The daughter of a Hungarian baron and countess, Lya De Putti went on to perform classical ballet in Berlin, Germany, after a brief stint in Hungarian vaudeville . She later made several films at the German UFA studios, most notably Varieté (1925), before going to Hollywood in 1926. While in America she starred in several movies, mostly in vamp roles.

Entered films in 1918 and appeared in U.S., German, and British productions.Stage and vaudeville actor.Following her success in Eastern Europe, she attempted a Hollywood career and failed. A comeback on Broadway also fizzled.Died from pneumonia, following an operation to remove a chicken bone from her oesophagus.Had two daughters with her first husband Zoltán Szepessy - Ilona Szepessy (b.1914) and Judith Szepessy (b.1916).