Kathleen Key, born Kitty Lanahan, was a remarkable individual with a rich family history. Her great-great grandfather, Francis Scott Key, was the renowned composer of the iconic American national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner.
Kathleen's early life was marked by a move to a ranch in Southern California when she was just a baby. Her introduction to the world of acting came at a young age, making her debut in the 1920 Australian film The Jackeroo of Coolabong opposite Snowy Baker.
Producer Thomas Ince soon offered her a contract, and Kathleen went on to secure supporting roles in notable films such as The Rookie's Return and The Beautiful And The Damned. Her stunning looks and talent earned her a spot as one of the Wampas Baby Stars of 1923.
Kathleen's career continued to soar as she was signed by MGM and cast as Tirzah in the highly acclaimed drama Ben Hur. Her performance received rave reviews, solidifying her status as a rising star. She went on to appear in several westerns, including The Flaming Frontier, Under Western Skies, and The Desert's Toll.
Off-screen, Kathleen was known for her fiery temper, which often got her into trouble. In a candid interview, she admitted to being "a little bit crazy, not much, you understand, but just a little nutty in the head."
Kathleen's personal life was marked by a series of tumultuous relationships. She was briefly engaged to Italian doctor Ottavio Prochet before embarking on a passionate affair with married actor Buster Keaton. When their romance ended in 1931, Kathleen's temper got the better of her, and she was arrested for beating him up and ransacking his dressing room.
The bad publicity surrounding her arrest destroyed her career, and Kathleen's final role was a minor part in the 1936 film One Rainy Afternoon. By this time, she was struggling with alcoholism and was nearly bankrupt. Her struggles continued, with arrests for public intoxication in 1938 and drunk driving three years later.
Kathleen's health began to decline, and she was eventually diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. She moved into the Motion Picture Country House, where she spent the remainder of her days. Kathleen Key passed away on December 22, 1954, at the age of 51, due to complications from a hepatic coma. She was laid to rest at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood, California.
