Ann Little, a true daughter of the West, was born in a small town near the foot of northern California's majestic Mt. Shasta. Raised on a ranch in the shadow of the great mountain, she developed a strong connection to the outdoors and a lifelong appreciation for the culture of the Native American people.
After completing her high school education, Ann joined a traveling stock company, which led her to perform in a play in San Francisco. Her talents soon caught the attention of the film industry, and she began making one-reel westerns with the renowned Broncho Billy Anderson. As her career progressed, she relocated to Southern California, where she worked with various film companies, making a diverse range of films.
Ann's proficiency in outdoor activities such as riding, shooting, and swimming made her an asset in western films, particularly those featuring Indian maidens. Her dedication to studying Indian culture earned her the respect and friendship of the Indian extras she worked with, including in the film The Squaw Man (1918).
As her experience grew, Ann began making serials during her tenure at Universal, producing the first of six serials in 1915. However, by 1917, she had grown tired of westerns and relocated to New York City to explore her skills in straight drama. Although she initially found success in this new field, she eventually returned to the serial genre, achieving even greater success in her later years.
Ann's remarkable career was marked by a sudden and unexpected departure from the industry in 1925. Rumors circulated that she had found religion through Christian Science and dedicated herself to religious work, but she never provided a clear explanation for her decision. Despite living in the Los Angeles area, Ann refused to discuss her years in Hollywood and remained tight-lipped about her reasons for leaving.
Ann Little passed away in 1984, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented and dedicated actresses of her time.
