Rudolph Valentino (May 6, 1895 – August 23, 1926)
The death of silent-screen idol Rudolph Valentino at the age of
31 sent his fans into a hysterical state of mass mourning. In his
brief film career, the Italian-born actor established a reputation
as the archetypal screen lover. After his death from a ruptured
ulcer was announced, dozens of suicide attempts were reported,
and the actress Pola Negri—Valentino’s most recent lover—was
said to be inconsolable. Tens of thousands of people paid tribute
at his open coffin in New York City, and 100,000 mourners lined
the streets outside the church where funeral services were held. Valentino’s body then traveled by train to Hollywood, where he
was laid to rest after another funeral. He was only 31.
Rudolph Valentino was born Rodolfo Guglielmi in Castellaneta,
Italy. He immigrated to the United States in 1913.
HISTORY
1922
1925
1926
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