Lee, Lila (1901–1973)

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Lee, Lila (1901–1973)

American stage and screen star. Name variations: Cuddles. Born Augusta Appel, July 25, 1901, in Union Hill, NJ; died Nov 13, 1973, in Saranac Lake, NY; m. John E. Murphy (div.); m. John R. Paine (div.); m. James Kirkwood (actor-producer), 1919 (div. 1931); children: James Kirkwood Jr. (playwright, died 1989).

At 5, began performing in vaudeville as "Cuddles"; over the years, appeared in numerous plays; came to film prominence appearing opposite Valentino in Blood and Sand; other films include Broken Hearts, Million Dollar Mystery, Honky Tonk, War Correspondent, Midsummer Madness, The People's Enemy and Two Wise Maids.