Born in Santa Monica, California, Gloria Stuart attended the University of California, Berkeley and first embarked on a career in theater. Opening night at The Playbox in Pasadena, casting directors from Paramount and Universal both claimed her. On the flip of a coin, she signed a film contract with Universal Pictures in 1932. Those early credits in 1932 include appearances in The Cohens and Kellys in Hollywood, Street of Women, Back Street, The All-American, Air Mail, and the lead role of Margaret Waverton in The Old Dark House.
Gloria Stuart celebrated her 100th birthday at the ACE Gallery in Beverly Hills where many of her paintings, serigraphs, artist's books, samples of her découpage and trees from her bonsai collection were exhibited. She died from respiratory failure at her home in September, at age 100.
