Claire Windsor, a renowned film star of the silent era, was born Clara Viola Cronk in the quaint town of Cawker City, Kansas, to Ella and G.E. Cronk. She received her primary education at the esteemed Broadway High School in Seattle, Washington, and later attended the prestigious Washburn Preparatory Academy in Topeka, Kansas.
Claire's artistic inclinations were nurtured through her studies in voice and piano at Cohn's Conservatory of Music in Seattle. Her early foray into the film industry began as an extra on the Famous Players-Lasky lot, where she eventually caught the attention of director Allan Dwan, who signed her to work at First National Pictures as a stock player.
The turning point in Claire's career came when she was cast in the lead role in Lois Weber's 1921 film, What Do Men Want?, a decision that prompted her to adopt the stage name Claire Windsor, courtesy of writer and industry insider Frances Marion. Throughout her illustrious career, Claire Windsor was fortunate enough to share the stage with the legendary Al Jolson, touring with him in his stage show in 1933.
