Lilyan Tashman
Actor
About Lilyan Tashman
Lilyan Tashman was a prominent American actress during the transition from silent films to talkies, known for her sophisticated screen presence and glamorous off-screen persona. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she began her career as a model before transitioning to films in the early 1920s. Tashman quickly established herself as a versatile character actress, often playing vamps, society women, and witty supporting roles. Her career flourished during the late 1920s with notable performances in films like 'Manhandled' (1924) opposite Gloria Swanson and 'So This Is Paris' (1926) directed by Ernst Lubitsch. She successfully made the transition to sound films, appearing in early talkies such as 'Bulldog Drummond' (1929) and 'New York Nights' (1929). Tragically, her promising career was cut short when she died of cancer in 1934 at the age of 37. Despite her relatively short career, Tashman left a lasting impression on Hollywood with her distinctive style, sharp wit, and memorable performances that captured the essence of the Jazz Age.
The Craft
On Screen
Tashman was known for her sophisticated and worldly screen presence, often playing witty, intelligent women with sharp comedic timing. She excelled at portraying vamps and society ladies, bringing a unique blend of elegance, cynicism, and charm to her roles. Her acting style was naturalistic yet stylized, perfectly suited to both silent films' exaggerated expressions and the more subtle requirements of early sound cinema.
Milestones
- Breakthrough role in 'Manhandled' (1924)
- Starred in Ernst Lubitsch's 'So This Is Paris' (1926)
- Successfully transitioned to talkies with 'Bulldog Drummond' (1929)
- Married actor Edmund Lowe in 1925
- Became a fashion icon and style trendsetter in the 1920s
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (located at 6301 Hollywood Boulevard)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lilyan Tashman embodied the liberated, sophisticated woman of the Jazz Age, both on and off screen. Her fashion choices influenced women's style throughout the 1920s, particularly her adoption of shorter hemlines, bobbed hair, and bold accessories. As one of the few actresses who successfully transitioned from silent films to talkies, she represented the adaptability required during Hollywood's technological revolution. Her portrayal of independent, intelligent women helped challenge traditional gender roles in cinema, paving the way for more complex female characters in subsequent decades.
Lasting Legacy
Despite her brief career, Lilyan Tashman remains remembered as a style icon of the 1920s and a talented actress who captured the spirit of her era. Her films are studied by film historians for their representation of Jazz Age culture and the transition from silent to sound cinema. Tashman's ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles demonstrated the range possible for character actresses in early Hollywood. Her legacy also includes being one of early Hollywood's few openly bisexual stars, though this aspect of her life was often downplayed in contemporary press.
Who They Inspired
Tashman influenced subsequent generations of actresses through her sophisticated approach to character acting and her ability to balance glamour with substance. Her work with directors like Ernst Lubitsch helped establish the sophisticated comedy style that would influence Hollywood for decades. Her fashion sense and personal style continue to be referenced in period films and fashion retrospectives about the 1920s. Contemporary actresses playing Jazz Age characters often study Tashman's performances for authenticity in portraying the era's distinctive blend of modernity and elegance.
Off Screen
Tashman was known for her glamorous lifestyle and was one of Hollywood's most fashionable stars during the 1920s. She was openly bisexual in an era when such matters were kept private, having relationships with both men and women. Her marriage to Edmund Lowe was considered one of Hollywood's happiest, though they both had affairs. Tashman was known for her lavish parties, impeccable fashion sense, and sharp wit, making her a popular figure in Hollywood social circles.
Education
Erasmus Hall High School, Brooklyn, New York; studied at Art Students League of New York
Family
- Edmund Lowe (1925-1934)
Did You Know?
- Was discovered while working as a model in New York
- Spoke multiple languages including French and German
- Was a talented painter and sculptor
- Her death from cancer at age 37 was kept secret from the public initially
- Was one of the first Hollywood stars to adopt the bob haircut
- Hosted regular poker games with Hollywood's elite
- Her marriage to Edmund Lowe was considered one of Hollywood's most successful
- Was a close friend of fellow actress Tallulah Bankhead
- Left a significant art collection that was auctioned after her death
- Was known for her extensive wardrobe of designer gowns and accessories
In Their Own Words
I'd rather be a first-rate version of myself than a second-rate version of someone else.
In Hollywood, you can die a thousand deaths before breakfast.
Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lilyan Tashman?
Lilyan Tashman was an American actress active during the 1920s and early 1930s, known for her sophisticated roles in silent films and early talkies. She was also famous as a fashion icon and style trendsetter of the Jazz Age, known for her glamorous lifestyle and sharp wit.
What films is Lilyan Tashman best known for?
Tashman is best known for 'Manhandled' (1924) with Gloria Swanson, 'So This Is Paris' (1926) directed by Ernst Lubitsch, 'Bulldog Drummond' (1929), 'New York Nights' (1929), and 'Millie' (1931). These films showcased her versatility in both silent and sound cinema.
When was Lilyan Tashman born and when did she die?
Lilyan Tashman was born on October 23, 1896, in Brooklyn, New York, and died on March 21, 1934, in New York City from cancer at the age of 37.
What awards did Lilyan Tashman win?
While Lilyan Tashman did not receive major acting awards during her lifetime, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6301 Hollywood Boulevard, recognizing her contributions to the film industry.
What was Lilyan Tashman's acting style?
Tashman was known for her sophisticated, worldly screen presence with sharp comedic timing. She excelled at playing vamps and society women, bringing elegance, cynicism, and charm to her roles. Her style adapted well from the expressive requirements of silent film to the subtlety needed for talkies.
Was Lilyan Tashman married?
Yes, Lilyan Tashman married actor Edmund Lowe in 1925, and they remained married until her death in 1934. Their marriage was considered one of Hollywood's happiest despite both having affairs.
How did Lilyan Tashman die?
Lilyan Tashman died from cancer on March 21, 1934, at the age of 37. Her illness and death were initially kept secret from the public to protect her image.
What was Lilyan Tashman's cultural impact?
Tashman embodied the liberated woman of the Jazz Age and was a major fashion influencer of the 1920s. She successfully transitioned from silent to sound films and helped establish sophisticated comedy styles. Her portrayal of independent women challenged traditional gender roles in cinema.
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Films
5 films
