| Valentino Never Had His Dream Come True |
Rodolpho d'Antonguollo kept a diary and when he decided to leave his poor Italian Village of Castellaneta, in 1913 at the age of 18; he wrote these words, "I wanted more than mere fortune, I wanted love. I wanted my name to ring around the world. I shall never go home until I go home somebody."
In years to follow this young man would be known as the "World's Greatest Lover" Rudolph Valentino. As a film star he won fame and fortune in America.
Upon his arrival to the United States, Rudy worked as a gardener and cabaret dancer before heading to Hollywood. After years as a bit player, he finally hit it big in 1921 and went on to star in "The Sheik" and other films.
This American screen sensation was hounded by women who tore his clothes and even followed him to bed.
But in Italy, things were quite different. On a trip back home in 1923, he was still a nobody. In his diary he wrote, "No one paid any attention to me. There were hundreds of Valentino’s in Italy far more handsome than I can ever hope to be. In America my type stands out somewhat. The Anglo Saxon has a distinct 'flair' for the Latin... But in my own country I am simply one of many. Ten years from now I may be popular in Italy. But they don't know me now."
Unfortunately Valentino's dream homecoming would not be; he died 3 years later at the age of 31, from peritonitis.
Fifty thousand women tried to attend the actor's funeral and mourners still visit his grave in Hollywood.
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