Lou Tellegen, a Dutch-born thespian, emerged onto the scene as a silent film and stage actor, film director, and screenwriter, whose life story began on November 26, 1881, as Isidor Louis Bernard Edmon van Dommelen. His initial foray into the world of theater commenced in Amsterdam in 1903, swiftly garnering a reputation that propelled him to share the stage with the illustrious Sarah Bernhardt, with whom he shared a romantic connection.
As his career progressed, Tellegen's performances took him to the City of Light, where he co-starred alongside Bernhardt in a series of productions, solidifying his status as a rising star. In 1910, he made his motion picture debut alongside Bernhardt in the silent film La dame aux camélias, a production that marked a significant milestone in his career and cemented his status as a talented and versatile performer.
In the sweltering summer of 1913, Tellegen embarked on a journey to the bustling city of London, where he simultaneously took on the dual roles of producer and star in Oscar Wilde's renowned theatrical production, The Picture of Dorian Gray. This impressive achievement led to an invitation to return to the United States, where he continued to hone his craft in the world of theatre and made his debut in American cinema in 1915 with the film The Explorer, which was swiftly followed by The Unknown. Noted for his chiseled good looks, Tellegen went on to star in a trio of consecutive films alongside his wife, the talented actress Geraldine Farrar, with whom he shared a romantic partnership from 1916 to 1923.
Notable individual, Tellegen, embarked on a journey of matrimony, ultimately tying the knot on four distinct occasions. This remarkable feat was punctuated by his acquisition of American citizenship in the year 1918.
Throughout his illustrious career, Tellegen made numerous appearances in the realm of cinema, showcasing his talents to a vast audience. However, his life took a dramatic turn on Christmas Day, 1929, when a devastating fire ravaged his person, leaving his face severely disfigured. The unfortunate incident occurred as a result of his falling asleep while indulging in the act of smoking.
In the aftermath of this catastrophic event, Tellegen underwent extensive reconstructive surgery in the year 1931, in an attempt to restore his physical appearance. Despite these valiant efforts, his celebrity status began to wane, and he struggled to find gainful employment, ultimately accumulating a significant amount of debt.
In the year 1931, a pivotal moment in the life of Tellegen occurred, as he took the time to pen his autobiography, aptly titled "Women Have Been Kind".
Around the same time, Tellegen was unaware that a significant health crisis was looming on the horizon, as he was diagnosed with cancer. However, this information was kept concealed from him, leaving him none the wiser.
As the weight of this secret burdened him, Tellegen's spirits began to sink, and he found himself descending into a state of deep despair.
On October 29, 1934, a tragic event unfolded, as Tellegen took his own life in the bathroom of the Cudahy Mansion in Hollywood, where he had been a guest.
