Born Rex Lloyd Lease was initially interested in the ministry when he decided to devote his life instead to acting. In what would be a rollercoaster ride of a career, he set his sights on Hollywood in 1922 and broke into silent films as an extra and bit player.
His first lead role came in A Woman Who Sinned (1924); three years later he was elevated to star status after his lead role opposite Sharon Lynne in Clancy's Kosher Wedding (1927). Within a few years the exceedingly handsome actor had made it into the co-
He played romantic leads in numerous mysteries, drawing-
He had a durable career overall, appearing in well over 300 films.