Ethel Grey Terry

Ethel Grey Terry (October 2, 1882 – January 6, 1931) was an American actress who worked in both stage and silent film. Born in Oakland, California, she was the daughter of actress Lillian Lawrence, who raised her as a single mother. Terry grew up in Roxbury, Massachusetts, where she attended Notre Dame Academy for seven years. She showed an early interest in art and initially intended to pursue a career in that field.

Terry's connection to the stage began unusually early. At the age of five, she made her first stage appearance in a supporting role alongside Wallace Eddinger. Her Broadway career spanned from 1909 to 1927 and included work in David Belasco's productions as well as Shubert productions. Her Broadway credits were The Lily (1909), The Only Son (1911), The Smoldering Flame (1913), Search Me (1915), and Honor Be Damned! (1927).

Beyond Broadway, Terry's stage work extended to regional theater. She spoke the first line when the Little Theater opened in Los Angeles with a production of The Pigeon, and she took the female lead in Anatole at that same theater. In Chicago, she portrayed the mother in Civilian Clothes. Terry also operated a stock theater company based in Schenectady, New York, which additionally presented productions in Boston, Minneapolis, and St. Paul.

Her film career ran from 1914 to 1928 and encompassed 52 pictures, in which she appeared both as a leading lady and in supporting capacities. Among her film work, she is particularly noted for her role in The Penalty, opposite Lon Chaney.

In 1910, Terry married Danish actor Carl Gerard, and the two remained together until her death. Following a year's illness, she died on January 6, 1931, at her home in Hollywood at the age of 48. Her ashes were interred at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.