who found her life deeply interesting.

A LITTLE ABOUT NORMAND AND ITS CONNECTIONS WITH STATEN ISLAND

Normand was born Mabel Ethelreid Normand and is best known for a dozen roles alongside Charlie Chaplin.

She came from a working-class family; her mother was of Irish descent and her father, Claude Normand, who was French-Canadian, was a cabinetmaker and stage carpenter at the Snug Harbor Sailors’ Retirement Home, now the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden in Livingston.

According to historyshomes.com, information that was incorporated into an Advance report several years ago, Normand was born on Nov. 9, 1892, at 91 Tysens St., a three-story house on the corner of Fillmore Street that was built by his father and not far from the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.

The family later lived on Sands Street and Normand attended the old PS 17 school on Prospect Avenue.

Before entering the film industry at the age of 16 in 1909, the movie star earned her living as an artist’s model, which led to her posing for illustrated postcards by Charles Dana Gibson, creator of the Gibson Girl image. She also worked as a model for Butterick clothing manufacturers in Lower Manhattan.

For a short time, she worked for Vitagraph Studios in Manhattan for $25 a week.

However, her starring role in the 1911 short film “Her Awakening,” directed by D. W. Griffith, attracted attention, and she met director Mack Sennett while working for Griffith’s Biograph Company, with whom she formed a relationship. Sennett later took her to California when he founded Keystone Studios in 1912. She married actor Lew Cody in 1926.

In the 1920s, Normand’s name was associated with widely publicized scandals, including the 1922 murder of William Desmond Taylor and the 1924 assassination of Courtland S. Dines, who had been assaulted at gunpoint by Normand’s chauffeur. She was not a suspect in either crime.

The film pioneer’s career would eventually decline, particularly due to scandals and a recurrence of tuberculosis in 1923.

Normand died on February 23, 1930 in Monrovia, California at the age of 37.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

In addition to being the author of “Catholic Girl: The Life and Times of Mabel Normand,” Crose is a member of the English department at Post University and is the senior editor of “Boxing Insider.” His work has appeared in numerous publications and has been featured in outlets such as the BBC and “The Nonprofit Quarterly.”

Speaking of Normand, Crose noted that she led a fascinating life, even by Hollywood standards.

The author believes that Normand never received the credit and fair treatment she should have received.

“She was a true pioneer, someone who should be better recognized for her many accomplishments and immense impact,” he said.

“Catholic Girl: The Life and Times of Mabel Normand” was published by Bear Manor Media and is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com

“UP LATE WITH JOHNNY POTENZA”

Johnny Potenza, the well-known host of Staten Island Television’s Community Media – formerly CTV – will tape the next episode of his show, “Up Late with Johnny Potenza,” on Thursday, August 1.

The show will feature artist, actor and director Federico Castelluccio /k/a Furio Giunta, co-star of the hit HBO series “The Sopranos.”

Heart & Soul Dog Rescue Jacky and Meghan, actor, musician, screenwriter Victor Colicchio and country rock band “American Nomads”.

As host, producer and writer of his show since 2008, Potenza developed the former “Late Night with Johnny P” and now the current “Up Late with Johnny Potenza” and continues to record new shows.

To be part of the free studio audience, email: [email protected], you must be on the list to access the show. 7:30pm seating 8:00pm show at CMSI 100 Cable Way, Suite 2 Staten Island, NY 10303.

CELEBRATIONS – JULY 21-27

JULY 21

Sunday is the birthday of Albert Papraniku, Debbie DiClerico, Marie Garcia, Joseph Falcone who is celebrating his 31st birthday, Kim Goins and Joseph Charlemagne.

22ND OF JULY

Topping the birthday list Monday were orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Sherman, Jim Waggoner, Tyler Jordan Roschfska, who is turning 23, Anne Marie Briguglio, Lillian Bilotti, John Buonocore, Louis Esposito, Natasha Papousek Welsh, Saverio Costa, Courtney Hughes Noone, Ashley Holt, Anne Padula of Dongan Hills, John Crowley Sr., Frank Giovinazzo, David Grynsztajn, Maureen Sohmer and Vincent Cinquemani.

Happy wedding anniversary Monday to Kimberly and Vincent Buono, who are celebrating their 35th anniversary.

JULY 23

Tuesday is the birthday of twins Brian Edward and Lauren Elizabeth Collard and Michael Brinskelle.

JULY 24

Happiest of birthdays on Wednesday to Toni Anne Ciraulo Steiner, Kristyn Andreu, Melissa Kraker, Daniel Delcroix, Charles Curreri, Ed Johnson, Nicholas Procida and Josephine Serieaux.

Happy wedding anniversary Wednesday to Cathy and Al Driscoll.

JULY 25

My birthday wishes on Thursday go to Joe Lamberti Jr., Scott Barcia, Frank Chiacchio, Athena Byrne McGowan, Lucille Cione, Paul Miller and Lauren Claire Brady.

Happy wedding anniversary Thursday to Ruby and Joseph Quaranta.

JULY 26

Happy Birthday Friday to Katherine (Kathy) Connors, a Class of 2019 Advanced Woman of Achievement, Debbie Buttermark, Tony Venturella, Joseph Fennell, Steve Schwab, Anthony Jannazzo, Courtlin Gregoriades, Megan Marie Waldhelm, Joy Overton, Gregg Pannetta, Amanda Theresa Villanueva and Carmelo Mazza.

Happy wedding anniversary Friday to Geri and Anthony DeMaio.

JULY 27

Happy birthday to John Sollazzo, aka Mr. Democrat, Jerry Amerosi of Gerald Peters Jewelers fame, Christina Marie Somma, Leroy Green, Mae Stabile, Christa Golden, and twins Megan and Bryan Mullvaney.