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Mildred was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and educated at the "Friends School" there. After several years spent studying, she traveled to Los Angeles in the hopes of securing a role in a film. She was very petite, at just 5`2" (157.5 cm) tall, and weighed 100 pounds (45.5 kg). After appearing in several small roles, her stunning features drew the attention of comedian Harold Lloyd, who cast her in his comedy short From Hand to Mouth in 1919. It would be the first of fifteen films they would star in together.

On Saturday February 10, 1923 she married Harold Lloyd. After their marriage Harold (possibly fearful of becoming a shadow to his wife`s career) announced that Davis would not appear in any more motion pictures. After much persuasion on Mildred`s part she received Harold`s consent for her return to the screen in Too Many Crooks, which Lloyd produced through his production company. By this time, however, her momentum as a leading lady was lost and her career never regained the prestige that many believed it could have had.


Her brother was actor Jack Davis of Our Gang, and later a prominent Beverly Hills physician. She and Harold Lloyd had three children including Harold Lloyd, Jr. Mildred was very active in Beverly Hills, and as hostess at the Lloyds` estate Greenacres, where she particularly enjoyed rose gardening.

Although the Lloyd marriage was held up to the public as ideal, there were problems with Harold`s workaholism and infidelities. Despite this, Harold and Mildred remained very close for their entire life together. In later life she suffered with bouts of alcoholism and depression, but found comfort in her strong friendships with actresses Marion Davies and Colleen Moore. She also developed a long lasting friendship with Lloyd`s assistant Roy Brooks, who lived with them at Greenacres for over forty years.

Davis died from a coronary following a series of strokes in Santa Monica, California in 1969.