Introduction
Myra Edith Keaton (née Cutler, March 13, 1877 – July 21, 1955) was an American vaudeville performer and film actress. She was the mother of actor Buster Keaton.
Early life and career
Myra Keaton was born in Modale, Iowa, the daughter of Frank Luke Cutler (1849–1935) and Sarah Elizabeth (née Shaffer; 1850–1887). She had an older brother, Burt Melvin Cutler, and a half-brother, Clinton M. Cutler.
As teenagers, Myra and Burt traveled and performed with their father's medicine show. Joe Keaton joined the show while they traveled through Oklahoma Territory in 1893. Myra and Joe married on May 31, 1894, and began performing together in various medicine shows and vaudeville. Their son, silent film actor Buster Keaton (Joseph Frank Keaton), was born October 4, 1895. Their other children included Harry Keaton and Louise Keaton. At the age of four, Buster officially joined the family's vaudeville act, which was billed as "The Three Keatons". Myra and Buster left the act in 1917, as a result of problems arising from Joe Keaton's drinking.
All members of the Keaton family occasionally appeared in Buster's silent and sound comedies. Although estranged in later years, Myra was married to Joe until Joe's death in 1946.
Death
Myra Keaton died on July 21, 1955, in Los Angeles, California aged 78. She died while her son, Buster, was on tour in England. She was buried at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Sylmar, California.