Charlotte E. Burton was born on May 30, 1881, in San Francisco, California.[1] However there is some debate on her date of birth; some sources state she was born ten years later, on May 30, 1891;[4] and other sources state she died at age 48 (which would be a date of birth around 1894).^[3]
Burton attended The Cooper–Gerson School of Acting in San Francisco, where she studied under Leo Cooper.[5] In December 1902, Burton participated in a theatrical program in South Park, San Francisco, presented by The Cooper–Gerson School of Acting.[6][5]
Career
Burton was signed by the American Film Manufacturing Company in 1912 where she worked for several years.[4] She joined Essanay Studios which she sued in 1919 for $25,000 for breach of contract. She originally signed with the company believing she would be acting in mostly drama film but she was cast in mostly comedy films. Her salary had been $200 a week with an option for her services at the rate of $300 a week for a second year.[citation needed]
Charlotte claimed that she was signed by Essanay business manager, Vernon R. Day, to a contract extending from November 1916 until November 1918. She was discharged without reason. When Burton came to the Chicago, studio she refused a role offered her in a Black Cat comedy, presented to her by Essanay president George K. Spoor. She declined because she was not a comedian. Instead, she accepted a role as leading lady in a film featuring Henry B. Wallace. She admitted that she was paid for ten weeks, at $200 per week, prior to being dumped by Essanay. Essanay executives claimed Burton automatically voided her contract when she refused the comedic part.[citation needed]
Burton's first marriage was to Weston Birch Wooldridge in 1904. They had a daughter together, Charlotte Burton Wooldridge (married name Coombs).[9][8] After her divorce she moved to Santa Barbara and dated Victor Fleming.[10]