Lina Basquette

Lina Basquette, born Lena Copeland Baskette, was a prominent American actress whose remarkable career spanned an impressive 75 years, beginning in the silent film era. A gifted dancer from a young age, she earned her first film contract at just nine years old. Basquette is perhaps best recognized for her captivating performance as Judith in the 1929 film *The Godless Girl*, which drew inspiration from the life of Queen Silver, a renowned child prodigy and a vocal feminist and socialist activist.

Throughout her life, Basquette was known for her multiple marriages, including her first to Sam Warner, a significant figure in the film industry and co-founder of Warner Bros. Despite a tumultuous personal life, she made a noteworthy return to the stage and dance when her film career waned.

After stepping back from the limelight in 1947, Basquette relocated to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where she became an esteemed breeder of Great Danes, earning accolades for her prize-winning dogs. Her passion for canines also led her to author several books on dog breeding. Later, while residing in West Virginia, she contributed her expertise as a judge for the American Kennel Club and penned a column dedicated to her love for dogs, showcasing her multifaceted talents beyond the silver screen.