Barbara Norton

Sister to actress Anne Schaefer, Herman and one other brother all born in St. Louis, Missouri around the 1870s. Married name is Barbara Nowatny and used Barbara Norton as a stage name because it was easier. Nowatny comes from the Czech Novotny ancestral name and the family originated from the German speaking area around Prague. She is the aunt of actresses Jane and Eva Novak (Barbara Eva Novak). Barbara was cast in many roles during the 20s, 30s and 40s as a little old lady, with most roles being uncredited. She appeared in The Wizard of Oz, Camille and Tom Sawyer, among others. She had two children, Gerome and Agnes Nowatny (Agnes Imes, married) also of St. Louis. Her husband passed away around Gerome's 12th year and she stayed in St. Louis until her older sister, Anne came out to Hollywood with D.W. Griffith and was established as a silent movie actress.