Kathleen Key, a renowned American actress, briefly enjoyed a period of widespread recognition during the era of silent films. Her most notable and enduring role was that of Tirzah in the 1925 film production of Ben-Hur, a cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time.
Interestingly, Kathleen Key was not only a talented actress but also a descendant of great historical significance. She was, in fact, the great-great granddaughter of Francis Scott Key, the esteemed composer of the iconic American national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner". Furthermore, Key was a distant cousin of the celebrated American author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, whose literary works continue to captivate readers to this day.
Kitty Lanahan, the illustrious actress who would later become renowned as Kathleen Key, made her foray into the world of cinema in 1920, starring in the iconic film "The Jackeroo of Coolabong" in a leading role that showcased her remarkable talent.
Throughout the 1920s, Kathleen Key, who was occasionally credited as Kathleen Keys, appeared in a string of films, yet despite her undeniable abilities, she never quite reached the pinnacle of stardom, often being overlooked for her performances, with a few notable exceptions that served as a testament to her remarkable range as an actress.
In the early 1920s, the life of Key became entwined with that of a renowned silent-film actor, Buster Keaton, who was already married at the time. Keaton's biography vividly recounts the tumultuous nature of their romantic affair, which was marked by passion and tumult. Despite Keaton's attempts to extricate himself from the relationship, Key's possessiveness and jealousy knew no bounds, and she responded to his efforts to end the affair by unleashing a furious and destructive rage upon his MGM dressing room. This ill-fated incident had far-reaching consequences, ultimately leading to Key's virtual ostracism from the movie industry. Furthermore, Keaton refused to provide Key with a financial loan, a decision that only served to exacerbate the already strained nature of their relationship.
Following her departure from active professional life in 1936, Key devoted the remainder of her days to a life of moderate comfort, residing at the esteemed Motion Picture Country House in Woodland Hills, California. It was during this period of relative tranquility that she eventually passed away at the tender age of 51 in the year 1954. The location of her final resting place is situated at the revered Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery.
