Thelma Todd was an American actress born on July 29, 1906, in Lawrence, Massachusetts. She was known by the nicknames "The Ice Cream Blonde" and "Hot Toddy." Her career spanned from 1926 to 1935, during which she appeared in about 120 feature films and shorts.

Thelma Todd was particularly famous for her comedic roles, often working alongside ZaSu Pitts in short films that showcased her great comic timing. She also starred in notable films like the Marx Brothers' "Monkey Business" and "Horse Feathers," as well as "Speak Easily" with Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante.

Her early life was marked by academic success and beauty pageant victories, including being crowned Miss Massachusetts in 1925. She initially aspired to be a schoolteacher but was spotted by a Hollywood talent scout while competing in beauty pageants.

This led to her enrollment at the Paramount Players School and eventually a successful transition to sound films. She began her career with Hal Roach Studios, where she gained recognition for her comedic shorts.

Thelma Todd owned and operated Thelma Todd's Sidewalk Café in Pacific Palisades, California, which became a popular hangout for celebrities. Her life was tragically cut short at the age of 29 when she died from carbon monoxide poisoning in her car in 1935.