Vera Sisson 1891 – 1954

Biography

Actress.  Born in Salt Lake City,  she made her movie debut as an extra in 1913 and shot to fame as the leading lady of cowboy superstar  J. Warren Kerrigan in seven very successful westerns,  beginning with “A Bogus Bandit” (1915).  Sisson went on to enjoy top billing in such melodramas as “The Iron Will” (1916),  “The Guilt of Stephen Eldridge” (1916),  and “Fit for Burning” (1916),  but her popularity was brief and she soon slipped into supporting roles.  Perhaps her most noteworthy film today is “The Married Virgin” (1918),  in which she appeared with a pre-stardom  Rudolph Valentino.  Sisson’s 79 credits also include “The Storm” (1915),  “The Hidden Spring” (1917),  and “The Heart of Youth” (1919).   She retired from performing in 1921 to marry actor-director  Richard Rosson,  but returned for a small part in “Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em” (1926).  Rosson committed suicide in 1953,  and the following year Sisson took her own life with an overdose of sleeping pills. (bio by: Bobb Edwards)  Family links:  Spouse:  Richard Rosson (1893 – 1953)Cause of death: Drug overdose