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.
Theda was the daughter of Pauline Louise Françoise (de Coppett) and Bernard Goodman. 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. Theda’s mother was from Switzerland. It is not clear if her mother was Jewish, as well, although it is possible. During her lifetime, Theda’s background was often misreported to highlight her “exotic” persona (she was said to be Egyptian, Italian, French, etc.).
Theda was married to film director and screenwriter Charles Brabin, until her death.
Theda’s maternal grandfather was evidently named François Baranger de Coppet.
Theda’s maternal grandmother’s surname was Derininger.
Sources: Theda Bara on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Death record of Theda’s mother – https://www.familysearch.org