Who is Jean Harlow?
Jean Harlow was an American actress who became a Hollywood icon in the 1930s. Known for her platinum blonde hair, sultry voice, and glamorous persona, she was one of the most popular and recognizable stars of her era.
Harlow's career began in the early 1930s when she signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). She quickly rose to fame, starring in a series of successful films, including "Red Dust" (1932), "Dinner at Eight" (1933), and "Bombshell" (1933). Harlow's performances were often praised for their sensuality and charisma, and she became a favorite of both audiences and critics.
In addition to her acting career, Harlow was also a fashion icon. Her signature style, which included platinum blonde hair, red lipstick, and revealing gowns, was widely imitated by women around the world. Harlow's personal life was often in the headlines, and she was married three times, including to MGM executive Paul Bern.
Harlow died tragically in 1937 at the age of 26 from kidney failure. Her death shocked Hollywood and her fans around the world. She was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Name | Birth Date | Death Date | Occupation |
---|---|---|---|
Jean Harlow | March 3, 1911 | June 7, 1937 | Actress |
Jean Harlow was a true Hollywood icon. Her beauty, talent, and charisma made her one of the most popular and recognizable stars of her era. She continues to be an inspiration to actresses and fashion designers today.
Jean Harlow
Jean Harlow was a true Hollywood icon. Her beauty, talent, and charisma made her one of the most popular and recognizable stars of her era. Here are seven key aspects that highlight her significance:
- Platinum blonde
- Sultry voice
- Glamorous persona
- Fashion icon
- Tragic death
- Posthumous fame
- Inspiration
Harlow's signature platinum blonde hair was one of her most iconic features. She was one of the first actresses to popularize the look, and it quickly became synonymous with her. Her sultry voice was another one of her trademarks. It was both seductive and alluring, and it helped to create her image as a sex symbol. Harlow's glamorous persona was also a key part of her appeal. She was always impeccably dressed, and she knew how to work a camera. She was the epitome of Hollywood glamour.
In addition to her acting career, Harlow was also a fashion icon. Her signature style, which included platinum blonde hair, red lipstick, and revealing gowns, was widely imitated by women around the world. She was one of the first actresses to use fashion as a way to express her personality, and she helped to shape the way that women dressed in the 1930s.
Harlow's tragic death in 1937 at the age of 26 shocked Hollywood and her fans around the world. She was at the height of her career, and her death was a huge loss to the film industry. However, her legacy continues to live on. She remains one of the most iconic actresses of all time, and her films continue to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.
Harlow's story is one of inspiration. She overcame a difficult childhood to become one of the most successful actresses in Hollywood. She was a talented performer, a fashion icon, and a true pioneer. She will always be remembered as one of the most glamorous and iconic stars of the silver screen.
1. Platinum blonde
Platinum blonde hair was one of Jean Harlow's most iconic features. She was one of the first actresses to popularize the look, and it quickly became synonymous with her. Harlow's platinum blonde hair was a major factor in her success as a Hollywood star. It helped to create her image as a glamorous sex symbol, and it made her stand out from other actresses of her era.
There are several reasons why platinum blonde hair was so important to Jean Harlow's image. First, it was a very striking and unusual look at the time. In the 1930s, most women had dark hair. Harlow's platinum blonde hair made her stand out from the crowd, and it helped to create her unique persona. Second, platinum blonde hair was associated with glamour and sophistication. It was the color of hair that was worn by Hollywood's biggest stars, and it helped to create Harlow's image as a glamorous sex symbol. Third, platinum blonde hair was a way for Harlow to express her individuality. She was a strong-willed woman who didn't want to conform to the norms of her time. Her platinum blonde hair was a way for her to show the world that she was different.
Harlow's platinum blonde hair had a major impact on popular culture. It helped to popularize the look of platinum blonde hair, and it made Harlow one of the most iconic actresses of all time. Today, platinum blonde hair is still seen as a glamorous and sophisticated look, and it is often associated with Hollywood stars.
2. Sultry voice
Jean Harlow's sultry voice was one of her most distinctive features. It was a low, husky voice that was both seductive and alluring. Harlow's voice was a major factor in her success as a Hollywood star. It helped to create her image as a glamorous sex symbol, and it made her stand out from other actresses of her era.
There are several reasons why Harlow's sultry voice was so important to her image. First, it was a very unusual voice for a woman at the time. In the 1930s, most women had high-pitched, girlish voices. Harlow's low, husky voice was a major departure from the norm, and it helped to create her unique persona. Second, Harlow's sultry voice was associated with glamour and sophistication. It was the kind of voice that was expected from a Hollywood star, and it helped to create Harlow's image as a glamorous sex symbol. Third, Harlow's sultry voice was a way for her to express her individuality. She was a strong-willed woman who didn't want to conform to the norms of her time. Her sultry voice was a way for her to show the world that she was different.
Harlow's sultry voice had a major impact on popular culture. It helped to popularize the idea of a woman with a low, husky voice, and it made Harlow one of the most iconic actresses of all time. Today, Harlow's sultry voice is still seen as a glamorous and sophisticated sound, and it is often associated with Hollywood stars.
3. Glamorous persona
Jean Harlow's glamorous persona was a major factor in her success as a Hollywood star. It was a carefully crafted image that was designed to appeal to audiences of the time. Harlow's glamorous persona was based on several key elements:
- Beauty
Harlow was a beautiful woman with a striking appearance. She had platinum blonde hair, blue eyes, and a curvy figure. She was also a talented actress who could play a variety of roles. Her beauty and acting skills made her a popular choice for leading roles in Hollywood films.
- Fashion
Harlow was a fashion icon. She was always dressed in the latest styles, and she knew how to work a camera. Her signature look included platinum blonde hair, red lipstick, and revealing gowns. Harlow's fashion sense helped to create her image as a glamorous sex symbol.
- Personality
Harlow was a charismatic woman with a strong personality. She was outgoing and friendly, and she loved to be the center of attention. Her personality helped to make her a popular figure with both audiences and Hollywood insiders.
Harlow's glamorous persona was a major factor in her success as a Hollywood star. It was a carefully crafted image that was designed to appeal to audiences of the time. Harlow's beauty, fashion sense, and personality all contributed to her glamorous persona, and she used it to her advantage to become one of the most popular actresses of her era.
4. Fashion icon
Jean Harlow was a fashion icon. She was one of the first actresses to popularize the platinum blonde look, and she was known for her glamorous style. Her fashion sense helped to create her image as a sex symbol, and she was often imitated by women around the world.
- Signature style
Harlow's signature style included platinum blonde hair, red lipstick, and revealing gowns. This look was very popular in the 1930s, and it helped to create Harlow's image as a glamorous sex symbol.
- Influence on fashion
Harlow's fashion sense had a major influence on fashion in the 1930s. She helped to popularize the platinum blonde look, and she also made it fashionable for women to wear revealing gowns. Her style was copied by women all over the world, and it continues to be influential today.
- Personal style
Harlow's personal style was very important to her. She loved to dress up, and she always wanted to look her best. She was known for her attention to detail, and she always made sure that her clothes were perfectly tailored. Her personal style helped to create her image as a glamorous star, and it continues to be admired by fashion icons today.
- Legacy
Harlow's legacy as a fashion icon continues to live on today. She is still considered to be one of the most stylish actresses of all time, and her style continues to be imitated by women around the world. She is a true fashion icon, and her style will continue to inspire women for generations to come.
Jean Harlow was a true fashion icon. Her style was glamorous, sophisticated, and sexy. She was one of the first actresses to popularize the platinum blonde look, and she helped to make it fashionable for women to wear revealing gowns. Her fashion sense had a major influence on fashion in the 1930s, and it continues to be influential today. Harlow's legacy as a fashion icon continues to live on, and she is still considered to be one of the most stylish actresses of all time.
5. Tragic death
Jean Harlow's tragic death at the age of 26 was a major loss to Hollywood and to her fans around the world. She was at the height of her career, and her death was a huge shock. There are several factors that contributed to Harlow's tragic death:
- Overwork
Harlow was one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood, and she worked tirelessly to keep up with the demands of her career. She often worked long hours on set, and she also made personal appearances and did promotional work. This constant work took a toll on her health.
- Poor health
Harlow had a history of health problems, including kidney disease and scarlet fever. These health problems made her more susceptible to infection and illness.
- Addiction
Harlow was addicted to diet pills and alcohol. These substances further weakened her health and made her more likely to develop serious medical problems.
- Untimely death
Harlow died on June 7, 1937, from kidney failure. She was just 26 years old. Her death was a tragedy, and it cut short a promising career.
Harlow's tragic death is a reminder of the importance of taking care of our health and well-being. It is also a reminder that even the most successful people can be taken away from us too soon.
6. Posthumous fame
Jean Harlow's posthumous fame is a testament to her enduring legacy as one of Hollywood's most iconic stars. Despite her tragic death at the age of 26, Harlow's image and work continue to be celebrated and admired by fans around the world.
- Cultural impact
Harlow's films and image had a major impact on popular culture. Her platinum blonde hair, sultry voice, and glamorous persona made her a cultural icon. She was a role model for women and a symbol of the glamour and excitement of Hollywood.
- Legacy
Harlow's legacy as a fashion icon and sex symbol continues to this day. She is still considered to be one of the most beautiful and stylish women in Hollywood history. Her image has been used in countless advertisements and products, and she continues to inspire fashion designers and artists.
- Re-releases and retrospectives
Harlow's films have been re-released and retrospectives of her work have been held over the years. This has helped to introduce her to new generations of fans and to keep her legacy alive.
- Awards and recognition
Harlow has been posthumously awarded several awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the National Film Registry. These awards are a testament to her enduring popularity and her significant contribution to the film industry.
Jean Harlow's posthumous fame is a reminder of her lasting impact on Hollywood and popular culture. She was a true star, and her legacy continues to shine brightly.
7. Inspiration
Jean Harlow was a true inspiration to many people, both during her lifetime and after her tragic death. Her beauty, talent, and charisma made her a role model for women and a symbol of the glamour and excitement of Hollywood. Her story is one of overcoming adversity and achieving success against all odds.
- Overcoming adversity
Harlow's childhood was difficult. She was born into poverty and her parents divorced when she was young. She was also bullied at school for her appearance. However, Harlow never gave up on her dreams. She worked hard to become an actress, and she eventually achieved her goal of becoming a star.
- Achieving success
Harlow's success was due to her hard work, talent, and determination. She was a gifted actress who could play a variety of roles. She was also a fashion icon and a sex symbol. Harlow's success inspired many people to pursue their own dreams.
- Glamour and excitement
Harlow was the epitome of Hollywood glamour. She was always impeccably dressed and she knew how to work a camera. She was also a talented dancer and singer. Harlow's glamorous lifestyle inspired many people to dream of a better life.
- Symbol of strength
Harlow was a strong woman who never gave up on her dreams. She overcame adversity and achieved success against all odds. Harlow's story is an inspiration to anyone who is facing challenges in their own life.
Jean Harlow was a true inspiration. Her beauty, talent, and charisma made her a role model for women and a symbol of the glamour and excitement of Hollywood. Her story is one of overcoming adversity and achieving success against all odds. Harlow's legacy continues to inspire people today.
FAQs about Jean Harlow
This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Jean Harlow, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: What was Jean Harlow's most famous role?
Answer: Jean Harlow is best known for her role as a platinum blonde bombshell in films such as "Red Dust" (1932), "Dinner at Eight" (1933), and "Bombshell" (1933).
Question 2: Was Jean Harlow really a blonde?
Answer: No, Jean Harlow was a natural brunette. She dyed her hair platinum blonde for her role in the 1931 film "Platinum Blonde" and maintained the look for the rest of her career.
Question 3: How did Jean Harlow die?
Answer: Jean Harlow died on June 7, 1937, at the age of 26, from kidney failure. Her death was caused by a combination of factors, including overwork, poor health, and addiction to diet pills and alcohol.
Question 4: What is Jean Harlow's legacy?
Answer: Jean Harlow is remembered as one of the most iconic stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. She was a fashion icon, a sex symbol, and a talented actress. Her films continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
Question 5: Why is Jean Harlow still so popular today?
Answer: Jean Harlow remains popular today because of her timeless beauty, her glamorous persona, and her tragic death. She is a symbol of the glamour and excitement of Hollywood's Golden Age.
Summary: Jean Harlow was a true Hollywood icon. Her beauty, talent, and charisma made her one of the most popular and recognizable stars of her era. She continues to be an inspiration to actresses and fashion designers today.
Transition to the next article section: Jean Harlow's legacy is one of glamour, tragedy, and inspiration. She is a true Hollywood icon, and her story continues to fascinate and inspire people today.
Conclusion
Jean Harlow was a true Hollywood icon. Her beauty, talent, and charisma made her one of the most popular and recognizable stars of her era. She was a fashion icon, a sex symbol, and a talented actress. Her films continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
Harlow's legacy is one of glamour, tragedy, and inspiration. She is a true Hollywood icon, and her story continues to fascinate and inspire people today. Her story is a reminder that even the most successful people can be taken away from us too soon. It is also a reminder of the importance of taking care of our health and well-being.
Harlow's legacy is also a reminder of the power of cinema. Her films have the ability to transport us to another time and place, and to make us feel the emotions of her characters. They are a testament to her talent and her enduring appeal.
Jean Harlow was a true star. She was a beautiful and talented woman who lived a life of glamour and tragedy. Her story is one that will continue to be told for generations to come.