The Abrupt Death of Famed Italian Actress Eleonora Duse

Famed Italian Actress Eleonora Duse was frequently compared with Sarah Bernhardt during her stage performance lifetime. Her intensity and emotional portrayals entertained audiences worldwide. In 1921, she returned to the stage following retirement and two years later appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, the first woman to have that distinction. In April 1924, she was touring in Pittsburgh when she fell gravely ill. She attempted her recovery in suite 524 of the Hotel Schenley. Her pneumonia proved too fierce and at 65, she was no longer as resilient to illness. She died on April 21st.

Duse’s legacy had been one of legendary status during her era. She is rarely mentioned today as one of the world’s greatest actresses. Another famed actress, Lillian Russell would reside at the property during her prime years. The hotel would be acquired in 1956 by the University of Pittsburgh and become their Student Union Building. Drama remains continuous, but on a far less publicized scale.