The Colorado Springs Opera House Interior In 1893, Emma Chaney became bedridden with inflammatory rheumatism after the birth of her last child. Lon dropped out of fourth grade to care for her and his younger siblings. As biographer Michael Blake described, “For three years, Lon took care of his mother in the silence of her bedroom, relaying the events of the day to her… Chaney mimicked his friends and neighbors…and even performed an occasional skit. Through this daily ritual, Chaney’s talent of pantomime, with his graceful movements and his expressive hand gestures, began to grow and take shape.” As he got older, Chaney worked as a tour driver on Pikes Peak, a wallpaper hanger and a carpet layer to help support his family. After being introduced to theater by his older brother John, Chaney worked as a “prop boy,” stage hand and “extra” at the Colorado Springs Opera House. The brothers co-wrote a production titled, The Little Tycoon, and when the show traveled around the country, Lon went with it. “After being introduced to theater by his older brother John, Chaney worked as a “prop boy,” stage hand and “extra” at the colorado springs opera house” By 1910, Chaney was in Hollywood. During his storied career, Chaney starred in more than 150 films and became a Hollywood legend. He also mastered the art of “stage makeup,” famously transforming himself into any character. Throughout it all, he never forgot his friends and family in Colorado Springs. In 1925 he held a special screening of The Phantom of the Opera for the students at the CSDB. One of the brightest stars ever to emerge from Colorado Springs, April is officially “Lon Chaney Month.” In 1986, the theater at the Colorado Springs City Auditorium was renamed in his honor. pg. 6
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