June Mathis, born on January 30, 1887, was a pioneering American screenwriter and film producer who made significant contributions to the early days of Hollywood. She broke barriers as the first female executive for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), achieving remarkable success in a male-dominated industry.
At the young age of thirty-five, Mathis became the highest-paid executive in Hollywood, a testament to her talent and influence. In 1926, she was recognized as the third most influential woman in Hollywood, trailing only behind the legendary Mary Pickford and Norma Talmadge.
Mathis is perhaps best remembered for her role in discovering the iconic actor Rudolph Valentino, whose career she helped launch. She also penned several notable films, including 'The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse' in 1921 and 'Blood and Sand' in 1922, solidifying her legacy as a key figure in the film industry.