Kay Laurell (born Ruth Leslie; June 28, 1890 – January 31, 1927) was an American stage and silent film actress and model.
Laurell began her career as an artists' model.
After catching the eye of Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr., she was cast in the Ziegfeld Follies where she debuted in 1914.
A popular performer who was noted for her beauty, she was called "one of the most beautiful women on the stage".
In 1918, Laurell left the Follies to embark on an acting career.
She went on to appear in stage productions on Broadway and in vaudeville, and made three silent films.
In the 1920s, Laurell moved to Europe where she continued her stage career.
She died during childbirth at the age of 36 in London.
Author: George Grantham Bain & Co. Source: Bain photo via Library of Congress website [1], border cropped and converted from TIFF to .jpg before uploading to Commons License: PD-Bain