Silent Star Olive Thomas gets her due in Pittsburgh with new historical marker
PITTSBURGH NATIVE SILENT FILM STAR OLIVE THOMAS GETS HER
DUE WITH A NEW HISTORIC MARKER
For Release on International Silent Movie Day, September 29:
A group of Pittsburgh cinephiles and historians with a passion for silent movies is proud to announce the approval of a historic marker placement celebrating Pittsburgh-born silent film star Olive Thomas.
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) voted in mid-September to add 45 new Historical Markers to be placed in 21 counties across the Commonwealth. From the PHMC: “these markers, which commemorate significant people, places, events, and innovations, join the more than 2,500 existing markers that tell the story of Pennsylvania's rich and diverse history.” In addition to Thomas, other recognitions in Allegheny County will include new markers for Roberto Clemente, the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, and WWII Medal of Honor recipient Charles E. “Commando” Kelly.
The area group submitting the proposal included Vincent and Erika Ciaramella, the co-authors of the book “A Shooting Star Across The Silver Screen. Olive Thomas: A Biography;” Sandy Saban, President of the McKees Rocks Historical Society; and Chad Hunter, Director of the Pittsburgh SIlent Film Society & Festival.
Born in Charleroi, PA and raised in McKees Rocks, Olive Thomas would go on to become one of the top stars of the silent film era. Olive also pioneered the flapper look, which became synonymous with the Roaring 20’s, in her film “The Flapper (1920).” Tragically, she died right before her 26th birthday by accidentally ingesting poison in a hotel room in Paris. This became Hollywood’s first big scandal.
Chad Hunter from the Pittsburgh Silent Film Society notes that she influenced other silent stars of the time, including Clara Bow, Louise Brooks, and Joan Crawford, and that if not for her tragic death at such a young age, her stardom in Hollywood was set to be meteoric. She was married to Jack Pickford, himself a silent film star and brother to the biggest female star in the world at the time, Mary Pickford.
“A substantial part of her life unfolded in McKees Rocks [...] and we would welcome the installation of a historical marker on Chartiers Avenue near the Roxian Theater. This site would provide an opportunity for individuals awaiting entry to the theater to discover the remarkable story of this talented yet tragic young woman,” said Sandy Saban of the McKees Rocks Historical Society.
Pennsylvania Tourism Deputy Secretary Anne Ryan explained that “these markers not only preserve history, but they also strengthen our communities, inspire curiosity in residents and visitors alike, and encourage travelers to explore new destinations across the state.”
The local group, calling themselves the “Olive Thomas Historical Marker Committee,” are planning events for 2026, including a special screening of Olive Thomas films with live musical accompaniment, a lecture, and an event unveiling the historical marker. More information will be made available on the Pittsburgh Silent Film Society’s website at www.pittsburghsilentfilmsociety.org as details are developed.
Biographer Vincent Ciaramella remarked “"I've gotten to know Olive over the years and I think she'd love to see herself in the limelight one more time."
To find out more about Pennsylvania’s Historical Marker program,visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc/historic-preservation/pa-historical-marker-program
More about Olive Thomas:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive_Thomas
A Shooting Star Across the Silver Screen Olive Thomas: A Biograph:
https://www.amazon.com/Shooting-Across-Silver-Screen-Thomas/dp/B0DKPSWS62
McKees Rocks Historical Society:
