Olive Thomas, born Oliva R. Duffy on October 20, 1894, was a multifaceted American talent, excelling as a silent-film actress, art model, and photo model.
Her career began in 1914 as an illustrator's model, before transitioning to the esteemed Ziegfeld Follies in 1915. During her time as a Ziegfeld girl, she also showcased her versatility by appearing in the more provocative show, The Midnight Frolic.
In 1916, Thomas embarked on a successful film career, starring in over 20 feature films throughout her four-year tenure in the industry. That same year, she married actor Jack Pickford, the younger brother of renowned silent-film star Mary Pickford.
Tragically, Thomas' life was cut short on September 10, 1920, when she passed away in Paris just five days after ingesting her husband's syphilis medication, mercury dichloride, which led to acute nephritis. Although her death was officially ruled accidental, the news of her hospitalization and subsequent passing sparked widespread speculation in the press.
Thomas' untimely demise has been cited as one of the early scandals in Hollywood, receiving significant media attention and cementing her place in the annals of Hollywood history.
