Irene Rich

Irene Rich (born Irene Luther, October 13, 1891 in Buffalo, New York; died April 22, 1988 in Santa Barbara, California) was an elegant, melodramatic heroine of the silent screen who made occasional forays into sound pictures. She was a particular favorite of Will Rogers, who used her in eight pictures including Water Water Everywhere (1920), The Strange Boarder (1920), Jes' Call Me Jim (1920), Boys Will Be Boys (1921), and The Ropin' Fool (1921).

Related Topics:
October 13 - 1891 - Buffalo, New York - April 22 - 1988 - Santa Barbara, California - Will Rogers

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In the 1930s, Rich enjoyed a spectacular new career on radio. From 1933 to 1944, she hosted a nationwide anthology program of serialized mini-dramas entitled Dear John (also called The Irene Rich Show). Her leading man was actor Gale Gordon, who later played Lucille Ball's nemesis on TV.

Related Topics:
Gale Gordon - Lucille Ball

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Rich also had some success on stage in such productions as Seven Keys to Baldpate (1935) which starred George M. Cohan and As the Girls Go in 1948.

Related Topics:
Seven Keys to Baldpate - George M. Cohan

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At age 96, she died of heart failure and was survived by two daughters -- one of whom, Frances Rich, was a stage and film actress in the 1930s before becoming a noted sculptor.

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