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 Hollywood's original Latin Lover, a term that was invented for Rudolph Valentino by Hollywood moguls. Alla Nazimova's friend Natacha Rambova (nee Winifred Hudnut) became romantically involved with Rudy and they lived together in her bungalow from 1921 (during the filming of Camille) until they eloped to Mexico on May 13, 1922 believing that his divorce from Jean Acker was official. After their re-marriage two years later she left him because he signed a contract that barred her from being involved in his pictures and wasn't allowed on set. She went to Nice to live with her parents and never entered their new mansion, Falcon Lair. He began to date sexy Pola Negri and was also linked to Vilma Banky. While he was touring to promote his last film, an editorial in the Chicago Tribune accused him of "effeminization of the American male". He defended his manhood by challenging the article's writer to a boxing match; it never took place, but another writer for the paper did enter the ring on behalf of the author who would not be named, and Valentino defeated him. He died shortly afterward while he was in New York attending the premiere of his last film. He collapsed in his hotel on August 15, 1926 and died on August 23, after an operation that led to an infection. 80,000 mourners nearly caused a riot at his New York funeral. Another funeral followed in California.Born in 1895 to a French mother and Italian father, Rudolph Valentino grew up in Italy. His father died while he was young, and his mother spoiled him. He did poorly in school and eventually ended up studying agriculture. After a stint in Paris, he returned to Italy broke. Many times he referenced something he did being the cause of being sent away, His journey to New York City took place just under 9 months before Jean Valentino would be born.In New York City Valentino met with his Padrino (Godfather) Frank Mennillo, who helped him secure a job and a place to live. Eventually Valentino was hired as a taxi dancer (someone who danced with various women in a caf�� for 10 cents a dance). Good-looking and a gifted dancer, he rose above the ranks and began performing for New York society elite. Infatuated and conducting an affair with married society woman Blanca de Saulles, he testified in her defense during her divorce trial. Her husband John, a prominent businessman, was not pleased and had Valentino arrested on vice charges that to this day are not clear; the records were wiped clean in the 1920s. After surviving this scandal, Blanca shot her now ex-husband, and Valentino left New York, hoping to avoid a new wave of scandal.He ended up in San Francisco, where his Padrino Frank Mennillo had since relocated. He soon met Norman Kerry, who suggested that he try his hand at silent films. Valentino headed to Los Angeles on Kerry's advice and began to make the rounds of studios. A deeply-exotic and alluring man, his type usually was used for 'heavies' or villains. Eventually he eked out a living mostly co-starring in B-rated pictures.During this time his mother died, devastating him. Hoping to recover from this shock, he fell in love with fellow small-time actress Jean Acker, a lesbian who was involved in a love triangle with powerful actresses Grace Darmond and Alla Nazimova. Valentino, unaware of Acker's orientation, proposed, and she accepted, seeing it as a safe way out of her conundrum without ruining her career. The two were married at a party, and after dancing all night they headed for their hotel room. Acker locked Valentino out, and the marriage was never consummated. Valentino, not understanding, sent her love letters for months begging her to 'forgive' him for whatever he had done, and to be his wife. Eventually, it must have been explained to him, because he moved on, and the pair separated but never divorced.Soon after this, Metro Executive June Mathis spotted him in a small part in the Clara Kimball Young film "Eyes of Youth". Mathis was in charge of writing and producing the epic film "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse". She chose the mostly-unknown Valentino to play Latin lover Julio. Though executives were hesitant, Mathis eventually got her way. She mentored Valentino and the two became close friends--and possibly were more than that at one time."The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" was a major success, launched Valentino into superstardom, and gave him the image of a 'Latin Lover'. However, his contract with Metro was not in his favor, and they quickly cast him in a B-picture, "Uncharted Seas". This was followed by the Nazimova film "Camille", during which Valentino became close to the artistic director, Natacha Rambova. The two fell in love and moved in together, and he finally acquired a divorce from Jean Acker.Without consulting any of his friends, let alone a lawyer, Valentino signed with Famous Players-Lasky, again making a paltry salary. Famous Players cast him in perhaps his most famous role, "The Sheik", in 1921. The Sheik was a cultural phenomenon, and much to Valentino's chagrin, it was the image most associated with him. Ironically, five years later it would also be his last film role.Mathis eventually moved to Famous Players, where she wrote "The Conquering Power" and "Blood and Sand" for Valentino. "Blood and Sand" was a major hit and Valentino's first pairing with his most-frequent co-star, vamp Nita Naldi. During this time, Valentino married Rambova in Mexico, then returned to California to be met with a warrant for bigamy. At the time, the law stipulated that one must wait one year between divorce and a new marriage, and one year had not passed since his divorce from Jean Acker was finalized. Valentino was thrown in jail over the weekend, and Mathis, George Fitzmaurice, and Thomas Meighan bailed him out on Monday. Famous Players-Lasky did nothing and ordered him back to work on "The Young Rajah". Rambova and Valentino were forced to separate, and Rambova was sent to New York, although she still worked on "The Young Rajah", designing costumes."The Young Rajah" was not a hit, and Valentino was furious over the whole situation. Famous Players-Lasky ordered him to start work on a new film, but he refused and started refusing his salary (despite the fact that he was in debt and actually owed the studio money from helping with his divorce). The matter played out in the press, and Valentino embarked on a "One Man Strike" from Famous Players-Lasky. Famous Players obtained a court order forbidding him to work at all, though this was eventually reduced to just film work. Valentino insisted that his strike wasn't about money but for artistic control; indeed, he turned down an offer of $7,000 a week, a huge improvement over his last salary.To keep afloat during this time, Valentino wrote a poetry book, gave interviews, and eventually accepted an offer to promote Minervala Beauty Clay via a dance tour. He also hired former Minervala advertising man S. George Ullman to be his business manager. The tour was a major success, and afterwards he and his wife visited Europe. When they returned, he signed with Ritz Carlton, though he still owed two films to Famous Players. His comeback picture, "Monsieur Beaucaire", was a French action-comedy. Rambova had a major hand in the production, and she was blamed when the film flopped. His next film, an artistic Latin Lover feature "A Sainted Devil", didn't fare well either. Now free from Famous Players, he and Rambova set upon creating their dream project, "The Hooded Falcon"."The Hooded Falcon" was a disaster, with double the advanced budget spent on costumes alone. After asking Mathis to write a script for the film, Valentino, Rambova, and the director found it not up to par. Informed by Ullman, Mathis promptly refused to have anything to do with Valentino or Rambova. She eloped with an Italian cameraman. She would not make up with Valentino until a few months before his death. Eventually, "The Hooded Falcon" was scrapped, and the duo's contract with Ritz Carlton was terminated. They had made only one film, a quickie called "Cobra", which also underperformed.At this time, Valentino and Rambova's marriage became strained. Rightly or wrongly, the press blamed Rambova for Valentino's failures. Reportedly, Valentino desperately wanted to have children, but Rambova did not. Ironically, the only person to dispute this was Ullman, who constantly feuded with Rambova. A contract from United Artists was offered to Valentino that gave him all sorts of freedom and a good salary. It has long been said that Rambova was stipulated by contract to not be on set or have any involvement in his UA films, but that is untrue. Rambova was still miffed, and Valentino and Ullman offered to finance a film for her that became "What Price Beauty?" She had an affair with her cameraman, and Rudy vowed that he would kill him. Only Ullman could dissuade them. Divorce papers were drawn up, and Rambova left for New York. The press assumed that she had left, then announced the divorce out of the blue, when, in reality, both knew during their final kiss that a divorce was in the works. Rambova eventually obtained her divorce in France.Valentino was despondent and contemplated suicide, especially as he was unable to obtain custody of Jean, which he tried around this time. He became reckless, almost killing himself in various car accidents. Work began on "The Eagle" in 1925, which paired him with Vilma Banky. The two became good friends, but it's unlikely that they were lovers. "The Eagle" was a success, and work began on "Son of the Sheik", a sequel to the first film. It was also a success, but, sadly, Valentino did not live to see much of it.He wasn't mourning the loss of Rambova, though. He was dating Mae Murray and Pola Negri concurrently, as well as several other beauties. This ended only when Mae wed Prince David Mdivani; Negri later would marry his brother, Prince Serge Mdivani.Valentino had been ill for several months but refused to see a doctor. In August 1926, his pain was so bad that a doctor was called, and he was transferred to a New York City hospital. He had ulcers, which were operated on. Everyone believed he would be fine, and doctors gave optimistic reports. Valentino himself thought that he would recover soon and asked to be moved back to his hotel with a nurse to attend to him. The doctors refused. A few days after the surgery, Valentino took a turn for the worse; his lungs were filled with fluid and infection had set in. He died on August 23, 1926 at age 31, with Frank Mennillo and Ullman at his side. Everyone was shocked, and, though there had been celebrity deaths before his, the public's reaction was extremely intense.Ullman was the executor of his estate. Hoping to help keep Valentino's name in the papers long enough to promote The Son of the Sheik (1926) (Valentino's estate was $3 million in debt, leaving no money to take care of his affairs or even bury him), he decided to allow a public viewing. However, the viewing became a madhouse, and Ullman abruptly pulled the plug. A funeral was held in New York. The body was transported across the country to Los Angeles, where another funeral was held, and Valentino was buried. Mathis had a row of crypts at Hollywood Forever Cemetery and offered to loan Valentino one of them, but she herself died in 1927, and Valentino was moved into what would have been her husband's crypt. In the 1930s, Mathis' husband sold the crypt to the Valentino family. Valentino lies in the 'borrowed' crypt to this day.There were many plans for memorials and statues after his death, but Mathis' death and the Great Depression put an end to them. Today, about 60% of Valentino's films still survive, including his most noteworthy ones. He's still remembered as The Great Lover of the Silver Screen.
Bio:
Hollywood's original Latin Lover, a term that was invented for Rudolph Valentino by Hollywood moguls. Alla Nazimova's friend Natacha Rambova (nee Winifred Hudnut) became romantically involved with Rudy and they lived together in her bungalow from 1921 (during the filming of Camille) until they eloped to Mexico on May 13, 1922 believing that his divorce from Jean Acker was official. After their re-marriage two years later she left him because he signed a contract that barred her from being involved in his pictures and wasn't allowed on set. She went to Nice to live with her parents and never entered their new mansion, Falcon Lair. He began to date sexy Pola Negri and was also linked to Vilma Banky. While he was touring to promote his last film, an editorial in the Chicago Tribune accused him of "effeminization of the American male". He defended his manhood by challenging the article's writer to a boxing match; it never took place, but another writer for the paper did enter the ring on behalf of the author who would not be named, and Valentino defeated him. He died shortly afterward while he was in New York attending the premiere of his last film. He collapsed in his hotel on August 15, 1926 and died on August 23, after an operation that led to an infection. 80,000 mourners nearly caused a riot at his New York funeral. Another funeral followed in California.
Born in 1895 to a French mother and Italian father, Rudolph Valentino grew up in Italy. His father died while he was young, and his mother spoiled him. He did poorly in school and eventually ended up studying agriculture. After a stint in Paris, he returned to Italy broke. Many times he referenced something he did being the cause of being sent away, His journey to New York City took place just under 9 months before Jean Valentino would be born.In New York City Valentino met with his Padrino (Godfather) Frank Mennillo, who helped him secure a job and a place to live. Eventually Valentino was hired as a taxi dancer (someone who danced with various women in a caf�� for 10 cents a dance). Good-looking and a gifted dancer, he rose above the ranks and began performing for New York society elite. Infatuated and conducting an affair with married society woman Blanca de Saulles, he testified in her defense during her divorce trial. Her husband John, a prominent businessman, was not pleased and had Valentino arrested on vice charges that to this day are not clear; the records were wiped clean in the 1920s. After surviving this scandal, Blanca shot her now ex-husband, and Valentino left New York, hoping to avoid a new wave of scandal.He ended up in San Francisco, where his Padrino Frank Mennillo had since relocated. He soon met Norman Kerry, who suggested that he try his hand at silent films. Valentino headed to Los Angeles on Kerry's advice and began to make the rounds of studios. A deeply-exotic and alluring man, his type usually was used for 'heavies' or villains. Eventually he eked out a living mostly co-starring in B-rated pictures.During this time his mother died, devastating him. Hoping to recover from this shock, he fell in love with fellow small-time actress Jean Acker, a lesbian who was involved in a love triangle with powerful actresses Grace Darmond and Alla Nazimova. Valentino, unaware of Acker's orientation, proposed, and she accepted, seeing it as a safe way out of her conundrum without ruining her career. The two were married at a party, and after dancing all night they headed for their hotel room. Acker locked Valentino out, and the marriage was never consummated. Valentino, not understanding, sent her love letters for months begging her to 'forgive' him for whatever he had done, and to be his wife. Eventually, it must have been explained to him, because he moved on, and the pair separated but never divorced.Soon after this, Metro Executive June Mathis spotted him in a small part in the Clara Kimball Young film "Eyes of Youth". Mathis was in charge of writing and producing the epic film "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse". She chose the mostly-unknown Valentino to play Latin lover Julio. Though executives were hesitant, Mathis eventually got her way. She mentored Valentino and the two became close friends--and possibly were more than that at one time."The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" was a major success, launched Valentino into superstardom, and gave him the image of a 'Latin Lover'. However, his contract with Metro was not in his favor, and they quickly cast him in a B-picture, "Uncharted Seas". This was followed by the Nazimova film "Camille", during which Valentino became close to the artistic director, Natacha Rambova. The two fell in love and moved in together, and he finally acquired a divorce from Jean Acker.Without consulting any of his friends, let alone a lawyer, Valentino signed with Famous Players-Lasky, again making a paltry salary. Famous Players cast him in perhaps his most famous role, "The Sheik", in 1921. The Sheik was a cultural phenomenon, and much to Valentino's chagrin, it was the image most associated with him. Ironically, five years later it would also be his last film role.Mathis eventually moved to Famous Players, where she wrote "The Conquering Power" and "Blood and Sand" for Valentino. "Blood and Sand" was a major hit and Valentino's first pairing with his most-frequent co-star, vamp Nita Naldi. During this time, Valentino married Rambova in Mexico, then returned to California to be met with a warrant for bigamy. At the time, the law stipulated that one must wait one year between divorce and a new marriage, and one year had not passed since his divorce from Jean Acker was finalized. Valentino was thrown in jail over the weekend, and Mathis, George Fitzmaurice, and Thomas Meighan bailed him out on Monday. Famous Players-Lasky did nothing and ordered him back to work on "The Young Rajah". Rambova and Valentino were forced to separate, and Rambova was sent to New York, although she still worked on "The Young Rajah", designing costumes."The Young Rajah" was not a hit, and Valentino was furious over the whole situation. Famous Players-Lasky ordered him to start work on a new film, but he refused and started refusing his salary (despite the fact that he was in debt and actually owed the studio money from helping with his divorce). The matter played out in the press, and Valentino embarked on a "One Man Strike" from Famous Players-Lasky. Famous Players obtained a court order forbidding him to work at all, though this was eventually reduced to just film work. Valentino insisted that his strike wasn't about money but for artistic control; indeed, he turned down an offer of $7,000 a week, a huge improvement over his last salary.To keep afloat during this time, Valentino wrote a poetry book, gave interviews, and eventually accepted an offer to promote Minervala Beauty Clay via a dance tour. He also hired former Minervala advertising man S. George Ullman to be his business manager. The tour was a major success, and afterwards he and his wife visited Europe. When they returned, he signed with Ritz Carlton, though he still owed two films to Famous Players. His comeback picture, "Monsieur Beaucaire", was a French action-comedy. Rambova had a major hand in the production, and she was blamed when the film flopped. His next film, an artistic Latin Lover feature "A Sainted Devil", didn't fare well either. Now free from Famous Players, he and Rambova set upon creating their dream project, "The Hooded Falcon"."The Hooded Falcon" was a disaster, with double the advanced budget spent on costumes alone. After asking Mathis to write a script for the film, Valentino, Rambova, and the director found it not up to par. Informed by Ullman, Mathis promptly refused to have anything to do with Valentino or Rambova. She eloped with an Italian cameraman. She would not make up with Valentino until a few months before his death. Eventually, "The Hooded Falcon" was scrapped, and the duo's contract with Ritz Carlton was terminated. They had made only one film, a quickie called "Cobra", which also underperformed.At this time, Valentino and Rambova's marriage became strained. Rightly or wrongly, the press blamed Rambova for Valentino's failures. Reportedly, Valentino desperately wanted to have children, but Rambova did not. Ironically, the only person to dispute this was Ullman, who constantly feuded with Rambova. A contract from United Artists was offered to Valentino that gave him all sorts of freedom and a good salary. It has long been said that Rambova was stipulated by contract to not be on set or have any involvement in his UA films, but that is untrue. Rambova was still miffed, and Valentino and Ullman offered to finance a film for her that became "What Price Beauty?" She had an affair with her cameraman, and Rudy vowed that he would kill him. Only Ullman could dissuade them. Divorce papers were drawn up, and Rambova left for New York. The press assumed that she had left, then announced the divorce out of the blue, when, in reality, both knew during their final kiss that a divorce was in the works. Rambova eventually obtained her divorce in France.Valentino was despondent and contemplated suicide, especially as he was unable to obtain custody of Jean, which he tried around this time. He became reckless, almost killing himself in various car accidents. Work began on "The Eagle" in 1925, which paired him with Vilma Banky. The two became good friends, but it's unlikely that they were lovers. "The Eagle" was a success, and work began on "Son of the Sheik", a sequel to the first film. It was also a success, but, sadly, Valentino did not live to see much of it.He wasn't mourning the loss of Rambova, though. He was dating Mae Murray and Pola Negri concurrently, as well as several other beauties. This ended only when Mae wed Prince David Mdivani; Negri later would marry his brother, Prince Serge Mdivani.Valentino had been ill for several months but refused to see a doctor. In August 1926, his pain was so bad that a doctor was called, and he was transferred to a New York City hospital. He had ulcers, which were operated on. Everyone believed he would be fine, and doctors gave optimistic reports. Valentino himself thought that he would recover soon and asked to be moved back to his hotel with a nurse to attend to him. The doctors refused. A few days after the surgery, Valentino took a turn for the worse; his lungs were filled with fluid and infection had set in. He died on August 23, 1926 at age 31, with Frank Mennillo and Ullman at his side. Everyone was shocked, and, though there had been celebrity deaths before his, the public's reaction was extremely intense.Ullman was the executor of his estate. Hoping to help keep Valentino's name in the papers long enough to promote The Son of the Sheik (1926) (Valentino's estate was $3 million in debt, leaving no money to take care of his affairs or even bury him), he decided to allow a public viewing. However, the viewing became a madhouse, and Ullman abruptly pulled the plug. A funeral was held in New York. The body was transported across the country to Los Angeles, where another funeral was held, and Valentino was buried. Mathis had a row of crypts at Hollywood Forever Cemetery and offered to loan Valentino one of them, but she herself died in 1927, and Valentino was moved into what would have been her husband's crypt. In the 1930s, Mathis' husband sold the crypt to the Valentino family. Valentino lies in the 'borrowed' crypt to this day.There were many plans for memorials and statues after his death, but Mathis' death and the Great Depression put an end to them. Today, about 60% of Valentino's films still survive, including his most noteworthy ones. He's still remembered as The Great Lover of the Silver Screen.
Tivia:
At the time of his death he was severely in debt, and his heirs could not afford a burial plot for him. June Mathis, friend and screenwriter of his hit films The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921) and Blood and Sand (1922), agreed to temporarily loan him a space in her family crypt at Hollywood Park Cemetery so he could be interred upon his body's arrival in Los Angeles, following a coast-to-coast funeral train ride from New York. Mathis died the following year and Valentino's body was moved into her husband's space. He is still interred there, as all memorial plans fell through during the Depression.At the height of his popularity, he went on a brief sojourn in his native Italy to visit friends and family and, in general, to get a much-needed rest. When he returned to Hollywood, friends asked him if he had been mobbed by fans while on vacation. He said no, explaining that "over there, I look like every other Italian fellow on the street".He and Jean Acker had one of the shortest celebrity marriages on record: six hours. After courting for just a few days, they impulsively married on 11/5/1919, but she locked him out of their hotel room later that night after a spat. They separated, and their divorce was finalized in 1922. Ironically, after their divorce, they became good friends.A few months before his death a Chicago newspaper columnist attacked his masculinity in print, referring to him as a "pink powder puff". A lawsuit was pending when he was fatally stricken. One of his last questions to his doctor was, "Well, doctor, and do I now act like a 'pink powder puff'?" His doctor reportedly replied, "No, sir. You have been very brave. Braver than most".His last words before passing were,"Don't pull down the blinds. I feel fine. I want the sunlight to greet me!".He is responsible for bringing the Argentine Tango to America, first performing it in The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921), and later in a successful American national dance tour with his wife, Natacha Rambova, who, like Valentino himself, was once a professional dancer.For many years on the anniversary of his death, a mysterious woman, dressed all in black, was seen laying a wreath of flowers on his grave. Her identity was never established.His father was Italian, his mother was French. He spoke at least four languages fluently (English, Spanish, French, Italian) and may have spoken more.In the 1930s Sheik Condoms, named after his most famous role, were introduced and featured his silhouette on the packaging for years.He died at Polyclinic Hospital in Manhattan (NYC). His death certificate stated the cause as a ruptured gastric ulcer and general peritonitis, naming also septic pneumonia and septic endocarditis as contributory causes.Considered to be the first male sex symbol of the cinema during the silent era.Worked as a dishwasher, taxi dancer and gardener before starring in The Son of the Sheik (1926).In 1923 he recorded two songs, "Kashmiri Love Song" (from The Sheik (1921)) and "El Relicario" (from Blood and Sand (1922)) for Brunswick Records. Both recordings still exist and have been released on the CD "Rudolph Valentino: He Sings & Others Sing About Him".Published a thin volume of sentimental poetry titled "Day Dreams" in 1923. The book sold hundreds of thousands of copies. In 2010 it was reprinted by 1921 PVG Publishing with a foreword by Evelyn Zumaya.Was posthumously awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6164 Hollywood Blvd. on 2/8/60.A portion of Irving Boulevard in Hollywood, CA, was renamed Rudolph Valentino Street in 1978.Pictured on one of ten 29�� US commemorative postage stamps celebrating stars of the silent screen, issued 27 April 1994. Designed by caricaturist Al Hirschfeld, this set of stamps also honored Clara Bow, Charles Chaplin, Lon Chaney, John Gilbert, Zasu Pitts, Harold Lloyd, Theda Bara, Buster Keaton, and the Keystone Kops.In 2009 The Rudolph Valentino Society was created to honor his legacy.His business manager was S. George Ullman, also his closest friend, who remained with him at the time of his death.Is mentioned in The Bangles 1986 song (written by Prince) "Manic Monday" ("I was kissin' Valentino by a crystal-blue, Italian stream").During a slip in his popularity, Harry Reichenbach had the great lover grow a beard, and then orchestrated a huge protest from outraged female fans, not to mention barbershop owners. Months later he arranged for a ceremonial shaving by members of the Master Barbers of America.Was a spendthrift who had lavish tastes and spared no expenses. When he first came to America, even though he didn't have a job, he booked himself a room at a luxurious hotel in New York City and would buy expensive clothes, tailored to fit him perfectly (when the funds he came with ran out, he was found sleeping on a bench, in the park). Because of his reckless spending habits, his estate was in debt when he died, and all of his belongings (including bedroom furniture and a vast collection of books in several languages) were sold at an auction four months after his death, on 12/10/1926. His long-time friend and manager, S. George Ullman, was the auction administrator.The Rudolph Valentino Film Festival, held in Los Angeles, CA, was created in his honor.In October 1997 he was ranked #80 in "Empire" (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list.On 5/5/30 a memorial statue erected in his honor was unveiled in Hollywood. Located in De Longpre Park (a pocket park at 1350 N Cherokee Avenue, just south of Sunset Boulevard), the statue is a featureless Art Deco bronze casting of a male figure standing on a sphere. Titled "Aspiration", the statue stands on a pedestal with the following inscription: "ERECTED IN MEMORY OF RUDOLPH VALENTINO 1895-1926 PRESENTED BY HIS FRIENDS AND ADMIRERS FROM EVERY WALK OF LIFE IN ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD IN APPRECIATION OF THE HAPPINESS BROUGHT TO THEM BY HIS CINEMA PORTRAYALS". The statue, which cost more than $10,000, was an early example of crowd-source funding, with most of the donations being only five or ten cents. It was the first memorial to a movie star erected in a public park in the US. The sculpture is the work of Roger Noble Burnham. Dolores del Rio performed the unveiling.In 2011 "Affairs Valentino" by Evelyn Zumaya was released by The Rudolph Valentino Society. The biography drastically repaints the life of Valentino with newly found court documents, accounting ledgers and unpublished memoirs and memories by his manager S. George Ullman and godfather Frank Mennillo.Had an Irish Wolfhound named "Centaur Pendragon" and a Great Dane named "Kabar".Following his death, a bogus, composite photograph of him ascending up to heaven was released for sale, and was snatched up by his legions of fans.To this day he remains interred in what was supposed to be a temporary grave. He died heavily in debt; his friend, writer June Mathis-- who discovered him and was the catalyst for his super-stardom--loaned him one of the crypts she owned. Sadly, she died less than a year after Valentino, and he was never reburied in a more appropriate place.Following his death, he was interred at Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery (now Hollywood Forever Cemetery) in Los Angeles, CA.On 1/25/82 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hosted a special Tribute to Rudolph Valentino. Clips from several films and documentaries were shown during this special event. Opening comments came from Mr. Jean Valentino, his nephew. A screening of The Son of the Sheik (1926), with color-tinted sequences, was shown in its entirety. A representative from the Academy read an affectionate telegram from The Son of the Sheik (1926).Is mentioned in The Bongos song "Apache Dancing": "We like to tango like Valentino".Was paired with Nita Naldi in four movies: Blood and Sand (1922), A Sainted Devil (1924), The Hooded Falcon (1924) and Cobra (1925).He was voted the 32nd Greatest Movie Star of all time by "Entertainment Weekly.".Having failed to make the grade as an officer in the Italian army, he arrived in America from Italy in 1913 and went through a succession of casual jobs such as dishwasher and waiter before getting work as a dancer.Is referenced in The Kinks' 1972 song "Celluloid Heroes", with the lines "Rudolph Valentino looks very much alive. And he looks up ladies' dresses as they sadly pass him by".Kabar, pronounced kuh-baar, was actually an Alsatian Doberman that was gifted to Valentino. The story goes that Kabar howled endlessly when Rudolph died, even though they were separated by miles..Referenced in The Corrs' "I Never Loved You Anyway".Mentioned in "Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance)" by Leo Sayer.Mentioned in the Disney comedy Herbie Rides Again (1974).His marriage to Jean Acker lasted 6 hours,. |
| Name: |
Rudolph Valentino |
Type: |
Actor,Producer (IMDB) |
| Area: |
All World |
Platform: |
IMDB |
| Category: |
|
Business scope: |
Actor,Producer |
| Products for sale: |
Actor,Producer |
| Last update: |
2024-07-01 04:47:28 |
Rudolph Valentino profile
| Height: |
5' 11' (1.80 m) |
| Biography: |
Hollywood\'s original Latin Lover, a term that was invented for Rudolph Valentino by Hollywood moguls. Alla Nazimova\'s friend Natacha Rambova (nee Winifred Hudnut) became romantically involved with Rudy and they lived together in her bungalow from 1 |
| Trivia: |
At the time of his death he was severely in debt, and his heirs could not afford a burial plot for him. June Mathis, friend and screenwriter of his hit films The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921) and Blood and Sand (1922), agreed to temporarily loan him a space in her family crypt at Hollywood Park Cemetery so he could be interred upon his body's arrival in Los Angeles, following a coast-to-coast funeral train ride from New York. Mathis died the following year and Valentino's body was moved into her husband's space. He is still interred there, as all memorial plans fell through during the Depression.At the height of his popularity, he went on a brief sojourn in his native Italy to visit friends and family and, in general, to get a much-needed rest. When he returned to Hollywood, friends asked him if he had been mobbed by fans while on vacation. He said no, explaining that "over there, I look like every other Italian fellow on the street".He and Jean Acker had one of the shortest celebrity marriages on record: six hours. After courting for just a few days, they impulsively married on 11/5/1919, but she locked him out of their hotel room later that night after a spat. They separated, and their divorce was finalized in 1922. Ironically, after their divorce, they became good friends.A few months before his death a Chicago newspaper columnist attacked his masculinity in print, referring to him as a "pink powder puff". A lawsuit was pending when he was fatally stricken. One of his last questions to his doctor was, "Well, doctor, and do I now act like a 'pink powder puff'?" His doctor reportedly replied, "No, sir. You have been very brave. Braver than most".His last words before passing were,"Don't pull down the blinds. I feel fine. I want the sunlight to greet me!".He is responsible for bringing the Argentine Tango to America, first performing it in The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921), and later in a successful American national dance tour with his wife, Natacha Rambova, who, like Valentino himself, was once a professional dancer.For many years on the anniversary of his death, a mysterious woman, dressed all in black, was seen laying a wreath of flowers on his grave. Her identity was never established.His father was Italian, his mother was French. He spoke at least four languages fluently (English, Spanish, French, Italian) and may have spoken more.In the 1930s Sheik Condoms, named after his most famous role, were introduced and featured his silhouette on the packaging for years.He died at Polyclinic Hospital in Manhattan (NYC). His death certificate stated the cause as a ruptured gastric ulcer and general peritonitis, naming also septic pneumonia and septic endocarditis as contributory causes.Considered to be the first male sex symbol of the cinema during the silent era.Worked as a dishwasher, taxi dancer and gardener before starring in The Son of the Sheik (1926).In 1923 he recorded two songs, "Kashmiri Love Song" (from The Sheik (1921)) and "El Relicario" (from Blood and Sand (1922)) for Brunswick Records. Both recordings still exist and have been released on the CD "Rudolph Valentino: He Sings & Others Sing About Him".Published a thin volume of sentimental poetry titled "Day Dreams" in 1923. The book sold hundreds of thousands of copies. In 2010 it was reprinted by 1921 PVG Publishing with a foreword by Evelyn Zumaya.Was posthumously awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6164 Hollywood Blvd. on 2/8/60.A portion of Irving Boulevard in Hollywood, CA, was renamed Rudolph Valentino Street in 1978.Pictured on one of ten 29�� US commemorative postage stamps celebrating stars of the silent screen, issued 27 April 1994. Designed by caricaturist Al Hirschfeld, this set of stamps also honored Clara Bow, Charles Chaplin, Lon Chaney, John Gilbert, Zasu Pitts, Harold Lloyd, Theda Bara, Buster Keaton, and the Keystone Kops.In 2009 The Rudolph Valentino Society was created to honor his legacy.His business manager was S. George Ullman, also his closest friend, who remained with him at the time of his death.Is mentioned in The Bangles 1986 song (written by Prince) "Manic Monday" ("I was kissin' Valentino by a crystal-blue, Italian stream").During a slip in his popularity, Harry Reichenbach had the great lover grow a beard, and then orchestrated a huge protest from outraged female fans, not to mention barbershop owners. Months later he arranged for a ceremonial shaving by members of the Master Barbers of America.Was a spendthrift who had lavish tastes and spared no expenses. When he first came to America, even though he didn't have a job, he booked himself a room at a luxurious hotel in New York City and would buy expensive clothes, tailored to fit him perfectly (when the funds he came with ran out, he was found sleeping on a bench, in the park). Because of his reckless spending habits, his estate was in debt when he died, and all of his belongings (including bedroom furniture and a vast collection of books in several languages) were sold at an auction four months after his death, on 12/10/1926. His long-time friend and manager, S. George Ullman, was the auction administrator.The Rudolph Valentino Film Festival, held in Los Angeles, CA, was created in his honor.In October 1997 he was ranked #80 in "Empire" (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list.On 5/5/30 a memorial statue erected in his honor was unveiled in Hollywood. Located in De Longpre Park (a pocket park at 1350 N Cherokee Avenue, just south of Sunset Boulevard), the statue is a featureless Art Deco bronze casting of a male figure standing on a sphere. Titled "Aspiration", the statue stands on a pedestal with the following inscription: "ERECTED IN MEMORY OF RUDOLPH VALENTINO 1895-1926 PRESENTED BY HIS FRIENDS AND ADMIRERS FROM EVERY WALK OF LIFE IN ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD IN APPRECIATION OF THE HAPPINESS BROUGHT TO THEM BY HIS CINEMA PORTRAYALS". The statue, which cost more than $10,000, was an early example of crowd-source funding, with most of the donations being only five or ten cents. It was the first memorial to a movie star erected in a public park in the US. The sculpture is the work of Roger Noble Burnham. Dolores del Rio performed the unveiling.In 2011 "Affairs Valentino" by Evelyn Zumaya was released by The Rudolph Valentino Society. The biography drastically repaints the life of Valentino with newly found court documents, accounting ledgers and unpublished memoirs and memories by his manager S. George Ullman and godfather Frank Mennillo.Had an Irish Wolfhound named "Centaur Pendragon" and a Great Dane named "Kabar".Following his death, a bogus, composite photograph of him ascending up to heaven was released for sale, and was snatched up by his legions of fans.To this day he remains interred in what was supposed to be a temporary grave. He died heavily in debt; his friend, writer June Mathis-- who discovered him and was the catalyst for his super-stardom--loaned him one of the crypts she owned. Sadly, she died less than a year after Valentino, and he was never reburied in a more appropriate place.Following his death, he was interred at Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery (now Hollywood Forever Cemetery) in Los Angeles, CA.On 1/25/82 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hosted a special Tribute to Rudolph Valentino. Clips from several films and documentaries were shown during this special event. Opening comments came from Mr. Jean Valentino, his nephew. A screening of The Son of the Sheik (1926), with color-tinted sequences, was shown in its entirety. A representative from the Academy read an affectionate telegram from The Son of the Sheik (1926).Is mentioned in The Bongos song "Apache Dancing": "We like to tango like Valentino".Was paired with Nita Naldi in four movies: Blood and Sand (1922), A Sainted Devil (1924), The Hooded Falcon (1924) and Cobra (1925).He was voted the 32nd Greatest Movie Star of all time by "Entertainment Weekly.".Having failed to make the grade as an officer in the Italian army, he arrived in America from Italy in 1913 and went through a succession of casual jobs such as dishwasher and waiter before getting work as a dancer.Is referenced in The Kinks' 1972 song "Celluloid Heroes", with the lines "Rudolph Valentino looks very much alive. And he looks up ladies' dresses as they sadly pass him by".Kabar, pronounced kuh-baar, was actually an Alsatian Doberman that was gifted to Valentino. The story goes that Kabar howled endlessly when Rudolph died, even though they were separated by miles..Referenced in The Corrs' "I Never Loved You Anyway".Mentioned in "Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance)" by Leo Sayer.Mentioned in the Disney comedy Herbie Rides Again (1974).His marriage to Jean Acker lasted 6 hours,. |
| Trademarks: |
His deep penetrating gaze |
| Quotes: |
To generalize on women is dangerous. To specialize in them is infinitely worse.
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Women are not in love with me but with the picture of me on the screen. I am merely the canvas upon which the women paint their dreams.
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A man should control his life. Mine is controlling me.
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[after his divorce from Jean Acker] She said she was my soul mate, but she proved to be my check-mate! |
| Salaries: |
The Son of the Sheik (1926) - $200,000 +25% of the profits
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The Eagle (1925) - $200,000 +25% profits
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An Adventuress (1920) - $25 /day
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Alimony (1917) - $5 /day |
| Job title: |
Actor,Producer |
| Others works: |
(1923) Made a private recording on which he sang "Kashmiri Love Song" on Side A and "El Relicario" on Side B. It was released after his death and is still reissued occasionally, e.g., "100 Years of Cinema" Dejavu Retro Gold C |
| Spouse: |
Natacha Rambova (March 17, 1923 - January 19, 1926) (divorced)Jean Acker (November 5, 1919 - March 4, 1923) (divorced) |
| Parents: |
Giovanni D'Antonguolla
Beatrice Gabriela Barbin |
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