Irène Bordoni, a Corsican-born actress, was a renowned figure on the Broadway stage, but her transition to the silver screen was marked by limited success. Born to Italian parents, she began her career as a child actress in her native country before emigrating to the United States, where she established herself in musical revues and adaptations of French farces.
With a string of hits from 1913 to 1929, Bordoni accumulated fame and fortune, often described as "volatile" due to her fiery personality. Her trademark included her French accent, flamboyant costumes, and distinctive features such as her brunette bangs, pursed lips, and rolling eyes.
In 1929, Bordoni made her Hollywood debut in the film Paris, co-produced by her husband E. Ray Goetz, in which she starred alongside English actor Jack Buchanan. Although the film received a moderate response at the box office, it failed to ignite her film career. She also appeared in the all-star revue Show of Shows (1929),but it did not lead to greater success.
Bordoni returned to Broadway and made sporadic appearances on screen, including a memorable performance in the animated short Just a Gigolo (1932) and a supporting role in Louisiana Purchase (1941). When not on stage, she maintained a high public profile through her involvement in well-publicized legal battles.
Throughout her career, Bordoni was known for her lavish lifestyle, which included a home in Beverly Hills, a villa on the French Riviera, and an apartment in Paris. Despite her limited success in film, she remains a fascinating figure in the history of American entertainment.
