Unsettling Facts About Baby Peggy, The Million Dollar Baby
Over the past century, child stars have endeared their way into people’s hearts. Baby Peggy was the first of many, and she forged a path for child actors when there wasn’t one.
But being a groundbreaker also meant she had to navigate the harsh realities of being a child actor without a blueprint. The consequences? Absolutely heartbreaking.
1. Her Name Was Sacrilegious
On October 29, 1918, in San Diego, California, Baby Peggy came into the world as Peggy-Jean Montgomery. Later, some sources reported her name was Margaret, which Peggy denied.
The cause of the confusion was likely due to the Roman Catholic nuns at the hospital suggesting her parents name her Margaret because Peggy was a pagan name.
Well, her parents didn’t listen to them. Thus, with a name fated for fame, little Peggy didn't have to wait long to break into the acting business.
2. Her Discovery Was Kismet
When it came to being discovered, Peggy had an undeniable stroke of luck. Her father was a former cowboy and park ranger who worked as a stuntman and stand-in for Tom Mix, Hollywood’s first Western star. One day, the toddler accompanied her mother and a family friend to Century Studios, where Jack was working. As fate would have it, Peggy made a stunning impression on some very important people.
3. She Got People’s Attention
Unbeknownst to her, Peggy’s life was about to change. While on the film set, she wowed the movie’s director with her good behavior and compliance with her father’s directions. He immediately cast the toddler in a few short films with Brownie the Wonder Dog, the studio’s canine star. In 1921, the studio released Playmates, which led to Peggy accepting a long-term contract with the studio.
Everything seemed to be looking up for the young star...at least, for the time being.
4. Her Career Was On A Roll
Between 1921 and 1924, Peggy worked tirelessly. She acted in nearly 150 short comedy movies! Many lampooned full-length films, social concerns, and celebrities at the time. She also had parts in movie versions of books and fairy tales, comedies, and full-length movies. Eventually, she moved to another film studio, where she had the opportunity to work with a huge star.
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