Actress. She played ingenues and then vamps in films of the 1920's. Her best role was as Tirzah in "Ben-Hur" (1925). Among her other credits are "The Sea Hawk" (1924), "Revelation" (1924), "Money Talks" (1926), "The Phantom of the North" (1929), and "Klondike Annie" (1936). Key was born Kitty Lanahan in Buffalo, New York. In 1923 she was named a "WAMPAS Baby Star", an annual promotional gimmick that launched the careers of several young actresses. Offscreen, Key was known for her fiery temper. During the mid-1920's she was romantically involved with Buster Keaton, who was married. When the comedian tried to end the relationship, she flew into a rage and destroyed his dressing room. A friend sent Keaton a consoling telegram: "Congratulations. I hear you're off Key". Fired by MGM, her roles diminished in importance and by the 1930's she was appearing as an unbilled extra. She died at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodland Hills, California.
Actress. She played ingenues and then vamps in films of the 1920's. Her best role was as Tirzah in "Ben-Hur" (1925). Among her other credits are "The Sea Hawk" (1924), "Revelation" (1924), "Money Talks" (1926), "The Phantom of the North" (1929), and "Klondike Annie" (1936). Key was born Kitty Lanahan in Buffalo, New York. In 1923 she was named a "WAMPAS Baby Star", an annual promotional gimmick that launched the careers of several young actresses. Offscreen, Key was known for her fiery temper. During the mid-1920's she was romantically involved with Buster Keaton, who was married. When the comedian tried to end the relationship, she flew into a rage and destroyed his dressing room. A friend sent Keaton a consoling telegram: "Congratulations. I hear you're off Key". Fired by MGM, her roles diminished in importance and by the 1930's she was appearing as an unbilled extra. She died at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodland Hills, California.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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