Valentino

The central figure, a charismatic silent-film star whose ambitions and vulnerabilities drive the story. He navigates fame, romance, and humiliation, with moments of artistic boldness punctuating his rise. His arc culminates in a dramatic, humanly costly legacy that outlives his life.

Valentino's early love, a taxi dancer with dreams of a California orange grove. She witnesses his evolving magnetism and catalyzes his decision to seek opportunities across the country. Her memories anchor the film’s exploration of the roots of his fame.

A young, ambitious screenwriter who harbors unrequited love for Valentino. She mentors him into stardom, recognizing his potential and championing his breakthrough in The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Her professional drive helps propel his rise in Hollywood.

A flamboyant star who asserts a personal connection with Valentino and recalls their Camille collaboration. Her presence adds glamour and scandal to the wake, underscoring the era's shifting social circles. She embodies the interplay of art, fame, and public persona.

Valentino's partner and collaborator who becomes deeply involved in his personal and professional life. Their complicated relationship and marriage plans reveal the tension between love, ambition, and control in early Hollywood.

A director-manager who helps Valentino and Rambova secure appearances and negotiate deals, representing the business machinery of fame. His actions influence the couple's trajectory and the terms of their stardom.

A professional boxer who becomes Valentino's rival in a duel-turned-ballet-like contest. The match serves as a metaphor for public conflict and personal struggle, linking performance with personal vulnerability.

A film director figure who participates in directing scenes on set, reflecting Valentino's evolving relationship with creative control. He embodies the industry’s power structures and collaborative process shaping Valentino’s screen presence.

A contemporary of Valentino whose presence illustrates the era's celebrity culture and personal clashes. His interactions contribute to the broader social dynamics surrounding the star and the media spotlight.

A famed ballet dancer whose memory juxtaposes with Valentino's boxing duel, highlighting the blend of dance and masculine performance that informs Valentino's world. Nijinsky's presence underscores the artful, performative nature of Valentino's era.