Florence Smythe

Background

She was born in Santa Barbara, California.

Career

They lived in Los Angeles, California at 1915 North Vine Street. Florence Smythe was a party in a divorce battle which wound up in New York Supreme Court in February 1913. Theodore Roberts" first wife, Lucy Roberts, obtained a separation decree which provided $50 a week for alimony.

They separated in New York, New York on February 13, 1910.

Roberts did not pay the alimony and was locked up in Ludlow Street jail. The first Mistress Roberts sued Florence for $50,000, charging the actress with alienating the affections of the actor.

A countersuit was filed by Mission Smythe asking a sum of $100,000. She contended the former Mistress

Roberts scandalized her by stating she furnished apartments for Theodore and advanced him money.

The suit was not tried in court because the statute of limitations had run out. Her sudden death from acute indigestion, which precipitated a heart attack, was hastened by the strain of her husband"s illness. Theodore Roberts collapsed in 1923 while in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Mission Smythe provided much of the care during his extended convalescence.

She died at the Vine Street residence in 1925 at the age of 46.

Membership

The couple met while Florence was a member of the Theodore Roberts theatrical company.

Connections

Partner:

Sally Temple