Constance Adams DeMille

Constance Adams DeMille (April 27, 1874 – July 17, 1960) was an American stage and early film actress, best known as the wife of pioneering Hollywood director Cecil B. DeMille. Her career bridged the transition from stage to silent cinema, and she played an influential role in supporting her husband’s creative endeavors during the early decades of American film.

Early Life

Constance was born in East Orange, New Jersey, to Judge Fredrick Adams and Ella Adams. Raised in an educated and culturally refined family, she developed an early appreciation for the arts and later pursued acting as her calling.

Career

Before marrying Cecil B. DeMille, Constance acted in theater productions, appearing in several New York performances. Although her stage career was brief, she was well regarded for her poise and natural ability on stage. When her husband began directing films, she appeared in a few silent films, often under his direction, including early Lasky productions.

As cinema evolved, Constance stepped back from acting to manage family life and contribute behind the scenes. She became a respected presence in Hollywood, known for hosting gatherings that brought together actors, writers, and filmmakers.

Personal Life

Constance married Cecil B. DeMille on August 16, 1902. Their partnership was noted for its stability and mutual respect, an exception in early Hollywood circles. Together they had four children—one adopted—and their home became a center of intellectual and artistic life in Los Angeles.

Later Years and Legacy

After Cecil’s death in 1959, Constance lived quietly until her passing on July 17, 1960, in Los Angeles, California. Her life reflected both the early spirit of American theater and the birth of Hollywood’s golden age. Though she eventually left the screen, her influence persisted through her family and through the remarkable legacy of the DeMille name.

“There was always a harmony between them, both as partners in life and as spectators of art and faith.” – A family recollection

Author’s summary:
Constance Adams DeMille was a talented actress and supportive figure in early Hollywood whose life intertwined with the rise of American cinema and the creative vision of Cecil B. DeMille.

Grokipedia — 2025-11-25