Sara Sothern, born Sara Viola Warmbrodt on August 21, 1895, in Arkansas City, Kansas, was an American stage actress whose career in the 1920s illuminated Broadway and regional theaters before she retired to devote herself to family life. As the mother of iconic Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor, Sothern’s legacy extends far beyond her own performances; she played a pivotal role in nurturing her daughter’s stardom, providing emotional support and a foundation in the arts. A seasoned performer by her Broadway debut, Sothern’s life bridged the vibrant theater world of the early 20th century and the glamour of mid-century Hollywood, leaving an indelible mark on entertainment history. She passed away on September 11, 1994, at the age of 99 in Palm Springs, California, after a life marked by resilience, family devotion, and quiet influence.
Early Life and Path to the Stage
Sara Viola Warmbrodt was the third child and only daughter among seven siblings of Samuel Sylvester Warmbrodt, a Swiss immigrant, and Elizabeth Ann Wilson. Raised in the American Midwest, she developed an early passion for performance, drawing from the era’s burgeoning theater scene. By her early 20s, she had adopted the stage name Sara Sothern, a nod to the theatrical heritage of the time, and began her career in silent films and vaudeville. Her film debut came in 1914 with One of the Flames, filmed at the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch in Oklahoma, where she portrayed a character in a Western-style production. This early exposure honed her skills in dramatic expression, preparing her for the stage.
Sothern’s transition to Broadway was swift and successful. By 1925, she made her debut in The Dagger, a melodrama that showcased her versatility. That same year, she starred in Arabesque and Fool’s Bells, earning acclaim for her emotional depth and poise. In 1926, she appeared in Mama Loves Papa, a comedy that highlighted her comedic timing. These roles, performed across U.S. theaters including downtown Los Angeles venues, established her as a “seasoned actress,” as noted in contemporary reviews. Her work during this period reflected the Roaring Twenties’ theatrical exuberance, blending drama with the era’s social commentary.
Broadway Career and Retirement
Sothern’s Broadway tenure, though brief, was impactful. She embodied a range of characters, from the titular Colette in a 1925 production to Mary Margaret in The Fool (1922–1923). Her performances were praised for their authenticity and emotional resonance, qualities that would later influence her daughter’s acting style. However, her career took a decisive turn in 1926 when she married Francis Lenn Taylor, an American art dealer from Springfield, Illinois. The couple wed in New York City, and Sothern chose to retire from the stage to focus on family life—a decision common among women of her generation facing the demands of marriage and motherhood.
This retirement marked the end of her professional performing career; she never acted again, dedicating herself instead to supporting her husband’s art dealings and raising their children. The Taylors relocated to London in the late 1920s, where Francis established a gallery, immersing the family in European culture. Sara’s transition from spotlight to homemaker exemplified the societal expectations of the time, yet her influence persisted through her encouragement of artistic pursuits.
Family Life and Motherhood
Sara Sothern’s most enduring legacy is as the mother of Elizabeth Taylor, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses. The couple had two children: son Howard Taylor, born on June 27, 1929, who later became a sculptor and adventurer (passing away on August 31, 2020), and daughter Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor, born on February 27, 1932, in Hampstead, London. Sara’s nurturing role was instrumental in Elizabeth’s early career; recognizing her daughter’s photogenic beauty and talent, she facilitated her entry into modeling and acting. Vintage photographs from the 1930s and 1940s capture tender moments between mother and daughter, such as a 1934 image of two-year-old Elizabeth with Sara and brother Howard, showcasing Sara’s devoted presence.
Upon returning to the United States in 1939 amid rising tensions in Europe, the family settled in Los Angeles, where Sara devoted herself to Elizabeth’s burgeoning film career. She accompanied her daughter to auditions, provided emotional support during her rise to stardom in films like National Velvet (1944), and managed the family’s art business alongside Francis. Sara’s background in theater gave Elizabeth a strong foundation in performance, with Sara often coaching her on diction and poise. This maternal guidance, as Elizabeth later reflected in interviews, was crucial during the pressures of child stardom.
Sara’s marriage to Francis lasted until his death on November 20, 1968, in Los Angeles. The couple’s life in Beverly Hills was marked by a blend of artistic circles and family privacy, with Sara remaining a steadfast figure in Elizabeth’s life through her marriages, health struggles, and triumphs. Elizabeth, who passed away on March 23, 2011, credited her mother with instilling resilience and a love for the arts.
Later Years and Legacy
In her later decades, Sara Sothern lived quietly in Palm Springs, California, surrounded by family and memories of her theatrical past. She outlived her husband by 26 years and saw her daughter’s career evolve from child star to humanitarian icon. Sara’s influence extended indirectly through Elizabeth’s advocacy for AIDS research and the arts, as well as Howard’s artistic pursuits.
Sara Sothern’s legacy is multifaceted: as a talented actress of the 1920s, she contributed to Broadway’s golden era with roles that showcased her range and charisma. As a mother, she shaped one of Hollywood’s most enduring figures, providing unwavering support that propelled Elizabeth to stardom. Her life, spanning from the silent film era to the late 20th century, bridges theatrical history and modern celebrity culture. While less famous than her daughter, Sara’s story is one of quiet strength and profound impact, reminding us of the unsung roles that underpin greatness.
Photographs of Sara with young Elizabeth, such as those from 1934 showing the toddler with her mother and brother, capture a warmth that defined their bond. These images, preserved in archives and family collections, offer a glimpse into a life devoted to family after the footlights faded. Sara Sothern’s retirement from the stage in 1926 was not an end but a pivot to a new act, one where her greatest performance was as a guiding force in her children’s lives. Her passing at 99 marked the close of a chapter in American entertainment history, leaving behind a daughter whose star shone brighter because of her mother’s light.
