Vilma Bánky was an American actress known for her roles in films such as The Son of the Sheik, The Eagle, and The Winning of Barbara Worth. Born in Austria-Hungary, she gained fame in Hollywood during the 1920s as “The Hungarian Rhapsody.”
Personal and Family Life
Vilma Bánky was born on January 9, 1898, in Nagydorog, Austria-Hungary. She married actor Rod La Rocque on June 26, 1927, and they remained together until his death in 1969. She had one sibling, Viktor Bánky, who was part of her family.
Career
Bánky began her film career appearing in Hungarian, Austrian, and French movies before moving to Hollywood in 1926. She became one of Samuel Goldwyn’s top stars, especially known for her performances alongside Ronald Colman and Rudolph Valentino. Her first sound film was This Is Heaven, released in 1929, after which she toured the U.S. in a stage production.
Death and Legacy
Vilma Bánky passed away on March 18, 1991, in Los Angeles, California, due to cardiorespiratory arrest. She left behind a legacy as one of the prominent actresses of the silent film era, remembered particularly for her collaboration with iconic stars and her unique charm.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Son of the Sheik | 1926-09-05 | Yasmin, André’s Daughter |
| The Winning of Barbara Worth | 1926-10-14 | Barbara Worth |
| The Eagle | 1925-11-08 | Mascha Troekouroff |
| A Lady to Love | 1930-02-28 | Lena Shultz |
| Two Lovers | 1928-03-23 | Donna Leonora de Vargas |
| The Awakening | 1928-11-17 | Marie Ducrot |
| The Magic Flame | 1927-09-17 | Bianca, the Aerial Artist |
| The Circus: Premiere | 1928-01-13 | Self |
| This Is Heaven | 1929-06-22 | Eva Petrie |
| The Night of Love | 1927-01-22 | Princess Marie |
| The Golden Twenties | 1950-04-08 | Self (archive footage) |
| The Dark Angel | 1925-09-27 | Kitty Vane |
| Max, der Zirkuskönig | 1924-05-23 | |
| Das Bildnis | 1923-10-02 | |
| Die Sehnsucht jeder Frau | 1930-05-17 | Mizzi |
| The Legend of Rudolph Valentino | 1961-05-24 | Self (archive footage) |
| Galathea | 1922-10-22 | |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| The Beverly Hillbillies | 1962-09-26 | Actress in Silent Film (archive footage) |