Violette Fox, destined for greatness, made her grand entrance into the world on September 9, 1909, in the vibrant city of New York, where the dazzling lights and limitless possibilities seemed to resonate with her very essence, beckoning her to seize the day. Born into a family that would ultimately become inextricably linked with the film industry, Rita's father, Edwin Carewe, a Native American director of remarkable skill and foresight, would exert a profound impact on her early career, his influence extending far beyond the realm of mere mentorship, as he played a crucial role in shaping her artistic trajectory, guiding her every step of the way, and imbuing her with the confidence and expertise necessary to excel in her chosen field.
Edwin Carewe's extraordinary talent and accomplishments in the early 20th century were so impressive that they didn't go unnoticed by United Artists, the renowned film production and distribution company. This pivotal moment in 1914 marked a significant turning point in the life of Rita, as her family made the bold and courageous decision to relocate to Los Angeles, a city that would forever change the course of her life's journey.
Rita Carewe's life was forever changed by this pivotal moment, marking the commencement of a journey that would be characterized by an intricate tapestry of triumphs, setbacks, and profound insights into the multifaceted and frequently perilous realm of Hollywood.
Rita's cinematic odyssey unfolded with a silent comedy cameo in 1925's "Joanna", inaugurating her foray into the realm of film. This was swiftly followed by appearances in "High Steppers" and "Resurrection", both masterfully directed by her father, a testament to her early immersion in the industry. As her remarkable talent began to gain widespread recognition, Rita developed a distinctive skillset that included meticulously buffing her legs to create the illusion of donning silk stockings, a unique attribute that distinguished her from her peers. In 1927, Rita's exceptional abilities earned her the distinguished honor of being named a WAMPAS Baby Star, alongside esteemed colleagues Sally Rand and Adamae Vaughn, a prestigious recognition that solidified her position as a rising star in the film world.
Rita's odyssey to achieving stardom was replete with challenges, as she had initially been a contender for the highly sought-after role of Lorelei Lee in the legendary 1953 cinematic musical masterpiece "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", only to be eclipsed by Ruth Taylor, a gifted actress who ultimately claimed the coveted part.
Rita's life took a significant turn in 1928 when she made the courageous decision to tie the knot with her fellow actor, LeRoy Mason. Despite the initial optimism surrounding their union, their relationship would ultimately become a tumultuous and troubled one. The couple's time together was marked by intense turmoil, with LeRoy's excessive drinking and threatening behavior gradually chipping away at the fragile bond between them. As the years went by, the destructive forces that had taken hold of their relationship continued to gain momentum, ultimately leading to the demise of their marriage in 1936.
Rita's remarkable acting career, which had previously radiated an intense brilliance, gradually started to lose its radiant glow, prompting her to venture forth and explore alternative paths of professional pursuit. As a result, she made a seamless transition to a new and exciting career, where she effortlessly excelled as a saleswoman in a dress shop, leveraging her innate charisma and warm, engaging personality to effortlessly form lasting connections with customers.
Rita's life, once filled with promise and possibility, took a devastating turn in the year 1954, as the harsh realities of fate intervened in the form of a mouth cancer diagnosis. This life-altering event would forever reshape the course of her existence, plunging her into a tumultuous journey of physical decline and emotional turmoil.
As her health began to rapidly deteriorate, the once-vibrant smile and radiant eyes that had mesmerized audiences for so long, slowly began to lose their luster. The sparkle in her eyes, once a beacon of joy and vitality, dimmed, replaced by the harsh and unforgiving glare of illness and mortality.
Rita's unwavering determination to defy the formidable foe of disease ultimately proved to be an insurmountable challenge, as her health continued to deteriorate, and on October 22, 1955, at the relatively young age of forty-six, she tragically succumbed to the merciless ravages of cancer, leaving behind a lasting legacy of unforgettable performances that continue to captivate audiences to this day, and an enduring impact that has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, forever changing the landscape of the industry and cementing her place as a true icon and legend in her own right.
As the hours ticked by, Rita's earthly body was ceremoniously placed to rest in a grave devoid of any tangible marker at the esteemed Angelus Rosedale Cemetery, situated in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, serving as a poignant and evocative reminder of the impermanence of mortal existence and the ephemeral nature of fame, which, much like the fleeting nature of human life itself, is prone to vanish into the annals of time, leaving behind only the faintest whispers of its erstwhile presence.
