Irene Luther was born on October 13, 1891, in Buffalo, New York, to a family that was once well-to-do. However, her father's reversal of fortune forced the family to relocate to California when Irene was still young.
After completing her education, Irene pursued a career as a realtor, but she had already married twice by the time she decided to become an actress. By the age of 27, she had begun working as a movie extra.
Irene's early success in the film industry came quickly, and her first significant role was in The Girl in His House (1918). She went on to become a poised and resourceful co-star, working with leading men such as Will Rogers, Harry Carey, Lon Chaney, John Barrymore, and Strongheart the Dog.
However, Irene's true screen persona emerged in the form of tearjerkers, where she played the role of the ever-suffering, well-coiffed "doormat" in her own plush, domestic dramas. Her performances in women's pictures throughout the 1920s made her a favorite among audiences, with one of her most notable roles being in Lady Windermere's Fan (1925).
As Irene grew older, she transitioned into more motherly roles, and by the time sound films became popular, she was playing Will Rogers' pushy wife in several of his social comedies, including So This Is London (1930) and Down to Earth (1932).
In addition to her film career, Irene also enjoyed success on radio, hosting her own nationwide anthology program, "Dear John" (also known as "The Irene Rich Show"),from 1933 to 1944. Her leading man on the show was Gale Gordon, who later became famous for his role as Lucille Ball's boss on the 1960s TV show "The Lucy Show".
Irene also had a successful stage career, appearing in productions such as "Seven Keys to Baldpate" (1935),which starred George M. Cohan. She eventually retired from acting, marrying businessman George Henry Clifford in 1950 and spending the rest of her life in comfortable retirement.
Irene Rich passed away at the age of 96 due to heart failure, leaving behind two daughters, including Frances Rich, who was an actress and later became a notable sculptor.
