Rodolfo Alfonzo Raffaelo Pierre Filibert Guglielmi di Valentina d'Antonguolla - better known as Rudolph Valentino"The Worlds Greatest Lover!"
Born in Castellaneta, Italy on May 6, 1895 Rodolfo set sail for America in 1913 as a bilingual middle class young man who struggled in New York till finally landing and acting job that took him to California.
In Hollywood the transformation began - from bit parts, to his most well known film," THE SHEIK" in 1921 - the legend of RUDOLPH VALENTINO was born. Valentino appeared in 14 major films. Early on his dark Latin looks type cast him to play only "the heavy" in 17 minor productions. Valentino overcame this studio typecasting when his snarling upper lip in 1919's EYES OF YOUTH caught the eye of screenwriter June Mathis. Mathis's tenacity convinced MGM's studio heads to cast Rudy in the epic, THE FOUR HORSEMAN OF THE APOCALYPSE in 1921.
His dancing skill and athletic ability combined with his natural charm and grace made for a thrilling performance of THE TANGO... he exuded extraordinary sex appeal and sensitivity! Rudy respected and understood that during this period women were fighting for their rights and discovering their freedom - as was he! Flappers were in full swing, embracing their own sexuality and self-discovery.
Not only was Rudy a number 1 best-selling author "DAY DREAMS" 1925, he was a talented comedian with great sense of timing, and a consummate professional. Valentino's passion extended far beyond the picture Hollywood painted of him. His love for children and animals was only exceeded by the love for Natacha Rambova Metro's art deco woman. Valentino determined to break from his matinee idol image and win back the woman he loved, collapsed in New York on august 15th 1926 and subsequently died of a perforated ulcer eight days later.
The death of Rudolph Valentino provoked and enticed riots, suicide and media frenzy. The reaction staggering: grief and hysteria throughout the world!--Rudolph Valentino--