From high school she went to the stage and played in musical comedy before joining the American film company.
Her entry in the 1914 book Who's Who in the Film World is as follows: "Miss Vivian Rich, the talented young leading actress of Sidney Ayres Co., American Films, who has made such a wonderful success in such short a time, was born in Philadelphia.
Her first appearance in the dramatic world was in the revival of the "Country Girl," then playing in Herald Square Theatre.
After remaining with the Nestor for some time she attached herself to the fortunes of the American Film Company, and has been with them ever since.
Both on the stage and with the silent drama Miss Vivian Rich has made a wonderful success in her calling, and her vivacious spirit, winsome manner and extreme beauty make her one of the most favorite leading actresses on the screen, Some of her most recent successes have been in "The Oath of Pierre," "The Lost Sermon," "Oil On Troubled Waters," "Truth in the Wilderness," etc.