A Hollywood star tragically died penniless despite rising through the ranks of fame in the movie's golden age. Though she made her Broadway debut aged just 19 and made her way into the world of films, following in the footsteps of her famous actor parents, a horror accident would put an end to Gladys George's career.

Born to two actor parents, Gladys was just three years old when she co-starred alongside them in a vaudeville act named The Three Clares. In 1919 she landed a starring role in Red Hot Dollars alongside Thomas Ince. She would continue to act well into the 1950s, appearing in films including The Maltese Falcon, Madame X and The Roaring Twenties.

Tragically, her early film career was put at risk in 1921, when she was caught in a horror blaze and severely burned. She took a step back from Hollywood after the accident and returned to smaller stage plays, tying the knot with actor Ben Enway a year later.

Their romance wouldn't last, and in 1934 Gladys married manufacturer Edward Fowler, who helped fund her own career, and she managed to sign a deal with MGM. Their romance lasted a year, and she then re-married, this time to actor Leonard Penn.

Her final marriage was to Kenneth Bradley from 1946 until 1950, when they too divorced.

Towards the end of her life, Gladys was battling alcoholism and smoking heavily. She was diagnosed with heart disease, and eventually died of a cerebral haemorrhage in 1954, in Los Angeles.

Reports also circulated that Gladys was a penniless recluse at the time of her death,

Fans branded her an "incredible" actress, with one IMDb reviewer writing: "Gladys George wound up in supporting roles shortly after [Madame X]. George is magnificent as Jacqueline. A beautiful woman and a great actress, she certainly showed in this film what she was capable of."

Another added: "Gladys George is a sadly neglected actress who worked steadily for her short life. Her gravelly voice was unique. And what skills as an actress!"