Gladys Elizabeth Borum, born on November 2, 1894, in the state of Texas, was destined to make a name for herself in the world of cinema. Her life took a dramatic turn at the tender age of fifteen, when her parents' divorce left her reeling. Seeking a fresh start, Gladys packed her bags and made the cross-country move to California, where she would soon meet her first husband, James Charles Tenison.
The year 1916 marked Gladys' entry into the film industry, with her debut in the short film Cold Hearts and Hot Flames. Over the next two years, she would go on to star in an impressive thirty-plus films, including the notable titles Broadway Love, Caught In The Draft, and Marathon Maniacs. However, her marriage to James Charles Tenison was not without its challenges, and the couple eventually divorced.
Gladys' second marriage, to director Chester Bennett, took place on November 15, 1917. The union was short-lived, but it did produce a son, Chester Jr., born the following year. Gladys took a hiatus from acting, only to return to the screen in 1923, this time as one of Mack Sennett's famous bathing beauties. Her roles in the Sennett comedies Yukon Jake and The Hollywood Kid showcased her versatility as an actress.
In 1924, Gladys appeared in the dramas Broadway After Dark and The Last Man On Earth, solidifying her position as a talented and versatile actress. However, her marriage to Chester Bennett was marked by turmoil, and she filed for divorce in May of that year, citing infidelity and a refusal to buy her clothes. The couple eventually reconciled, but not before Gladys had met her third and final husband, actor Earle Foxe.
On September 6, 1925, Gladys married Earle Foxe, and the couple remained together until his passing in December 1973. Gladys retired from her acting career and dedicated herself to her role as a full-time housewife. Her life came full circle when Earle legally adopted her son, who would go on to change his name to Chester Earle Foxe.
Gladys Elizabeth Borum Foxe's life was marked by both triumph and tragedy, but it was her love for her family and her dedication to her craft that ultimately defined her. She passed away on April 27, 1983, in Yuba City, California, and was laid to rest in the Chico Cemetery in Chico, California, surrounded by the memories of a life well-lived.
