Nita Naldi was an American actress and stage performer who became a prominent figure during the silent film era. She was born as Mary Nonna Dooley on November 13, 1894, in New York City to Irish immigrant parents. Her early life was marked by hardship, as she lost several siblings in infancy and her father left the family when she was young. 

After her mother's death in 1915, she took on the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings. To support her family, she worked as a model and later entered vaudeville, performing as a chorus girl.

Nita Naldi adopted her stage name from a childhood friend and began her acting career on Broadway. Her talent and striking appearance caught the attention of filmmakers, and she transitioned to silent films. She gained fame for her role in the 1920 film "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," starring John Barrymore. 

Her performance in this film led to more opportunities, and she became known for playing vamp roles, a type of femme fatale character. One of her most notable performances was in the 1922 film "Blood and Sand," where she starred alongside Rudolph Valentino. This role solidified her image as a glamorous and mysterious actress. She also appeared in films like "Cobra," "The Ten Commandments," and "The Pleasure Garden," directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

Her personal life was as colorful as her career. She married J. Searle Barclay in 1929, but their relationship faced challenges, and they eventually separated. She was known for her wit, intelligence, and flamboyant personality. Despite her success, she faced financial difficulties later in life and filed for bankruptcy in the 1930s. She retired from films in the late 1920s but continued to perform on stage and in television for financial reasons.

Throughout her career, she worked with some of the finest directors and actors of her time. Although she did not receive major awards, her contributions to the film industry were significant. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, recognizing her impact on the entertainment world.

Nita Naldi passed away on February 17, 1961, in New York City.