Frances Dade was a renowned American actress from Philadelphia, whose illustrious career spanned from the late 1920s to the early 1930s. Her most iconic role was that of the fledgling vampire Lucy Weston in the 1931 film adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel, "Dracula", where she played the character of Lucy Westenra, making her the first actress to portray this iconic role on the big screen.
Born in 1907 in Philadelphia, Dade was the daughter of Francis Cadwallader Dade, Jr. and Frances Rawle Pemberton. Through her mother, she was a grandniece of Confederate general John Clifford Pemberton, who played a significant role in the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863. Additionally, through her mother, Dade was a first cousin of the famous ice hockey player Hobey Baker.
Dade began her career as a theatrical actress, starring as Lorelei Lee in the touring company of the musical "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" in 1925. She was subsequently offered a contract by film executive Samuel Goldwyn, although she primarily worked as a freelancer.
Dade made her film debut in the romantic drama "The Constant Nymph" in 1928, followed by a more substantial role as Monica Grey in the romantic comedy "He Knew Women" in 1930. Her portrayal of Monica Grey showcased her ability to convey complex emotions, as Monica's unrequited love for a young poet eventually turns into a desire to hurt him for rejecting her feelings.
In addition to her roles in "He Knew Women" and "The Constant Nymph", Dade appeared in several other films during the early 1930s, including the mystery film "Raffles" in 1930, where she played a supporting role, and the crime film "Grumpy" in 1930, which marked the directorial debut of George Cukor.
In 1931, Dade's career reached new heights with her iconic role as a female vampire in the film adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel, "Dracula". This role catapulted her to fame, and she was selected as one of the thirteen WAMPAS Baby Stars of the year, a list of up-and-coming starlets. Within the year, she appeared in several other films, including the crime mystery "Daughter of the Dragon", where Anna May Wong played the role of a daughter of Dr. Fu Manchu.
Dade's final film appearance was in the 1932 film "Big Town", after which she retired from acting and reportedly pursued a new career as a nurse. In 1968, Dade passed away in relative obscurity, leaving behind a legacy as one of the first female vampires on screen. Despite her relatively brief career, Dade's iconic portrayal of Lucy Weston in "Dracula" continues to be remembered by fans of classic horror films.
