What's After the Movie
Claire Du Brey
Claire Du Brey, born Clara Violet Dubreyvich on August 31, 1892 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, was an American actress whose career spanned the silent and early sound eras of Hollywood, making her a noteworthy figure in early twentieth‑century cinema. She grew up in a Catholic household, attended a convent school, and even trained as a nurse before embarking on her film career, a fact that later colored rumors about her relationship with fellow actress Marie Dressler. In 1897 she traveled west from Idaho in a covered wagon with her mother and grandfather, an adventurous journey that foreshadowed her later willingness to take on a wide variety of roles. Du Brey began working for Universal Studios in 1916 and quickly became a prolific performer, appearing in more than two hundred films between 1916 and 1959, with notable silent‑era titles such as Anything Once (1917), Social Briors (1918), The Devil's Trail (1919), and Dangerous Hours (1919). She was also recognized for her athletic abilities, excelling in swimming, riding, golf, tennis and motoring, and she cultivated an interest in horticulture that she pursued throughout her life. As the industry transitioned to sound, Du Brey's on‑screen opportunities dwindled, leading her to work as an agent in the 1930s, representing talents like Mary Carlisle, Richard Cromwell, and Kitty Kelly, while collaborating with former star Anna Q. Nilsson. Contemporary biographies suggest she shared a long‑term romantic relationship with Marie Dressler, although some sources describe her simply as Dressler’s caregiver during the latter’s final illness. Du Brey married Los Angeles medical doctor Norman Gates on November 25, 1911; the marriage ended in divorce in the 1920s. She lived to the remarkable age of 100, passing away in Los Angeles on August 1, 1993, leaving behind a legacy of versatility and endurance in a rapidly evolving film industry.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Claire Du Brey, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Claire Du Brey rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Clara Violet Dubreyvich
Born: Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA
Citizenship: American
Birthday: August 31, 1892
Occupations: Actress
Years Active: 1916-1959
Spouses: Norman Gates
External Links and Streaming Options
Explore more about on trusted external platforms like Metacritic, Rotten Tomatoes, TMDb or IMDb. Find additional details, reviews, and related content to deepen your understanding.
Movies Featuring Claire Du Brey
Cinderella
Civilization
The Risky Road
Dangerous Hours
The Sea Hawk
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff
Prosperity
The Sin of Nora Moran
Ace in the Hole
Andy Hardy Meets Debutante
High School
The Devil Dancer
Blind Date
Made on Broadway
Renegades
The Doctor Takes a Wife
Forty Little Mothers
Who Killed Doc Robbin?
Brigham Young
Dangerously Yours
Dragon Seed
Men with Wings
Vagabond Lady
See Your Doctor
Topper
Three Smart Girls Grow Up
Four Wives
Swanee River
Lights of Old Santa Fe
Escort West
Virginia City
The Devil-Doll
Rise and Shine
Within the Law
Ivy
The Affairs of Annabel
Life Begins at Forty
Samson and Delilah
The Catman of Paris
Gabriel Over the White House
Little Miss Broadway
Arsène Lupin
Hotel for Women
Jesse James
Tell No Tales
That Certain Age
Heaven Can Wait
Juarez
Viva Villa!
Politics
All This, and Heaven Too
Man Of The People
The Wrong Road
Never Say Die
Divorce In The Family
A Close Call for Ellery Queen
The Blue Bird
Cloak and Dagger
The Secret of the Whistler
Charlie Chan’s Murder Cruise
This Side of Heaven
The Story of Alexander Graham Bell
Marie Antoinette
Raiders of the Seven Seas
Coast Guard
The Magnificent Dope
Jane Eyre
A Song to Remember
Small Town Girl
Ramona
Hot Rod Gang
Star in the Night
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Claire Du Brey, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1949
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff
Mrs. Grimsby
Samson and Delilah
Temple Spectator (uncredited)
1946
The Catman of Paris
Servant (uncredited)
Cloak and Dagger
The Secret of the Whistler
Laura - Harrison's Servant
1940
Andy Hardy Meets Debutante
Mrs. Hackett (uncredited)
High School
Miss Huggins
The Doctor Takes a Wife
Party Guest (uncredited)
Forty Little Mothers
Gym Teacher
Brigham Young
Emma Smith
Virginia City
Southern Woman with Rifle (uncredited)
All This, and Heaven Too
Nun (uncredited)
The Blue Bird
Nurse (uncredited)
Charlie Chan’s Murder Cruise
Sarah Walters
1939
See Your Doctor
Nurse
Three Smart Girls Grow Up
Secretary
Four Wives
Nurse Telling Crowley It's a Girl (uncredited)
Swanee River
Woman in Cafe
Within the Law
Prison Librarian
Hotel for Women
Jesse James
Mrs. Bob Ford
Tell No Tales
Miss Arnold (uncredited)
Juarez
Woman (uncredited)
Never Say Die
Hotel Guest
The Story of Alexander Graham Bell
Landlady
Coast Guard
First Nurse (uncredited)
1938
Men with Wings
Edith
The Affairs of Annabel
Convict (uncredited)
Little Miss Broadway
Miss Blodgett
That Certain Age
Horsewoman
Marie Antoinette
Woman Yelling at Rabblerouser (uncredited)
1937
Dangerously Yours
Ship Passenger
Topper
Sales Clerk (uncredited)
Man Of The People
Mrs. Sagon (uncredited)
The Wrong Road
Matron (uncredited)
1934
Blind Date
Head Saleswoman
Viva Villa!
Banquet Guest with Tiara Next to Sierra
This Side of Heaven
Miss Blair - Martin's Secretary (uncredited)
Jane Eyre
Bertha Rochester
1933
The Sin of Nora Moran
Mrs. Edith Crawford
Made on Broadway
Miss Squires - Jeff's Secretary
Gabriel Over the White House
Nurse
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.