Rudolph Valentino

Rudolph Valentino (May 6, 1895 – August 23, 1926) was an Italian actor.

The New York Years

In 1913 he left for the U.S., following the advice of Domenico Savino, a friend of his and of the opera tenor Tito Schipa. He landed in New York, New York on Christmas Day, 1913. After using up a small legacy he endured a spell of poverty during which supported himself with odd jobs such as bussing and gardening. Eventually he found work as a dancer (first as a taxi dancer and instructor, later as an exhibition dancer) and obtained a certain local fame, particularly for his rendition of the Argentine tango. It has been said, but never proven, that during this period he also was a gigolo and that he had legal troubles for prostitution-related matters (he was held as a material witness in the aftermath of a raid on a brothel, but was never actually charged with any crime)

Related Topics:
Tito Schipa - Taxi dancer - Tango

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