Hawthorne's cinematic debut arrived in 1914 with a role in the silent drama The Toll of the Sea . As the industry evolved, so did her career. She began to appear in a string of notable films throughout the 1910s and 1920s, often taking on leading roles in dramas, comedies, and romantic adventures. Her on-screen presence was marked by a natural charm, wit, and vulnerability, which resonated with audiences of the time.