Rudolph Valentino was a famous Italian-American actor in the early 20th century, known for his roles in silent films. He gained immense popularity for his performances in movies like The Sheik and Blood and Sand, becoming a cultural icon of the 1920s. His romantic image and charismatic presence made him a heartthrob of the era. Valentino's life was marked by both success and tragedy. He was born on May 6, 1895, in Castellaneta, Italy, and moved to the United States in 1913. His untimely death at the age of 31 in 1926 led to widespread mourning, solidifying his legacy in film history.