Jobyna Ralston

Jobyna Ralston was born Jobyna Lancaster Raulston in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee on November 21st, 1899. She was named after actress Jobyna Howland, a favorite of her parents. Jobyna left Tennessee at age fifteen to appear with Ned Wayburn's troop of dancers and performers. While still in the East she appeared in a few Reelcraft comedies in 1920 and also in the lost Marx Brothers film Humor Risk. Broadway saw Jobyna on the boards in "Two Little Girls In Blue" in 1921.

Jobyna remained in comedy after heading West, working mostly for Hal Roach, but was taken seriously enough as an actress to become a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1923, the second year the designation was awarded.

Jobyna's break came when Harold Lloyd saw her work and signed her as his leading lady to replace Mildred Davis, his former leading lady, whom he was planning on marrying. Her films with him include Why Worry? in 1923, Girl Shy (delightful) and Hot Water, both 1924, The Freshman in 1925, For Heaven's Sake in 1926, and The Kid Brother, 1927. I should mention that all these films are available and worth watching for some of the best in silent comedy.

In 1927 Jobyna was also given the second female lead in Wings, the first film to win a Best Picture Academy Award, and also the only silent film to win the award. She also received top billing for the features Lightning and Pretty Clothes, both also in 1927. Jobyna and Wings co-star Richard Arlen were married that year.

Jobyna made a few sound pictures, including 1929's The College Coquette, and Rough Waters (1930). Unfortunately, a noticeable lisp (disputed by one reader, but found in a couple of my sources), and ultimately, child rearing (Richard Arlen, Jr.) ended her film career.

Jobyna Ralston died January 22nd, 1967 in Woodland Hills, California.

Double-click on the images for a larger view.

Jobyna in print

Stars of the Photoplay 1924 hardcover book.
Somehow, Jobyna turns up five years younger in this bio.

Photoplay, January 1926.

A review of For Heaven's Sake in the June 1926 issue of Photoplay.

Photoplay, April 1927

Jobyna stars with Eddie Cantor in Special Delivery, directed by "Fatty" Arbuckle.

Photoplay, October 1927
The text mentions the nuptials between Jobyna and Richard Arlen.

Jobyna Publicity Stills

Early Twenties studio still.

Two publicity stills from The Freshman.

Publicity still from 1926's Gigolo
Jobyna starred opposite Rod La Rocque.

Publicity still from The Kid Brother.

Three publicity stills, the last probably from 1929 or 1930.

Jobyna Ralston - What do you think - Allure?