Alma Rubens, a multifaceted and gifted American film actress and stage performer, entered the world on February 19, 1897.
Her illustrious career began in the mid-1910s, and she rapidly ascended to stardom in 1916, following her captivating performance opposite the dashing Douglas Fairbanks in the cinematic masterpiece, The Half Breed.
Throughout the remainder of the decade, she consistently appeared in a diverse range of supporting roles in both comedies and dramas, thereby solidifying her reputation as a supremely versatile and talented actress, renowned for her remarkable range and ability to effortlessly transition between different genres and characters.
In the 1920s, a pivotal moment in the life of the renowned actress, Rubens, presented itself when a chorus girl in a musical comedy theater troupe fell ill, prompting the troupe's directors to select Rubens as her replacement. This chance encounter led to a serendipitous meeting with the charismatic Franklyn Farnum, who would later play a crucial role in convincing Rubens to abandon her life on stage and pursue a career in the burgeoning film industry.
Rubens' breakthrough performance arrived in 1916, with the release of the movie "Reggie Mixes In", a film that marked the beginning of her illustrious cinematic journey. This initial success was swiftly followed by a string of six additional films, each one solidifying her reputation as a talented and versatile actress, and paving the way for a long and illustrious career in Hollywood.
In the year 1917, a significant milestone occurred in the career of the talented actress, Rubens, as she took on the starring role in the highly acclaimed film, The Firefly of Tough Luck. This notable achievement marked a turning point in her journey to widespread recognition, which had already begun to unfold earlier that year when she was cast as the leading lady opposite the renowned actor, Douglas Fairbanks, in the 1916 production of The Half Breed.
Notably, her subsequent appearance alongside Fairbanks and the esteemed actress, Bessie Love, in the 1916 film, The Mystery of the Leaping Fish, further cemented her status as a rising star in the world of cinema.
In a decision aimed at clarifying her professional identity, Rubens announced in 1918 that she would be altering the spelling of her surname from Rueben to "Rubens", a move prompted by the recurring confusion surrounding her name in the movie industry and publications.
Ruby Rubens, a talented and captivating actress, went on to solidify her position in the film industry, appearing in a diverse range of cinematic productions, including the 1920 movie masterpiece, The World and His Wife, opposite the esteemed Montague Love, as well as the critically acclaimed films, The Price She Paid and Cytherea, released in 1924.
Despite her initial success and promising career trajectory, Ruby's life took a dramatic turn as she grappled with the devastating consequences of drug addiction, a struggle that ultimately proved too great for her to overcome, leading to the eventual decline and cessation of her acting career.
Notorious for her tumultuous life, Rubens met an untimely demise in January 1931, succumbing to the devastating effects of pneumonia, mere days after being apprehended for alleged narcotics offenses.
A poignant funeral service was held on January 24, 1931, at the serene and picturesque Little Church of the Flowers, nestled within the tranquil confines of Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in the picturesque city of Glendale.
Following this initial commemoration, Rubens' mortal remains were transported to the vibrant city of Fresno, where a second, equally solemn, service was conducted at the Christian Science Church on January 26, 1931.
In the end, Rubens' eternal resting place was secured in the historic Ararat Massis Armenian Cemetery, situated in Fresno, where she was laid to rest amidst the tranquil beauty of the Armenian landscape.
Noted American actress Alma Rubens, whose illustrious career in the realm of motion pictures has left an indelible mark on the industry, was honored with the prestigious distinction of a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, situated at the address of 6409 Hollywood Boulevard.
