Who is Ethel Fleming?

Ethel Fleming came into this world on December 25, 1890, in the charming state of Ohio, USA. She graced the world of entertainment as an accomplished actress, leaving her mark with notable performances in films like “The Kiss” (1916), “Under Cover” (1916), and “East Lynne” (1916). Notably, she was wedded to Ray Kroc and William Courtleigh Jr. in previous chapters of her life. The final curtain fell on her journey on December 26, 1965, in Miami, Florida, USA.

As of the year 2023, Ethel Fleming’s age remains undisclosed. Delving deeper into her story, this page aims to shed light on various aspects of Ethel Fleming’s life. This includes intriguing insights into her biography, wiki details, her age and birthday, her family background, romantic involvements, lesser-known facts, captivating photos, and much more.

Ethel Fleming Bio

Ethel Fleming, a prominent American actress, also held a noteworthy reputation as an athlete. However, prior to her foray into the world of acting, she showcased her exceptional swimming prowess, garnering admiration in her hometown of Staten Island.

Local folks fondly dubbed her the “surf girl,” a nod to her deep affinity for spending extensive hours, sometimes as long as four, immersed in the waters during the warmer months.

But it wasn’t just her determination that stood out; Fleming’s zeal for outdoor adventures was equally remarkable. Her prowess was evident as she fearlessly swam distances of up to 7 miles, only to be finally retrieved by waiting boats.

Her story encompasses not only the spotlight of the stage but also the vast expanse of open waters, painting a picture of a multifaceted individual with a fervor for both acting and athletic feats.

Ethel Fleming Wiki

Property	Value
Real Name/Full Name	Ethel Fleming
Profession	Actress
Famous	Actress
Age	132 Years
Date Of Birth	December 25, 1890
Birthplace	Ohio, USA
Birth Sign	Not Known
Nationality	Ohio, USA
Gender	Female

Career

Back in the early 1900s, Ethel Fleming embarked on her journey as an actress and chorus girl. Her footlights debut was amidst the dazzling world of New York City’s performances. Yet, it wasn’t until October 1910, when she became part of The Summer Widowers cast, that she ventured beyond the city’s limits, embracing the life of a traveling thespian.

Ethel’s parents initially held reservations about letting her hit the road with the troupe, a concern undoubtedly rooted in a parent’s protective instinct. However, after some contemplation, they consented, laying down the condition that rigorous supervision would be in place for all members.

In 1918, a remarkable opportunity knocked on her door – a chance to collaborate with William Desmond in the play titled “The Pretender.” She took on the pivotal role of the leading lady, an achievement that showcased her growing prowess in the realm of acting.

A few years later, in 1923, Ethel found herself back under the spotlight alongside Desmond, this time in “The Fighting Pretender.” The production took her farther afield to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, marking her furthest theatrical journey up until that point.

Ethel Fleming’s journey in the world of performing arts encompassed both the local glamour of New York and the adventure of touring, with each chapter revealing her dedication and talent in the evolving world of theater.

Net Worth

Ethel Fleming, who happened to be the initial spouse of the renowned American entrepreneur Ray Kroc, was believed to possess a considerable net worth exceeding $10 million. Her financial stature was a result of two primary sources: her prosperous acting career and her connection with Kroc, the visionary behind McDonald’s, the fast-food giant that spans the globe.

Ray Kroc, acknowledged for steering McDonald’s into a global phenomenon, was not just a business magnate but also Ethel’s husband. His personal wealth was estimated at approximately $600 million around the time of his passing.

Ethel’s financial portfolio was a blend of her artistic achievements and the remarkable legacy Kroc left in the business world. Their combined journey intertwined success in both the entertainment industry and the realm of fast-food innovation, leaving a lasting impact on their financial landscape.

Ethel Fleming Height

At present, aged at a ripe 75 years, the specifics regarding Ethel Fleming’s stature remain undisclosed in our records. However, rest assured, our commitment to furnishing you with a comprehensive update on Ethel Fleming’s height, weight, physical dimensions, ocular hue, tresses tint, alongside dimensions of footwear and attire, remains unwavering. The particulars you harbor curiosity for hold a significant place in our agenda, and we steadfastly adhere to the task of acquainting you with the accurate minutiae at the earliest juncture.

Ethel Fleming Age

On a festive December 25 in the year 1890, Ethel Fleming came into the world, gracing Ohio with her presence. She proudly carried the heritage of American ethnicity, and her parents were Alexander Frew Fleming and Janet Fleming. However, when it comes to the deeper layers of her background and personal life, unfortunately, the pages of information seem to be a bit elusive. Despite our best efforts, details about her life beyond these foundational facts remain a mystery.

Parents 

The enchanting day of December 25, 1890, saw the arrival of Ethel Janet in the heart of Ohio, USA. Her proud parents were Alexander Frew Fleming and Janet Fleming. It’s worth noting that she’s not to be confused with the eminent Scottish scientist, Sir Alexander Fleming, who left an indelible mark by pioneering the world’s first antibiotic, benzylpenicillin (Penicillin G).

Ethel’s early days unfolded in the embrace of Melrose Park, nestled in Cook County, Illinois. It was in this haven that she spent a significant part of her youthful years, soaking in the experiences that shaped her. Among the constellation of her family, her siblings held their own unique places: Peter W Fleming, Malcolm Blair Fleming, Alexander Fleming, Andrew Edward Fleming, and Mae Belle Nerger.

These threads of her origin weave a tale that connects her to both the landscapes of Ohio and Illinois, and the bond she shared with her diverse and vibrant family.

Property	Value
Name	Ray Kroc
Lifespan	1922 – 1961
Relationship	Divorced
Children	1 child

For William Courtleigh Jr

Property	Value
Name	William Courtleigh Jr.
Lifespan	1915 – March 13, 1918
Death	March 13, 1918

Ethel Fleming First Husband

The sunlit summer of 1915 ushered Ethel Fleming to the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, where an unexpected chapter of her life began to unfold. It was during this time that fate introduced her to William Courtleigh Jr. Their meeting was a stroke of chance, not orchestrated by thoughts of marriage, but rather a fateful collision of two paths.

Days turned into meetings, and those meetings into shared moments, swiftly knitting their connection. It was after merely three weeks of their companionship that a day off from their routines led them past a registrar’s office. In a burst of spontaneity, Courtleigh proposed the notion of obtaining a marriage license, a proposition that Fleming initially brushed aside. The memory was a whirlwind for her, a blur of a clerk’s form and the sensation of everything transpiring rapidly.

As July 25, 1915 unfurled, the couple exchanged vows in Long Beach, Los Angeles, California, solidifying their union. The coziness of a bungalow became their shared space by August of that year. Yet, their story took a somber twist, for Courtleigh’s journey was tragically cut short by pneumonia in 1918, just three years into their marriage.

Amid these years, Ethel was at the zenith of her career, and the couple, although deeply connected, didn’t welcome any children into their lives. These intimate threads of their story capture the fleeting yet profound moments that shaped Ethel’s personal narrative against the backdrop of love, loss, and her blossoming acting career.

The Second Marriage of Ethel Fleming

In the early 1900s, Ethel Fleming wanted to be a famous actress. It’s a twist, because she met twelve-year-old salesperson Ray Kroc before his fame. Their relationship began in high school, and youthful romance held them together.

The two married in 1922, starting a 40-year journey. Ethel, despite her promising acting career, left the spotlight immediately after marriage to focus on her growing family.

Over time, their lives linked, and they had Marilyn Kroc. Behind every successful guy is a supporting woman, and the couple surely fits this description. Ethel and Ray Kroc’s financial breakthrough, which led to McDonald’s, occurred when they were together.

Their story of childhood beginnings, strong friendship, and crucial experiences that altered their personal lives and corporate landscape reminds us that life’s most unexpected chapters often compose the most incredible tales.

Ethel Fleming Cause of Death

Born on the delightful day of December 25, 1890, in Ohio, USA, Ethel Janet Fleming graced the world with her presence. Her parents, Alexander Frew Fleming and Janet Fleming, shared this joyous occasion with her. It’s worth noting that although her name might bring to mind the eminent Scottish scientist Sir Alexander Fleming, famous for his pioneering work on penicillin, they are indeed two distinct individuals.

As she traversed her early years, a portion of her childhood was embraced by the warm embrace of Melrose Park in Cook County, Illinois. Among her kin, she found camaraderie with her siblings: Peter W Fleming, Malcolm Blair Fleming, Alexander Fleming, Andrew Edward Fleming, and Mae Belle Nerger.

While the details of her upbringing and her parents’ professions remain veiled, her journey took her to Oak Park’s Lincoln School, a place where she walked the same halls as Ray Kroc. But Ethel’s path led her further, into the realms of acting and performance. She ventured into the world of entertainment, leaving her mark on the silver screen with memorable roles in timeless films such as “The Kiss” (1916), “The Wonderful Thing” (1921), and “Under Cover” (1923).

As life’s chapters turned, Ethel’s story took her through the highs and lows. Post her divorce, she sought solace away from the spotlight, leading a more private existence. Eventually, she departed from this world on December 26, 1965, in Miami, Florida, at the age of 75, her life concluding as quietly as it had often been lived.

Facts

• On December 25, 1890, in Ohio, Ethel Fleming was born.
• Her swimming skills earned her fame as an actor and athlete.
• Ethel, known as the “surf girl,” was revered for her lengthy summer swims.
• Her swimming achievements included swimming 7 miles and being rescued by boats.
• Ethel appeared in “The Kiss” (1916) and “Under Cover” (1923).
• She married William Courtleigh Jr. and Ray Kroc, McDonald’s founder, twice.
• Ethel quit acting to assist her family and husband’s businesses, which helped her financially.
• Ray Kroc, her second husband, helped McDonald’s become a global fast-food chain.
• Ethel Fleming, 75, died in Miami on December 26, 1965.
• Athleticism, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and personal struggles are her life’s story.

Conclusion:

Ethel Fleming’s life was coloured by talent, love, and tenacity. She left a lasting impression from her early athleticism through her notable acting career. Her marriages to William Courtleigh Jr. and Ray Kroc and her backing of McDonald’s showed her eclectic life. In early 20th-century America, personal desires and societal expectations collided in Ethel’s story.

FAQ

Who was Ethel Fleming?

Ethel Fleming, born December 25, 1890, in Ohio, was a successful actress and athlete.

For what was Ethel Fleming famous?

Ethel was noted for portraying “The Kiss” and swimming as the “surf girl.”

Ethel Fleming’s husbands?

Ethel married McDonald’s inventor Ray Kroc and William Courtleigh Jr.

Ethel Fleming’s role in McDonald’s success?

Through their marriage, Ethel and Ray Kroc helped McDonald’s succeed financially.

What was Ethel Fleming’s athletic feat?

Ethel was noted for her courageous 7-mile open-water swims.

When did Ethel Fleming die?

Ethel Fleming, 75, died in Miami on December 26, 1965.

Which Ethel Fleming films were notable?

Ethel featured in “The Kiss” (1916) and “Under Cover” (1923).

Ethel Fleming’s entertainment industry impact?

The early 20th century saw Ethel’s noteworthy performances as an actress.

How did Ethel Fleming’s marriages affect her?

From her first husband to helping Ray Kroc’s business, her marriages influenced her.

Which legacy did Ethel Fleming leave?

Ethel’s legacy includes athleticism, acting, entrepreneurship, and the delicate relationship between personal and society standards.