Lena Copeland Baskette, later known as Lina Basquette, was an extraordinary American actress who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, boasting an illustrious 75-year career that spanned the silent film era and beyond. Her remarkable natural talent as a dancer, which was evident from a very young age, enabled her to secure financial compensation and eventually landed her first film contract at the tender age of nine, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey in the world of entertainment.
Throughout the extensive and illustrious span of her remarkable acting career, Basquette has undoubtedly left an indelible mark, with her most iconic and enduring performance arguably being her poignant and nuanced portrayal of Judith in the cinematic masterpiece, The Godless Girl, a film that masterfully brought to life the extraordinary and awe-inspiring story of Queen Silver, a 20th-century child prodigy, pioneering feminist, and socialist activist whose life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to her convictions and unshakeable commitment to creating positive change in the world.
Throughout the span of her life, Basquette's personal relationships were characterized by a series of marriages, with the most notable being her initial union with the renowned producer, Sam Warner, the visionary founder of the prestigious Warner Bros. film studio, who was significantly older than her. This marked the beginning of a tumultuous chapter in her personal life, which was further complicated by the unpredictable fluctuations in her film career, ultimately leading her to rekindle her passion for dancing and stage performances, a pursuit that had been at the core of her artistic identity.
In the year 1947, Basquette bid farewell to the world of entertainment and relocated to the picturesque Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where she discovered a profound affinity for breeding majestic Great Danes. Her canine companions went on to garner an impressive array of prestigious show prizes, a testament to her remarkable expertise and dedication to the craft. Concurrently, Basquette took up the pen, authoring several authoritative books on dog breeding that would serve as a lasting testament to her profound knowledge and insight. Subsequently, Basquette made West Virginia her new home, where she continued to make a lasting impact by serving as a respected judge for the esteemed American Kennel Club. Furthermore, she penned a column, a creative outlet that allowed her to share her wisdom and expertise with a wider audience, thereby solidifying her reputation as a multifaceted and accomplished individual, whose contributions to the world of canine breeding and beyond would be remembered for generations to come.
