The Late Miss Billie Carleton (1918)

Jul 26, 2026

by Linda Kay

British Pathé

Synopsis: Silent newsreel footage shows English music hall comedienne Billie Carleton as she emotes for the camera.

Reality Cat: The action of Miss Carleton emoting for the camera then holding a longhair black cat is repeated three times with slight variations.

The Late Miss Billie Carleton - longhair black cat being held by Billie Carleton
The Late Miss Billie Carleton - longhair black cat being held by Billie Carleton

She passed away on November 28, 1918 at the young age of 22 from an apparent drug overdose which caused a notable scandal at the time.

The Late Miss Billie Carleton - longhair black cat being held by Billie Carleton
The Late Miss Billie Carleton - longhair black cat being held by Billie Carleton

Final Mewsings: Both cats and actresses have been known to lead risky lives, cats just have more of them.

To discuss this newsreel and other cats in movies and on television, join us on Facebook and X.