Rex Cherryman
Rex Cherryman (
October 30,
1897 -
August 10,
1928) was an
American actor of the stage and screen whose career was most prolific during the 1920s.
Born in
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, Cherryman began his film career at the age of 22, appearing in the 1919 comedic film
In For Thirty Days opposite popular leading lady of of the silent film era,
May Allison. The following year, Cherryman was chosen by the notable screen diva
Alla Nazimova to appear opposite her in her penned dramatic film
Madame Peacock. Cherryman and Nazimova developed a friendship and at Nazimova's request, he was cast in the role Gaston Rieux in the 1921 film that would possibly become his most recalled performance - 1921's
Metro Pictures Corporation film adaptation of the
Alexandre Dumas novel
La Dame aux Camélias, retitled as
Camille. The film was an enormous critical and public success, placing Cherryman directly in the public consciousness and co-starred Italian matinee idol
Rudolph Valentino, Nazimova and
Patsy Ruth Miller.
In addition to films, Cherryman was frequently involved with
Broadway during his career and made several notable appearances on the stage, among them: the musical comedy
Topsy and Eva which ran from 1924 through 1925,
The Valley of Content in 1925, and the
Willard Mack penned drama
The Noose, which ran from 1926 through 1927. While performing in the
The Noose, Cherrymen began dating a young fellow cast member named
Barbara Stanwyck.
The Noose would subsequently become one of the biggest hits of the season and help launch Stanwyck's career. Cherryman's last stint on Broadway was a starring role in the 1927 dramatic production of
The Trial of Mary Dugan opposite actor
Robert Cummings at the National Theatre.
Cherryman's last film performance was in a small role in the 1928 film
Two Masters. While vacationing in Europe, Cherrymen contracted
septic poisoning and died in
Le Havre, France at the age of 30. Cherryman never married and at the time of his death was still romantically linked to Barbara Stanwyck.
*
Time Magazine, October 3, 1927: New Plays in Manhattan.*
Time Magazine, August 10, 1928: Milestones. *
Barbara Stanwyck Tribute
