Noted actress of the silent era, renowned for her captivating on-screen presence and enduring popularity, which reached new heights following her collaborations with the illustrious Rudolph Valentino in the iconic films "The Sheik" (1921) and "The Son of the Sheik" (1926).
Her remarkable career began at Essanay Studios in 1915, marking the start of a long and illustrious journey in the world of cinema. During the 1920s, her star shone brightly, thanks in part to the patronage of her lover, Jesse Lasky, who played a significant role in advancing her career.
However, her professional success was not without its challenges. Ayres faced a series of setbacks, including divorces, lawsuits, and struggles with her mental health, which all took a toll on her personal and professional life.
Despite these difficulties, Ayres returned to the screen in 1927, only to find that re-establishing herself as a leading lady proved to be a daunting task. Her hopes for a comeback were pinned on a small role in the 1937 film "Souls at Sea," but unfortunately, this effort did not yield the desired results.
Tragically, Ayres' life was cut short when she passed away in 1940 due to a cerebral hemorrhage, bringing an end to her remarkable yet tumultuous journey in the world of cinema.
