Anna Held was an American actress who is best known for her performances in Broadway shows like A Parlor Match, Papa’s Wife, and her role in the film Madame la Presidente.
Personal and Family Life
Born Helene Anna Held on March 8, 1872, in Warsaw, Poland, she was the youngest of eleven children in a Jewish family. When she was twelve, her family moved to France, where her father died due to alcoholism. She started her singing career in Europe and married wealthy adventurer Maximo Carrera in 1894, with whom she had a daughter named Liane.
Career Highlights
Anna Held began her career in London, where she met producer Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., who later brought her to New York. She quickly became a favorite on Broadway, captivating audiences with her unique voice and bold performances. Her extravagant stage shows led to the creation of the Ziegfeld Follies, and she became famous for her striking hourglass figure.
Death and Legacy
During World War I, Held traveled to France to entertain soldiers but was diagnosed with cancer in early 1918. She passed away from multiple myeloma on August 12, 1918, at the age of 46 and was buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in New York. Her passing was marked by public criticism of Florenz Ziegfeld for not attending her funeral.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Anna Held | 1901-05-23 | Herself |
| Madame la Presidente | 1916-02-06 | Mademoiselle Gobette |
| The Comet | 1910-01-01 | The Comet |