One of the pioneering actresses of silent film, Dorothy Gish starred in over 20 films directed by legendary filmmaker D. W. Griffith. Like her older sister and co-star, Lillian, Gish played roles that embodied Griffith's vision of ideal womanhood—charming, chaste, and strong-willed. In particular, Gish earned acclaim for her comic portrayal of "The Little Disturber" in Griffith's Hearts of the World (1918) and as the blind Louise in Orphans of the Storm (1921). Even though Gish left film for a successful stage career in the 1930s, in the eyes of the public she remained forever Griffith's gamine.

Further Reading:

Borden, DeWitt. More from Hollywood: The Careers of 15 Great American Stars. South Brunswick, A.S. Barnes, 1977.

Gish, Lillian. Dorothy and Lillian Gish. New York, Scribner's, 1973.