Lyda Roberti was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Torch Singer, Million Dollar Legs, and Pick a Star.
Personal and Family Life
Lyda Roberti was born on May 20, 1906, in Warsaw, Poland, into a family involved in the performing arts. Her father was a German clown and her mother a Polish trick rider. She had two siblings in the entertainment industry: Robert Roberti and actress Manya Roberti. Roberti married Bud Ernest in 1935, but their marriage ended with her untimely death in 1938.
Career
Lyda began her career as a child performer in Europe and Asia before moving to California in 1927. She quickly gained fame in vaudeville and was discovered by Broadway producer Lou Holtz in 1930, leading to her breakout in the 1931 show You Said It. Her comedic characters were known for their charm and a distinctive accent, contributing to her success in films and radio during the early 1930s.
Death and Legacy
Lyda Roberti passed away from a heart attack on March 12, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, at the young age of 31. Before her death, she had appeared on radio shows and was recognized by many for her unique singing style, famously associated with her theme song ‘Sweet and Hot’. Despite her short career, her comedic performances and charm left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Torch Singer | 1933-09-08 | Dora Nichols |
| Three-Cornered Moon | 1933-08-08 | Jenny |
| Pick a Star | 1937-05-21 | Dagmar |
| The Kid from Spain | 1932-11-17 | Rosalie |
| Million Dollar Legs | 1932-07-08 | Mata Machree |
| Nobody’s Baby | 1937-04-23 | Lena Marchetti |
| The Big Broadcast of 1936 | 1935-09-20 | Countess Ysobel de Naigila |
| George White’s 1935 Scandals | 1935-03-29 | Manya |
| Wide Open Faces | 1938-04-18 | Kitty Fredericks |
| Dancers in the Dark | 1932-03-11 | Fanny Zabowolski |
| The Roof Garden Revue | 1929-05-05 | Herself |
| At Sea Ashore | 1936-04-04 | Lyda Roberti |
| Hill-Tillies | 1936-04-24 | Lyda Roberti |
| Meet the Baron | 1933-10-20 | College Girl (uncredited) |
| College Rhythm | 1934-11-23 | Mimi |
| Hollywood Rhythm | 1934-11-15 |