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Mona RicoActress of Mexican descent
Date of Birth: 15.07.1907
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Mona Rico
- Early Career
- Marriage and Tragic Accident
- Divorce and Legal Battle
- Later Years and Death
Biography of Mona Rico
Mona Rico, whose real name was Enriqueta de Valenzuela, was a Mexican actress born on July 15, 1907, in Mexico City, Mexico. At the age of 19, she arrived in Hollywood in April 1928, determined to conquer the film industry, and soon earned a five-year acting contract.
Early Career
Mona's first role was in the melodrama "Eternal Love" directed by Ernst Lubitsch, where she caught the director's attention while sitting in the studio room during casting. When Lubitsch needed a pair of female hands for his film test, Mona willingly offered hers. Impressed by her hands, the director auditioned the rest of her body, and the next day, Mona signed her first contract.
In 1929, Mona starred in her first sound film, "Shanghai Lady," playing the role of a Spanish dancer named Rose. By the time she turned 23, she became a naturalized American citizen.
Marriage and Tragic Accident
In 1932, Mona married James N. Crofton, a wealthy sportsman and co-owner of the "Agua Caliente Club" resort in Lower California. Their romance began in Hollywood and culminated in a wedding ceremony in Washington, DC. However, tragedy struck on July 14, 1932, when the couple was involved in an airplane crash near Mexico City. The horrific rainstorm forced the pilot to change course towards the mountains. While the pilot lost his life, Mona suffered several bruises and a serious cut.
Divorce and Legal Battle
In March 1933, Mona filed for divorce, seeking financial support from her husband. She requested a monthly payment of $2,000, claiming that her facial injury from the airplane crash prevented her from continuing her acting career. However, the lawsuit was withdrawn, and Mona and James reconciled, spending their second honeymoon in Hawaii.
Rumors surfaced in October 1933 that James stopped in Reno, Nevada, supposedly to initiate divorce proceedings. He denied these claims, stating that he was in Reno for business purposes and planned to visit San Diego, California afterward. Nonetheless, Mona obtained a divorce in San Diego, alleging that her husband had verbally abused and even physically assaulted her.
Later Years and Death
After her divorce, Mona's wealth reportedly increased, and she received monthly alimony payments of $500. Her final film appearance was in the 1937 action film "Zorro Rides Again" with John Carroll. Mona Rico passed away in Los Angeles, California, on July 15, 1994, on her 87th birthday.
