Rudolph Valentino

 Rodolfo Alfonso Raffaello Pierre Filibert Guglielmi di Valentina d'Antonguella, professionally known as Rudolph Valentino (May 6, 1895 – August 23, 1926)

Valentino starred in several well-known silent films including The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, The Sheik, Blood and Sand, The Eagle, and The Son of the Sheik. An early pop icon, a sex symbol of the 1920's, he was known as the "Latin lover" or simply as "Valentino. Valentino sailed to New York aboard the “SS Cleveland” and arrived on December 23, 1913. Speaking no English and having little money, he worked as a busboy, then as a waiter. Soon after, he became a professional host to wealthy women, and would dance with them at Maxim's restaurant. He moved to Hollywood, but because of his dark looks, was usually cast in bit parts as a villain. He met screenwriter June Mathis who suggested he be cast in the lead role of “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” which featured him prominently in the legendary tango scenes. The movie became a success, allowing him to later get the title role in the 1921 film “The Sheik,” starring opposite of Agnes Ayres. The movie was an even bigger success and gained him legendary star status. He was in New York in August 1926 to attend the premiere of his new film and sequel to “The Sheik” entitled “Son of the Sheik,” when he collapsed in his hotel room on August 15. He underwent surgery for a gastric ulcer and ruptured appendix. The operation was performed, but he later became ill due to peritonitis. His health deteriorated over the next week and he died a little after noon on August 23rd at the age of 31. An estimated 100,000 people lined the streets of New York City to pay their respects at his funeral. Rudolph Valentino is interred at Hollywood Forever.