Lillian Roth was an American actress who is best known for her roles in The Love Parade, Animal Crackers, and Madam Satan. Born on December 13, 1910, in Boston, Massachusetts, she became a notable figure in early Hollywood musicals and Broadway.
Personal and Family Life
Lillian Roth, born Lillian Rutstein, grew up in a family deeply involved in the theater. She had a younger sister, Ann, and their parents nurtured both of their talents from a young age. The family relocated to New York City in 1916, where Lillian began her career as a child performer. She faced personal challenges throughout her life, including multiple marriages, with her first being to Benjamin Shalleck in 1933.
Career Highlights
Lillian’s career took off in Broadway shows and in Hollywood films, especially during the late 1920s and early 1930s. She gained fame for her singing and acting talents, but personal tragedies led her to struggle with alcoholism. After years of battling addiction, she found support and renewed her career in the late 1940s, touring and publishing her autobiography, “I’ll Cry Tomorrow,” in 1954.
Death and Legacy
Lillian Roth passed away from a stroke on May 12, 1980, in New York City, at the age of 69. Her legacy lives on through her contributions to the entertainment industry and as a pioneer for discussing alcoholism openly. Her autobiography and life story inspired many, and she is remembered for her remarkable talent and resilience.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Alice, Sweet Alice | 1976-11-13 | Pathologist |
| Animal Crackers | 1930-08-08 | Arabella Rittenhouse |
| Ladies They Talk About | 1933-02-04 | Linda |
| The Love Parade | 1930-01-18 | Lulu |
| Madam Satan | 1930-09-20 | Trixie |
| Sea Legs | 1930-12-01 | Adrienne |
| The Vagabond King | 1930-02-17 | Huguette |
| Honey | 1930-03-29 | Cora Falkner |
| What’s My Line? | 1950-02-02 | Self – Mystery Guest |
| This Is Your Life | 1952-10-01 | Self |