Key Facts
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | January 2, 1902 |
| Birth Place | Jersey City, New Jersey |
| Career Start | Ziegfeld Follies Dancer |
| Professional Domain | Vaudeville and Dance Performances |
| Family Highlights | Married to Jack Haley; Mother to Jack Haley Jr.; Related to Liza Minnelli |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
The early 20th century saw Florence McFadden shine as a dancer and vaudeville performer. She inspired subsequent performance artists with her personal enthusiasm and professional talent.
Early Life
Florence McFadden was nurtured in Jersey City by loving parents and involved in the arts. Her parents’ morals and stability prepared her for a career in performance in a quickly changing culture. Brief description of her early life:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Catherine Florence “Flo” McFadden Haley |
| Date of Birth | January 2, 1902 |
| Place of Birth | Jersey City, New Jersey |
| Parents | James Frederick McFadden and Katherine Cecelia McDonough |
| Parental Ages at Birth | Father was 30; Mother was 27 |
| Upbringing | Grew up in a supportive family environment that fostered her interest in the arts |
Career
Florence first gained notoriety for her dance skills at the Ziegfeld Follies. Her subsequent vaudeville act with her husband displayed early American entertainment’s lively and diversified genres. Her career is summarized below.
| Career Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage Debut | Dancer in the Ziegfeld Follies |
| Vaudeville Act | Performed alongside her husband as part of the act Haley & McFadden |
| Artistic Influence | Known for her expressive performance style and refined stage presence |
| Era | Early 20th century, a transformative period for American theatrical entertainment |
| Professional Impact | Contributed to the evolution of dance and vaudeville performance in the entertainment industry |
Net Worth
Florence McFadden’s legacy is more about her art than her riches, which is unknown. Historical vaudeville and dance performers sometimes have few financial records. An overview:
| Financial Aspect | Observations |
|---|---|
| Public Record | No publicly documented net worth |
| Industry Norm | Limited financial records are typical for vaudeville and early dance performers |
| Family Contributions | Her husband and children found success in their respective careers, yet her personal finances remain unquantified |
| Historical Context | Financial documentation for performers of her era was less rigorous compared to modern standards |
Family and Legacy
Florence McFadden’s legacy is not solely defined by her individual career but also by the family she helped build. Her marriage to Jack Haley, the celebrated Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, and her connection to influential figures like Jack Haley Jr. and Liza Minnelli, have kept her memory alive in entertainment history. The following table summarizes her family ties and lasting impact:
| Family Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Married to Jack Haley, renowned actor known for his role as the Tin Man |
| Marriage Date | Married November 18, 1930 |
| Children | Mother to Jack Haley Jr. and one daughter (name less widely documented) |
| Notable Relatives | Jack Haley Jr. became a respected director and producer; his marriage to Liza Minnelli further solidified the family legacy |
| Legacy in Entertainment | Remains a significant part of early American entertainment history due to her performance artistry and enduring family contributions |
Later Life and Impact
Florence’s lengthy and successful career in the arts leaves a legacy. In an era of rapidly changing performing styles and opportunities, her vaudeville and dance work set a precedent for female performers. The table below summarizes her latter life and impact:
| Life Stage | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Final Years | Spent her later years immersed in family and the arts |
| Passing | Died on December 30, 1996, in Los Angeles, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy |
| Burial | Interred at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, alongside her husband and family members |
| Cultural Impact | Pioneered a path for future generations in dance and vaudeville, influencing both the art and industry |
| Lasting Influence | Continues to be celebrated as a dynamic figure in the history of American performance arts |
FAQ
What was Florence McFadden known for?
Florence McFadden was a pioneering dancer and vaudeville performer who shaped early American entertainment.
Where was Florence McFadden born?
Jersey City, New Jersey, was her birthplace on January 2, 1902.
What career milestone did she reach?
Florence started in the Ziegfeld Follies and eventually worked in vaudeville, becoming a great stage actress.
Does Florence McFadden have a net worth?
Like most performers of her age, Florence McFadden has no public net worth.
How does Florence McFadden relate to modern entertainers?
Jack Haley Jr. and Liza Minnelli, her sons and daughters-in-law, are significant individuals.
