Born 1906 in Warsaw, Polish-American singer and actress Lyda Roberti made her Broadway debut in You Said It in 1931 and, with its success, became an overnight sensation. During her run with the show, she was nicknamed “Broadway’s preferred Polish blonde”.
In 1932, Roberti was signed to Paramount Pictures, where she appeared in Edward F. Cline’s comedy film Million Dollar Legs (1932) as “Mata Machree, The Woman No Man Can Resist”, a Mata Hari-type spy hired to undermine the President of Klopstokia (played by W.C. Fields) in his efforts to secure money for his destitute country.
In 1933, Roberti performed in two more Broadway musicals: the short-lived Pardon My English and the much more successful Roberta. Throughout the 1930s, she played in a string of films. Her sexy but playful characterizations, along with the accent she had acquired during her years in Europe and Asia, made her popular with audiences.
In 1936, Roberti replaced Thelma Todd in several films after Todd’s death. On the night of March 13, 1938, Roberti suffered another severe heart attack. Dr. Myron Babcock unsuccessfully administered heart stimulants, and Roberti died at age 31.
Take a look at these gorgeous photos to see the beauty of Lyda Roberti in the 1930s.
0 comments:
Post a Comment