Ethel Clayton (November 8, 1882 – June 6, 1966) was an American actress of the silent film era.

[2] Clayton debuted on stage as a professional as a member of the chorus in a production at the Chicago Opera House.

In addition to that production, her Broadway credits include Fancy Free (1918), You're in Love (1917), Nobody Home (1915), The Red Canary (1914), The Brute (1912), and His Name on the Door (1909).

[2] Following appearances on screen in short dramas from 1909 to 1912, she made her feature-length film debut in For the Love of a Girl in 1912.

Like many silent film actors, Clayton's career was hurt by the coming of sound to motion pictures.