Rita Jolivet was an American actress who is best known for her roles in silent films such as “Messalina,” “Roger la Honte,” and “Lest We Forget.” Born on September 25, 1884, in Castleton, New York, she had a career that lasted from 1914 to 1926.
Personal and Family Life
Rita Jolivet was born as Marguerite Lucile Jolivet. She was married twice, first to Alfred Charles Stern and later to Count Giuseppe de Cippico. Rita had a sister named Inez, who sadly took her own life after her husband was lost on the Lusitania during its sinking in 1915. Jolivet herself was a survivor of this tragic event, which deeply affected her family.
Career
Rita Jolivet was a silent film actress whose career spanned from 1914, when she appeared in “Fata Morgana,” until 1926 with her last film, “Phi-Phi.” Over her brief career, she starred in only 20 films, making a significant impact during the silent film era. After 1926, she largely stepped away from the film industry. Rita also gave vivid testimonies about the sinking of the Lusitania in court, which were connected to lawsuits against the Cunard Steamship Company.
Death and Legacy
Rita Jolivet passed away on March 2, 1971, in Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France. Her legacy is remembered through her contributions to early cinema and her family connections, including being the great-great-aunt of actor Finn Wolfhard. Her dramatic experiences, including surviving the Lusitania sinking, remain a notable part of her life story.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Messalina | 1924-01-12 | |
| Roger la Honte | 1922-09-22 | Julia de Noirville |
| Lest We Forget | 1918-01-27 | Rita Heriot |
| An International Marriage | 1916-07-23 | Florence Brent |
| Teodora | 1921-10-14 | Teodora Augusta |
| The Unafraid | 1915-04-01 | Delight Warren |
| One Law for Both | 1917-05-13 | Elga Pulaski |