Rudolph Valentino

Silent film idol

Rudolph Valentino was an Italian-born American actor who became the leading male sex symbol of the silent film era.

His roles as a passionate, exotic lover in films like *The Sheik* (1921) made him a cultural phenomenon.

His sudden death at 31 in 1926 caused mass hysteria among fans.

The name now evokes old-fashioned masculine allure: He fancies himself a Rudolph Valentino.

Opposites

silent film era vs. sound era stardom

Rudolph ValentinoClark Gable

exotic romantic ideal vs. all-american masculinity

Rudolph ValentinoJohn Wayne

tragic early death vs. long career/life

Rudolph ValentinoCharlie Chaplin

Family