Millicent Lilian Entwistle, famously known as Peg Entwistle, entered the world on 5 February 1908 in Port Talbot.
Raised in West Kensington, London during her early years, she possessed a captivating presence with platinum blonde hair and distinctive features that hinted at a future in stardom.
In 1923, the iconic ‘Hollywoodland’ sign was erected, initially serving as an advertisement for a nearby housing development.
The tragic death of a Welsh actress in 1932 added a layer of symbolism to the white letters perched along the hills of Los Angeles, transforming the sign into a potent emblem.
Despite her promising start, Entwistle faced challenges in her acting career.
She appeared in various productions from 1926 onwards, such as Tommy, Sherlock Holmes, and Little Women.
While she achieved some success, work opportunities were sporadic, culminating in the premature closure of her last Broadway role in A Night Of Barrie after just a month in early 1932.
Transitioning to Broadway, Entwistle initially undertook minor roles before landing her first credited part in The Man From Toronto.
However, her life was marred by misfortune, including the loss of both parents at a young age due to tragic circumstances, shaping her determination to pursue an acting career.
Renowned for her talent, Entwistle’s performances left a lasting impact, with Bette Davies citing one of her Broadway shows as a pivotal influence on her own acting aspirations.
By May 1932, Entwistle had relocated to Los Angeles, securing a role in Thirteen Women alongside Billie Burke, one of the earliest female ensemble films.
Unfortunately, Thirteen Women faced commercial and critical setbacks, leading to extensive edits that minimized Entwistle’s screen time.
Disheartened by the outcome, RKO studios chose not to renew her contract, leaving her with dwindling job prospects in the industry.
Amid professional setbacks, Entwistle also endured personal struggles, including the dissolution of her marriage to actor Robert Keith in 1929.
Battling depression, she confided her inner turmoil to her uncle, reflecting the intense emotional distress she experienced.
On 18 September 1932, a hiker discovered a woman’s body at the base of Mount Lee beneath the towering ‘Hollywoodland’ sign.
The hiker reported finding a suicide note in a purse near the body, sparking an investigation into the tragic incident that unfolded against the backdrop of Hollywood’s allure.
The note, signed “P.E,” revealed the inner turmoil plaguing Entwistle, expressing regret and a sense of cowardice.
Initially unidentified, the body was later connected to Peg Entwistle through her uncle’s recognition of the initials in the note, unveiling the grim reality behind the mysterious death.
Tragically, Entwistle’s final act involved leaping from the ‘Hollywoodland’ sign, symbolizing the dashed dreams and unfulfilled promise that haunted many aspiring artists in the unforgiving realm of Hollywood.
Her poignant story resonated with the public, immortalizing her as a poignant figure whose fate epitomized the harsh realities of the entertainment industry.
Despite the dark shadows cast over her final days, Peg Entwistle’s legacy endures as a testament to both the fleeting nature of fame and the profound depths of human despair.
Through her untimely demise, she transcended into a symbol of thwarted ambition, forever intertwined with the legendary aura of the Hollywood sign and the enigmatic girl who sought solace in its towering presence.
