Thelma Ellis; Hollywood and Broadway Dancer

Thelma K. Ellis, 93, dancer with the Ziegfeld Follies of 1924. Known professionally as Toby Kaye, Ellis saw her image plastered on the nation’s billboards in 1920 as the first “Buddy Poppy” girl. She appeared in advertisements with World War I hero and Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Alvin York. She was also in Earl Carroll’s Vanities and made motion pictures with cowboy star Tom Mix. Ellis later founded Theatre Party Enterprises and, as president until 1974, retained considerable influence on Broadway theater. On Saturday in Santa Monica.