The Canadian actress moved to New York in 1920 to launch an artistic career.
In 1923, she signs a contract with MGM and, even though, she isn't given any major role, she does manage to appear in several films and easily transitions from silent to talking films. In the 1930s, she incarnates within successful productions, emancipated modern women and takes part to grandiose period films. She is the wife of MGM's vice-president, Irving Thalberg which provokes much jealousy from her rivals, however she does not privilege any favour despite her position. She retires in the 1940s following her husband's death; she therefore almost accomplished what she had promised a few years earlier: 'never let them see you in public after you've turned thirty-five. You're finished if you do!'