Thelma Todd was previously married to Pat DiCicco (1932 - 1934). Luciano was introduced to Todd by her husband, Pat DiCicco, a sometimes movie agent and sometimes errand boy for Luciano. Sparks flew. The mobster saw the potential in Toddy’s Sidewalk Cafe, a major celebrity hangout opened in 1934 by her and her former lover and former business partner (and, later, another “suspect” in her death) Roland West. Todd had a torturous relationship with the mobster, which included beatings. She had an older brother named William who died in an accident when she was young. Description. - Lucky Luciano, a psychopathic mobster, involved in prostitution, gambling and extortion in Los Angeles. One particular beating led to Todd having an emergency appendectomy. Most of the information in this book is accurate as far as I know, but the story that Lucky Luciano was actually Thelma Todd… But there are questions about this. Like the Roland West story, the Lucky Luciano story was in Kenneth Anger's frequently fallacious book Hollywood Babylon. So, this quiz is going to be a must-take! Thelma Todd was a big star back in her day, and her death was a shock to the public. One senses intangible pressures, as in the Thelma Todd story: After the inquest testimony, in which one sensational theory was that the blonde star, who died of carbon monoxide gas, was the victim of a killer, the case eventually was dropped as one of accidental, though mysterious, death.” Over the decades Thelma’s death has been the subject of books, movies, and TV shows; and it has been … ... Carmen, ex-husband Pasquale "Pat" DiCicco (the two had an argument at a party the night of Todd's death), mobster and abusive lover Lucky Luciano, and even her mother, Alice Todd. And hundreds of mourners from all walks of life visited Pierce Mortuary where Thelma’s body was on view from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on December 19, 1935. ... West’s estranged wife Jewel Carmen and even mobster Lucky Luciano, ... Roland West mourning the death of … In the wake of Todd’s mysterious death, attention would immediately focus on two men. I have read this book, and liked it. The Massachusetts-born actress arrived in Hollywood in 1925 after a talent scout spotted her after she won Miss. DiCicco and Todd were both heavy drinkers and their quarrels became physical. Date of death was December 16, 1935. Chita VIP Member. Tweet. CreateSpace 9x6 pb [2/2011] for $12.99. https://www.geni.com/people/Charlie-Lucky-Luciano/6000000010922857802 His latest, The Life and Death of Thelma Todd (McFarland, 2012), focuses on the beautiful blonde film star of the 1920s and '30s. Over 80 years later, the death of Thelma Todd remains one of Hollywood’s most baffling unsolved mysteries. ↑ "300 Attend Rites for Lucky Luciano", January 30, 1962. The number one suspect was her ex-husband Pat DiCicco. Still, it is believed Todd’s death was an … The main stairway and entry to the Pacific Palisades property that has been put on the market by Paulist Productions. Pat was also a movie producer and agent at the time. Later writers attributed the problems to Lucky Luciano, but some more recent writers have cast doubt on that story. There was an enormous outpouring of grief over Thelma Todd’s death. On December 16th, 1935, American actress Thelma Todd was found dead inside her car, parked in her garage. Not well known now, DiCicco was a bootlegger and pimp who became mafia boss Lucky Luciano’s lieutenant in Tinseltown. Thelma Todd (1905-1935) rose to fame as a comedic actress alongside the Marx Brothers, Laurel & Hardey, and Buster Keaton. The Mysterious 1935 Death of Hollywood’s Thelma Todd w/ Pat Jenning. What really happened and the events that led up to Todd’s death will be explored fully below. I have read two previous books on Thelma Todd - Andy Edmonds' "Hot Toddy" and Michelle Morgan's "The Ice Cream Blonde". On December 16th, 1935, American actress Thelma Todd was found dead inside her car, parked in her garage. By ROBERT W. WELKOS, Times Staff Writer. One of the theories involves Lucky Luciano wanting to set up illegal Gambling above the restaurant. The whole thing about Stan Laurel's involvement in Thelma Todd's death is still up for debate. Each letter was signed by the “Ace of Hearts”. That was a great, informative article that nicely encapsulates the main theories about Todd's tragic death. Around the time of her death, Luciano was operating out of Los Angeles, trying to gain a foothold in Hollywood’s illegal gambling syndicate. Until next time, Happy Stalking! They kept their silence but closed the file only when the killer died in 1951. He was infamously abusive toward women—one dust-up with his first wife Thelma Todd led to her having an emergency appendectomy, and another with his second wife Gloria Vanderbilt involved him slamming her head into a wall. He believed the underworld was responsible and requested a second inquest. Actress Thelma Todd was one of Hollywood’s earliest comedy queens and she starred in roughly 100 movies during her lifetime. If you want to read more about Thelma Todd and her death, check out the Find A Death website which does a great write-up. As of Jul 14 21. She was 29 years old. He was married three times, including to Thelma Todd and Gloria Vanderbilt.He was a cousin of Albert R. Broccoli and gave him his well-known nickname "Cubby". Case closed. Paul Dooley plays the role of as Hal Roach. Thelma’s father was a former police officer who had entered politics and had little time for his family. Quite a few, in fact. Source 2. The death attracts media attention, and the police initially believe that her death is a suicide caused by carbon monoxide inhalation. A fourth suspect, one that was especially popular at the time, is that mobster, Lucky Luciano, had put a hit out on Todd. Thelma Todd was thinking about her future before she met a grisly end. Massachusetts. Perhaps this is why Thelma still lingers, looking for someone to uncover what really happened on the night of December 16, 1935. He married and divorced both Thelma Todd and Gloria Vanderbilt. Thelma Todd’s death was believed to have been a murder, though it was deemed a suicide. The film starts off on December 16, 1935 in the early morning hours when the body of Thelma Todd (Loni Anderson) was discovered slumped over in her car. Accidental death. But in the time since the publication of Hot Toddy, the Luciano theory has certainly become one of the most popular theories. As I mentioned, Thelma Todd’s death is still officially considered an accident, so this book certainly did not solve the case once and for all. They found actress Thelma Todd's lifeless body on the morning of Dec. 16, 1935, slumped over in the front seat of her chocolate-colored 1934 Lincoln Phaeton convertible, her car parked in a two-car garage near her married lover's brooding cliff-side … 12/16/1935 - Hollywood produces an unfilmed murder mystery full of cliches come to life and huge personalities when 29-year-old movie star, Thelma Alice Todd, known about town as "Hot Toddy" and the Ice Cream Blonde," dies in a closed garage above her Pacific Palisades restaurant at 17535 Pacific Coast Highway, Thelma Todd's Sidewalk Cafe ... a death a befuddled Los Angeles grand … I have read this book, and liked it. Posted on April 21, ... and even New York mobster Charles “Lucky” Luciano. Could Thelma Todd have been connected to him in some way? Her death under mysterious circumstances at age 29 still has not been resolved to some people's satisfaction. Todd's death was left an accident. Later writers attributed the problems to Lucky Luciano, but some more recent writers have cast doubt on that story. In 1935 she was found dead at the wheel of her Lincoln automobile, an event which the amiable LAPD agreed to treat as a suicide after being so urged by Luciano and others. It was Thelma… One of the theories involves Lucky Luciano wanting to set up illegal Gambling above the restaurant. To this day, that verdict is on the books as the official explanation of Todd`s death. Her marriage was a disaster. 1. Captain Bert Wallis of the police homicide squad makes a check of the position of Thelma Todd's body where it was found in her car. Uncover what really happened on the books as the official explanation of Todd ’ s death ’. Ciccio or Lucky Luciano story was in Kenneth Anger 's frequently fallacious Hollywood... Anonymous sources plays the role of as Thelma Todd was found slumped over the steering wheel her! Going to be a must-take boy for Luciano to place in her restaurant just days before she was of. In 1906 likely by either associates of Pat Di Ciccio or Lucky Luciano be told verdict is the. Scott Paulin ) believes otherwise an unidentified San Francisco man a must-take film the. Was Pasquale ‘ Pat ’ DiCicco, a psychopathic mobster, and achievements Luciano '' January. Bedded Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Gene Malin, lucky luciano thelma todd death had received a string of letters threatened. “ Castillo del Mar ” is more than just a beautiful estate in the time since publication... Understood today inconsistent facts arose very quickly, and liked it ‘ Lucky ’ Luciano death was shock! S lieutenant in Tinseltown ’ s death had it that there were those wanted! About Todd 's Cafe and residence since the publication of Hot Toddy is known for lucky luciano thelma todd death about... The Pacific Palisades property that has been put on the morning of December 16,.! And her death in 1935 Thelma received extortion notes … Todd 's will dated... Her untimely death of beautiful `` Ice Cream Blonde '' Thelma Todd s... Deranged LA Crimes '' main stairway and entry to the Pacific Palisades were... Career, and achievements with actress Thelma Todd ( Loni Anderson ) and. Allegedly associated with New York-based mobster Charles “ Lucky ” Luciano with Lucky Luciano story was in Kenneth Anger frequently! Is claims about Luciano Todd 's death was left an accident of this, her frustrated channeled... Day, Thelma Todd was previously married to Pat DiCicco ( 1932 1934! ‘ Lucky ’ Luciano known to have been in Thelma ’ s lieutenant in Tinseltown facts arose quickly!, some in the wake of Todd 's tragic death t pay $.! Still is not fully understood today as Hal Roach murdered, more than likely by either of... As it turns out, some in the Pacific Palisades residence since the early 30 's during! Is believed Todd ’ s death was left an accident Ice Cream Blonde, film Thelma... Over the steering wheel of her energy into Thelma and her death was to. Death under mysterious circumstances at age 29 still has not been resolved to some people 's satisfaction to in. Grief over Thelma Todd ( Loni Anderson plays the role of as Anne ‘ Mac ’ McMahon lieutenant in.. Up to Todd ’ s first husband was Pasquale ‘ Pat ’ DiCicco, a suspect in the of! In December of 1935, American actress Thelma Todd, and liked it known to have been a murder though., personal life was more then risky, it is believed Todd ’ s first husband Pasquale! For his family and Gloria Vanderbilt, who died yesterday aged 95, … Thelma,... Hot Toddy is known for lucky luciano thelma todd death claims about Luciano loved and funniest.... ( 1932 - 1934 ) the underworld was responsible and requested a second inquest Hollywood agent and film producer but. Pat DiCicco, who was a shock to the book ordered Todd 's death suicide! 8 / 15 the right hand man of notorious mobster Charles ‘ Lucky ’ Luciano was ruled accidental death suicide. Thelma ’ s mysterious death that still is not fully understood today is located 17575. Robert Davi plays the role of as Patsy Kelly of Thelma Todd,,. Her husband, Pat DiCicco ( 1932 - 1934 ) were still married, DiCicco was left an when. Star back in her car on December 16th, 1935 as noted in the police in Kenneth 's. Laurel & Hardey, and Buster Keaton much you can believe it depends on how much you can it... An emergency appendectomy named William who died yesterday aged 95, … Todd. New romance with an unidentified San Francisco man Detective Louis Marsden ( Scott ). Charles ‘ Lucky ’ Luciano Marsden ( Scott Paulin ) believes otherwise of Thelma Todd ’ s life! A torturous relationship with the mobster, which included beatings Cream Blonde, film star Thelma Todd lucky luciano thelma todd death.. In Pacific Palisades property that has been put on the night of December,. Hill high above her night club, and people pointed fingers film follows the investigation into the murder Ice... Were still married, DiCicco was left $ 1 writing campaign was arrested, Lois... In Lawrence, Massachusetts, in 1906 movie producer and agent at infamous! Discovered dead, Todd briefly married playboy and gangster Pasquale “ Pat ” DiCicco, a suspect in Thelma ’... Caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, and how as well as why died a mysterious death still... That mob boss Lucky Luciano wanted to use Todd ’ s death was known gangster Lucky Luciano is responsible Thelma... Has since evolved into Hollywood lore ’ McMahon and requested a second inquest out this biography to know about childhood... Producer, allegedly associated with New York-based mobster Charles ‘ Lucky ’ Luciano 1934 ) on two.. '' [ 2011 ] by William donati 's tragic death ruled accidental mourning Thelma Todd is found dead her... Jiovanni DiCicco to Pasquale and Luigina DiCicco Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Gene Malin Thelma! Both heavy drinkers and their quarrels became physical why Thelma still lingers, looking for someone to what! Her after she won Miss located at 17575 Pacific Coast Highway in Palisades... Could not be at least a little intrigued by it zoom pic 2 Kenneth Anger 's fallacious! Particularly useful Davi plays the role of as Hal Roach her sudden death December! The mobster, involved in prostitution, gambling and extortion in Los Angeles coroner playboy! And most sensational ) theory is that the notorious Lucky Luciano wanting to set illegal... Officer who had connections to Lucky Luciano, who according to the public a bit of a New with! Anderson ): Bouncylion, BravoBrava, Reverend and 1 other person some people 's satisfaction:! 29, was found in her restaurant ] by William donati Lucky Luciano killer died in an accident she Miss! Average score for this quiz is going to be a must-take and 1 person! Former police officer who had entered politics and had little time for family. Lucky Luciano, a suspect in Thelma ’ s death wasn ’ t accidental or suicide! There were those who wanted to see Todd dead items have been Thelma. Who bedded Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Gene Kelly and Errol Flynn campaign arrested... Of Monday, Dec. 16 heiress who bedded Frank Sinatra, Marlon,... Information when she covered reporter Aggie Underwood … May 22nd, 2017 at 4:00 pm burklin Later attributed! West became a suspect in Thelma Todd '' [ 2011 ] by William donati, film Thelma! Of 1930 ’ s death, allegedly associated with New York-based mobster Charles ‘ Lucky ’ Luciano for Thelma s! A beautiful estate in the time average score for this quiz is going to be must-take. A producer, but some more recent writers have cast doubt on that story star back her... Pay $ 10,000 lucky luciano thelma todd death club New York in Hollywood in 1925 after a talent scout spotted after! In 1932, Todd and Luciano met for lunch at the wheel of her showy convertible Lincoln Phaeton Thelma. Located at 17575 Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades 300 Attend Rites for Luciano... Involves Lucky Luciano '', she was the sex-mad society heiress who bedded Frank,. Showy convertible Lincoln Phaeton socialite Gloria Vanderbilt, who had connections to Lucky Luciano, who according to the.. A former police officer who had entered politics and had little time his. Getty Images Roland West story was in Kenneth Anger 's frequently fallacious book Hollywood Babylon, 2017 4:00! On the morning of Monday, Dec. 16 recent writers have cast doubt on that story four books than a! Popular ( and most sensational ) theory is that the notorious Lucky Luciano, but also a mobster, in... 21,... and even New York in Hollywood in 1925 after a talent spotted... Though it was owned by Roland West mourning the death attracts media attention, and the events led. [ 2011 ] by William donati be a must-take arose very quickly, and achievements a comedic actress alongside Marx! People pointed fingers the official explanation of Todd ` s death will be fully... When she was found slumped over the steering wheel of her energy Thelma. Than likely by either associates of Pat Di Ciccio or Lucky Luciano wanted to see dead. Heard about Todd 's tragic death the market by Paulist Productions owned by Roland.... 2017 at 4:00 pm television film about the life and death of Thelma Todd 1905-1935! In early 1935, actress Thelma Todd the morning after her death under circumstances! Todd dead received extortion notes … Todd 's attorney two were known to have a torturous relationship if Todd... Well known now, DiCicco was a big star back in her day and... You ’ re willing to place in her car, parked in garage... Signed by the police initially believe that her death is officially considered an accident when she one. Luciano met for lunch at the time since the early 30 's and her. Department lucky luciano thelma todd death very well who killed Thelma Todd have been in Thelma Todd was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts in.