Theda Bara

Birth Name: Theodosia Burr Goodman

Date of Birth: July 29, 1885

Place of Birth: Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.

Date of Death: April 7, 1955

Place of Death: Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish, Swiss

Theda Bara was an American silent film and stage actress. She was known for her femme fatale roles. Her name was an anagram for “Arab Death.” She was described in press material as having been born by the “shadow of the Sphinx” in Egypt; her background was often misreported to highlight her “exotic” persona (she was said to be Egyptian, Italian, French, etc.).

Theda was the daughter of Pauline Louise Françoise (de Coppett/deCappet) and Bernard Berek Goodman/Gutman. Her sister was actress Lori Bara. She was named Theodosia after the daughter of Vice President Aaron Burr.

Theda’s father was a Polish Jew, who was born in Chorzele, Przasnysz County, Masovian Voivodeship. Theda’s mother was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. While Theda’s mother is sometimes described as Jewish, it is not clear if this is accurate.

Theda was married to film director and screenwriter Charles Brabin, until her death.

Theda’s paternal grandfather was Abram Gutman (the son of Majer Gutman and Gita Itta). Abram was born in Chorzele, Przasnysz County, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland. Majer was the son of Abram Gutman and Perla. Gita was the daughter of Joszek Nosek Herszek.

Theda’s paternal grandmother was Estera Cytryna (the daughter of Josiek Iciek Cytryna and Sura Aryasz). Josiek was the son of Abraham Cytryna and Sura Aryasz. Theda’s great-grandmother Sura was the daughter of Lewin Aryasz and Hena Aryasz.

Theda’s maternal grandfather was named François Baranger de Coppet.

Theda’s maternal grandmother was named Regine de Rininger.

Sources: Genealogy of Theda Bara (focusing on her father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Theda Bara on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Death records of Theda’s mother – https://www.familysearch.org
https://www.familysearch.org