Adela Rogers St. Johns
Pioneering journalist, screenwriter, and author; influential Hollywood figure
Adela Rogers St. Johns (1894–1988) was a pioneering American journalist, author, and screenwriter who became one of the most prominent female voices in American media during the 20th century. Born in Los Angeles, she began her journalism career as a reporter for the Los Angeles Examiner and became known for her fearless investigative reporting and human interest stories that captivated readers across the nation. St. Johns transitioned into screenwriting and contributed significantly to early Hollywood, working on numerous film scripts during the silent and early sound picture era. She interviewed virtually every major figure of her time, from celebrities to world leaders, and her personal charisma and interviewing skills made her journalism both influential and widely read. Beyond journalism and screenwriting, St. Johns authored several novels and memoirs, including her autobiography which became a bestseller. Her career spanned nearly a century, and she remained active in media until her death at age 93. St. Johns challenged gender norms in a male-dominated industry and paved the way for women in journalism and entertainment.
Arts & Literature
American
1894
1988
Thinking about the name
Adela
Germanic origin
“From the Germanic 'Adal,' meaning 'noble,' Adela is a graceful feminine form that graced European nobility for centuries, including St. Adela, daughter of William the Conqueror. The name carries an old-world elegance with a gentle, romantic quality that appeals to parents seeking vintage charm with substance.”