Peggy O'Day

Biography

A stunt girl in Al Christie comedies in 1920, University of Missouri graduate Peggy O'Day (born Peggy Reis) later became a leading lady for a host of lesser-known cowboy stars, including Franklin Farnum, Bill Patton, and Jack Perrin, some of whose Westerns she also co-wrote. True stardom came in the title role of the 1923 action serial The Fighting Skipper (again with Perrin), in which she attempts to locate a fortune of pearls buried by her father on a deserted island. An injury, sadly, put an end to O'Day's acting career and she became an assistant editor for director Cecil B. DeMille. She later served as head of MGM's international department until her retirement in 1960. (Peggy O'Day should not be confused with Peggy O'Dare (born Ella Aarup), a contemporary action heroine.) ~ Hans J. Wollstein, Rovi