Jean Harlow

Jean Harlow was a prominent American actress, singer, and comedian who rose to fame in the 1930s with her unique blend of sex appeal, vivacity, and charm. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Harlow began her career as a model and actress, eventually signing with Hal Roach Studios and making her film debut in the 1928 comedy Moran of the Marines, alongside Leon Errol and Carmel Myers. Harlow's early life and career were marked by her relationships with influential figures in the film industry, including Howard Hughes and Louis B. Mayer. She was also known for her friendships with fellow actresses, such as Carole Lombard and Myrna Loy.

Early Life and Career

Harlow was born to Mont Clair Carpenter and Jean Poe Carpenter, and her early life was marked by a troubled relationship with her mother, who was a Christian Scientist. Harlow attended Miss Barstow's Finishing School for Girls in Kansas City, Missouri, and later moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she began modeling and acting. She was discovered by Ben Lyon, a Fox Film Corporation executive, who helped her secure a contract with Hal Roach Studios. Harlow's early career was influenced by her relationships with Buster Keaton and Stan Laurel, with whom she worked on several films, including Double Whoopee and Bacon Grabbers. She also appeared in films with Oliver Hardy and Thelma Todd, and was a frequent guest at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

Film Career

Harlow's film career took off in the early 1930s, with starring roles in films such as Red-Headed Woman and Dinner at Eight, alongside Wallace Beery and Marie Dressler. She became known for her blonde bombshell persona, and was often cast as a seductress or femme fatale. Harlow worked with some of the most prominent directors of the time, including Victor Fleming and George Cukor, and appeared in films with Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, and James Stewart. Her performances were often praised by critics, including Frank Nugent of The New York Times and Graham Greene of The Spectator. Harlow was also a frequent visitor to the Brown Derby restaurant, where she would often meet with friends, including Shirley Temple and Eddie Cantor.

Personal Life

Harlow's personal life was marked by turmoil and tragedy, including her marriage to Paul Bern, a MGM executive who died under mysterious circumstances in 1932. She later married Harold Rosson, a cinematographer who worked on many of her films, including Bombshell and Suzy. Harlow was also known for her relationships with William Powell and Franchot Tone, and was a frequent guest at the Beverly Hills Hotel. She was a supporter of the American Red Cross and the Hollywood Canteen, and was involved in several charitable organizations, including the Motion Picture Relief Fund and the Will Rogers Memorial Fund. Harlow was also friends with Greta Garbo and Katharine Hepburn, and would often attend parties at the Pickfair estate, hosted by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks.

Death and Legacy

Harlow died on June 7, 1937, at the age of 26, due to complications from kidney disease. Her death was a shock to the film industry and her fans, and she was mourned by many, including Louis B. Mayer and Jack Warner. Harlow's legacy has endured, and she remains one of the most popular and iconic actresses of the 1930s, alongside Mae West and Bette Davis. She has been the subject of several biographies, including those written by Irving Shulman and David Stenn, and has been portrayed by actresses such as Carroll Baker and Carol Lynley. Harlow's films continue to be celebrated, and she remains a beloved figure in Hollywood history, alongside Charlie Chaplin and D.W. Griffith.

Filmography

Harlow's filmography includes over 30 films, including Libeled Lady with William Powell and Myrna Loy, Wife, Husband and Friend with Loretta Young and Binnie Barnes, and Saratoga with Clark Gable and Lionel Barrymore. Other notable films include Red Dust with Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, Dinner at Eight with Marie Dressler and John Barrymore, and Bombshell with Franchot Tone and Lee Tracy. Harlow's films have been preserved and restored by organizations such as the Library of Congress and the UCLA Film and Television Archive, and continue to be screened at film festivals and cinematheques around the world, including the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. Harlow's legacy can also be seen in the work of later actresses, such as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, who were influenced by her screen presence and style.