Clara Bow was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “It,” “Wings,” and “The Wild Party.” She became famous as “The It Girl” during the silent film era and remains an iconic figure in Hollywood history.
Personal and Family Life
Clara Bow was born on July 29, 1905, in Brooklyn, New York, and faced a difficult childhood filled with poverty and family struggles. Her father was often absent and had a drinking problem, while her mother suffered from mental illness. Despite these challenges, Clara won a beauty contest, which helped her begin her acting career. She married actor Rex Bell in 1931 and had two children with him.
Career Highlights
Clara Bow starred in 58 films from 1922 to 1933, with her breakthrough role in the movie “It” (1927) defining her career. In this film, she played a shopgirl navigating romance and societal expectations, which resonated with audiences. During her peak, Clara received thousands of fan letters each month and became one of the most popular actresses of her time. However, with the arrival of sound in films, her fame started to decline, leading her to retire from acting at a young age.
Death and Legacy
Clara Bow passed away from a heart attack on September 27, 1965, at the age of 60 in West Los Angeles, California. After her death, rumors circulated that she had faked her own death, and some claimed to have seen her at her own grave. Today, Clara Bow is celebrated as a pioneering figure in early cinema and remains an enduring symbol of the “flapper” era.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Wings | 1927-08-12 | Mary Preston |
| The Wild Party | 1929-04-06 | Stella Ames |
| It | 1927-02-05 | Betty Lou Spence |
| Mantrap | 1926-07-24 | Alverna |
| Hoopla | 1933-11-30 | Lou |
| Poisoned Paradise | 1924-02-29 | Margot LeBlanc |
| Call Her Savage | 1932-11-24 | Nasa Springer |
| Parisian Love | 1925-08-01 | Marie |
| No Limit | 1931-01-15 | Helen ‘Bunny’ O’Day |
| The Saturday Night Kid | 1929-10-25 | Mayme Barry |