Vivian Gordon, the so-called Broadway Butterfly, aspired to fame but ultimately fell into political scandal, influencing the end of Mayor Jimmy Walker's career. Despite her notoriety, she was buried in an unmarked grave for nearly a century until author Tony DeStefano discovered her resting place. DeStefano arranged for a headstone, honoring her legacy as both a historical figure and a murder victim. Gordon struggled as an actress, resorting to prostitution and extortion. She was imprisoned under dubious charges, believed to be instigated by her estranged husband.
Vivian Gordon dreamed of fame on the stage but instead became enmeshed in political scandal, playing a role in the demise of New York Mayor Jimmy Walker's career.
For a figure so well known in her day, she spent almost a century resting in an unmarked grave far from the city lights she craved.
Many performers like Gordon needed side hustles to make ends meet - known as Broadway Butterflies, drawn like butterflies to lights.
Vivian believed her estranged husband colluded with police to arrest her on trumped-up charges, leading to her ultimate downfall.
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