Between 1926 and 1935, Thelma Todd appeared in over 120 films, including the Marx Brothers’s ‘Horse Feathers’ and ‘Monkey Business.’ On Dec. 16, 1935, Todd was found dead in the garage of actress Jewel Carmen, the former wife of Todd’s lover and business partner. The cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning.
Police found that Todd had spent the night before her death at a popular Hollywood restaurant, where she had an argument with her ex-husband; she then retreated to Carmen’s home, which was a block away from a restaurant that she owned.
Whether foul play was involved in the death remains up for debate. Some believe Todd was targeted for extortion, while others wonder if she was locked inside the garage by her murderer. Todd’s body was cremated, but blood was found on her head and dress, leading some to believe she was knocked unconscious before her death.
Complicating matters? Todd’s ex-husband was murdered two years later.
Complicating matters? Todd’s ex-husband was murdered two years later.