Clara Bow

NAME Clara Gordon Bow. Her last name "Bow" was short for her actual last name "Bowtinelli".

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Clara Bow was an iconic American actress known as the original "It Girl" and a leading sex symbol of the 1920s, most famous for her roles in silent films and early talkies.

BIRTH Clara Bow was born on July 29, 1905, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Clara Bow was born to Robert Walter Bow, a waiter and occasional carpenter, and Sarah Frances Bow, who struggled with mental illness. Clara's family faced significant financial difficulties throughout her childhood.

CHILDHOOD Clara Bow had a troubled childhood marked by poverty and her mother's mental health issues. Despite the hardships, she found solace in the world of cinema, which sparked her passion for acting.

While other girls played hopscotch in frilly dresses, Clara, a bit of a tomboy, ran wild with the neighborhood boys, her clothes more suited for a scarecrow than a social butterfly. In fact, other girls wouldn't even give her a sniff because her threads were perpetually ragged and reeking of yesterday's adventures.

Life dealt Clara a particularly cruel blow at the tender age of ten when her best friend, Johnny, met a fiery demise – literally burning to death right there in her arms. Years later, on a movie set, all it took was a lullaby, "Rock-A-Bye Baby," to have tears streaming down her face like a leaky faucet. Apparently, the song brought back a flood of memories, a bittersweet reminder of her little friend.

EDUCATION Clara Bow attended Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn but dropped out to pursue her acting career.

CAREER RECORD Clara Bow's career began after winning a beauty contest in 1921, leading to her film debut in Beyond the Rainbow (1922). Here's her career highlights:

Achieved superstardom in the silent era, especially after It (1927).

First box office draw in 1928 and 1929.

Embodied the flapper spirit of the Roaring Twenties.

Successfully transitioned to "talkies" with The Wild Party (1929).

APPEARANCE Vivacious and expressive, Clara Bow was known for her dark hair, big expressive eyes, and infectious smile. Her striking looks, featuring a Cupid's bow mouth, and a distinctive bob hairstyle, epitomized the flapper style of the 1920s.

Clara Bow in 1932 by Harold Dean Carsey

FASHION Bow was a fashion icon of the Roaring Twenties, popularizing the flapper style with her short skirts, bobbed hair, and heavy makeup. Her style was emulated by women across America.

CHARACTER Clara Bow was known for her vivacious and energetic personality, both on and off screen. She was often described as fun-loving, passionate, and deeply sensitive. Despite her tough upbringing, she projected a joyful and carefree image on screen.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Bubbly and infectious, Clara Bow had a sharp and playful sense of humor, often using it to charm audiences and friends alike. Her comedic timing was a key part of her on-screen persona.

RELATIONSHIPS Clara Bow had several high-profile relationships, including with actors Gilbert Roland and Bela Lugosi. She eventually married cowboy actor Rex Bell on December 3, 1931, with whom she had two sons. 

Their Las Vegas wedding was about as low-key as you can get, a private ceremony at a friend's place, news only leaking out the next day. They settled in Nevada, where Rex eventually became lieutenant governor, a far cry from the Hollywood hustle. Their relationship provided stability after her retirement.

MONEY AND FAME For a few heady years, Clara was Hollywood royalty. She raked in bigger paychecks than most bankers and lived a life most people only dreamed of – fancy cars, champagne showers (probably), and a wardrobe that would make a drag queen envious. But beneath the glitz and glamour, Clara harbored a yearning for normalcy and a gnawing sense of insecurity, a feeling most folks wouldn't expect to find nestled amongst the diamonds and silk. Her financial success was marred by scandals and legal issues and the intense scrutiny of fame took a toll on her mental health.

FOOD AND DRINK As a Hollywood star, she likely experienced the high society dining typical of the era.

MUSIC AND ARTS Clara Bow was closely associated with the jazz and art scenes of the 1920s, embodying the spirit of the Jazz Age in her films and public persona.

Clara Bow sashayed into Hollywood in 1923, fresh off a beauty contest win that plucked her straight out of high school. By the late 1920s, she was a bona fide movie queen, lighting up the silver screen with her infectious grin and captivating charisma. They called her the "Jazz Baby" and the "It Girl," thanks to her show-stopping performance as a flapper with more sparkle than a disco ball in the silent film It (1927).

As the Roaring Twenties roared to a close, so too did Clara's box-office dominance. The silent films that launched her to stardom were being relegated to dusty archives as Hollywood lurched headfirst into the age of the "talkies." Unfortunately, Clara's Brooklyn accent was about as thick as pea soup, making the smooth transitions from silent movie star to silver-tongued talkie actress a bit tricky. 

By 1933, Clara had called it quits on Hollywood, with whispers of mental health struggles swirling around her exit. Her last brush with the spotlight came in 1947 on the radio show Truth or Consequences, a fleeting flicker of her former glory. 

Bow enjoyed dancing, a skill that translated well to her on-screen performances.

LITERATURE She was a subject of many books and articles, reflecting her impact on popular culture. They include David Stern's 1988 biography Clara Bow: Runnin’ Wild.

NATURE She lived on a ranch with her husband Rex Bell later in life, indicating an appreciation for rural life.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Bow enjoyed outdoor activities, particularly after her marriage, when she and her husband moved to a ranch in Nevada, where they engaged in horseback riding and ranching.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY She was known to have been spiritual in a general sense.

SCANDAL Clara Bow's career was plagued by scandals, including legal battles over financial mismanagement by her secretary and publicized personal issues, which contributed to her eventual retirement from Hollywood.

Her personal life was a tabloid editor's dream – a fiery romance with a fellow actor that fizzled faster than a damp firework, and a nude photo shoot that caused a scandal more dramatic than a Shakespearean play.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Bow struggled with mental health issues throughout her life, including anxiety and depression, which affected her career and personal life. She also faced various physical health challenges.

In 1949, she checked into The Institute of Living to be treated for her chronic insomnia and diffuse abdominal pains. Her pains were considered delusional and she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Clara never returned home, instead living out her remaining days in a Los Angeles bungalow, a constant nurse by her side. 

HOMES Clara Bow lived in several homes throughout her career, including luxurious estates in Hollywood. By 1930, she was living at 512 Bedford Drive, Los Angeles. together with her secretary and hairdresser, Daisy DeBoe in a house valued $25,000. In June 1931, she left Hollywood for Rex Bell's ranch in Nevada, her "desert paradise."

She lived out her final years in her Los Angeles bungalow.

TRAVEL Bow traveled extensively for her film career,. 

DEATH Clara Bow passed away on September 27, 1965, at the age of 60. The actress died of a heart attack in her bungalow in Culver City, California.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Clara Bow has been portrayed in various media, including films, documentaries, and books that explore her life and legacy as a Hollywood icon. She was photographed extensively for magazines and promotional purposes. 

Taylor Swift referenced Bow in her song "Clara Bow", off her 2024 album The Tortured Poets Department.  "Clara Bow" is Taylor Swift's metaphorical mirror reflecting the dark side of fame for women in the entertainment industry.

ACHIEVEMENTS Clara Bow's achievements include becoming a defining figure of the flapper era, starring in over 40 silent films and numerous talkies, and leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood as the quintessential "It Girl" of the 1920s.

Source Encyclopedia Of Trivia