Emily Leider, 1937 – 2026

Sad synchronicity—I was just about to email Emily Leider on the 100^th anniversary of Rudolph Valentino’s death, when I discovered that Emily herself died on July 16, age 88. Emily wrote biographies of Myrna Loy, Mae West, and Gertrude Atherton, as well as several books of poetry, but to me her greatest work was her 2003 book Dark Lover: The Life and Death of Rudolph Valentino. You know what a tough audience I am, but I think this is the best bio of Valentino, and I am happy to say he comes off as a genuinely nice guy in it. Emily was also very helpful and friendly to me when researching my own books. Her family writes, “She loved film, all kinds of music, travel, cats, plants, and time spent with family. Until her last days, she could knock out a pun with her quick wit and pull you in with her uproarious and infectious laughter.” So in honor of Rudy and Emily, rush out and get her book right now! Also, Rudy’s Cobra (1925) is on YouTube and worth checking out—his foray into Cary Grant-like light comedy is delightful.