Theda Bara was an American silent film actress, born on July 29, 1885, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She became one of the earliest sex symbols in Hollywood during the 1910s, known for her exotic looks and dramatic roles. Bara gained fame for her portrayal of femme fatales in films like A Fool There Was and Cleopatra, which helped define the "vamp" archetype in cinema. Her career peaked during the silent film era, and she was one of the first actresses to cultivate a strong public persona. Despite her early success, Bara's popularity waned with the advent of sound films, leading to her retirement in the early 1930s. She passed away on April 7, 1955.