Biography

Mildred Gertrude von Hollen was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA on December 26, 1891. Her father was Bernhard von Hollen and mother was Katherine Kitty Scheib. Her career in show business began as an actress with stock companies and progressed to radio drama in the 1920's. She married fellow actor Herbert Harrison Heyes on September 12, 1913 in Eldora, Hardin County, Iowa, USA. They had two children: Herbert Harrison Heyes, Jr., born on July 26, 1915 in Illinois, died January 5, 1999 in Laguna Hills, Orange Co., CA, USA, and Douglas Howard Heyes, born on October 27, 1919 in California, died February 8, 1993 in Los Angeles, CA, USA. Douglas Heyes was known as a writer/director for Maverick and Twilight Zone. Mildred and Herbert divorced around 1930 and she became a full-time working mother. The 1930 U.S. Census locates her residence as a rented apartment with her sons at the Guardian Arms in Los Angeles, CA, USA. A decade later the 1940 U.S Census identifies her as working in sales at a department store. In the 1950's she returned to acting and appeared in seventeen television programs representing nine series, most notably eight episodes of Rin Tin Tin. She appeared in two episodes of Dragnet and is remembered for a 1964 movie that was her final role, a sales lady, in Kitten with a Whip. Mildred passed away on August 22, 1971 in Laguna Hills, Orange County, CA, USA. Her internment was at El Toro Memorial Park, Lake Forest, Orange County, CA, USA.
- IMDb mini biography by: SAGE STEPS

The Players' Guild in San Francisco presented George Kelly's comedy 'Craig's Wife,' at the Community Playhouse, Sutter and Mason Streets, and held it over for several additional weeks. The performance was said to be strong and smooth with an excellent cast. The cast included Herbert Heyes, Mildred Von Hollen, Emelie Melville, Zeffie Tilbury, May Nanery, and several others.

Mildred and Herbert Heyes performed together on many stages during their marriage. Here is a partial list: November 1913 Nashville, Orpheum Theater, Truxton King; February 1915 Jersey City, Orpheum Theater, The Escape; February 1915 Jersey City, Orpheum Theater, Seven Days; August 1927 Oakland, California, Fulton Theater, Rain; August 1927 Oakland, California, Fulton Theater, Just Life; June 1928 San Francisco, Players Guild, Craig's Wife. December 1929 San Francisco, KFRC Radio, Monsieur Beaucaire.

The Soo Opera House was the site in Sault Ste. Marie in September 1912 where Mildred von Hollen had one of her first leading roles. She played Mrs. Burnham in The Balance. The reviews said Mildred displayed the soul of an artist with the ability to establish rapport with the audience. In the play's dramatic scenes she conveyed the character's feelings so sincerely they were sent "over the footlights.".

Two months after their marriage in September 1913, Mildred and Herbert Heyes were both members of the cast for Truxton King at the Nashville Orpheum. Reviewers praised Mildred's portrayal of Olga Platanova, a Polish anarchist, as being the best cast performer. It was said that Heyes, who played the American traveler, Truxton King, with a little more experience would make a fascinating matinee idol.

Mildred's husband, Herbert Heyes, was a silent film leading man with Theda Bara as well as in many stage productions. It was reported that Mildred replied to all of his fan mail and "mash notes" and always included his picture.