Jean Harlow (1911-1937) was an American actress and Hollywood’s original “Blonde Bombshell.” Known for her platinum blonde hair and charismatic screen presence, Harlow rose to fame during the 1930s with roles in films like “Dinner at Eight” and “Red Dust.” Tragically, her career was cut short when she passed away at the age of 26. Despite her brief time in the spotlight, Harlow left an enduring impact on the film industry and remains an iconic figure of classic Hollywood.
Harlow’s early life was shaped by the dynamics of her family. Her mother, Jean Poe Carpenter, known as Mama Jean, aspired to be a film star herself but settled into a career as a dental hygienist. Harlow’s father, Mont Clair Carpenter, was a dentist. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her mother’s second marriage to Marino Bello introduced Harlean to the world of show business.
Growing up in a tumultuous household, Harlow displayed an early interest in the performing arts. Her mother’s ambitions for stardom influenced her, and she began participating in school plays. The family relocated to Los Angeles, providing Harlean with proximity to the burgeoning film industry. It was in this environment that she decided to pursue a career in acting.
In 1928, at the age of 17, Harlean married Charles McGrew, a young bond broker. The marriage was short-lived, but it provided Harlean with her first exposure to Hollywood society. During this time, she met a young filmmaker named Hal Roach, who encouraged her to pursue a career in acting. Roach’s advice resonated with Harlean, and she began taking acting classes.
In 1929, Harlow secured a bit part in the Laurel and Hardy comedy “Double Whoopee.” Although her role was small, it marked the beginning of her journey into the world of cinema. Shortly thereafter, she caught the attention of director Howard Hughes, who was searching for a leading lady for his film “Hell’s Angels” (1930). Harlow’s beauty and screen presence earned her a significant role in the film, making her a notable newcomer in Hollywood.
“Hell’s Angels” brought Harlow to the forefront of the film industry, showcasing her as a rising star. However, it was her subsequent contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) that truly launched her career. Under the guidance of studio head Louis B. Mayer, Harlow transformed from Harlean Carpenter into Jean Harlow. Her new stage name combined her mother’s maiden name, Jean, and the last name of an admired silent film star, William S. Hart.
Harlow’s early roles at MGM established her as a sex symbol and a comedic actress. In films like “The Saturday Night Kid” (1929) and “Platinum Blonde” (1931), she displayed a natural flair for comedy, endearing herself to audiences. Her signature platinum blonde hair became one of her most defining features, setting her apart in an era dominated by glamorous starlets.
It was in the pre-Code era that Harlow’s star truly ascended. She embraced roles that challenged societal norms and often played characters with a bold and liberated attitude. In “Red-Headed Woman” (1932), Harlow portrayed Lil Andrews, a seductive and ambitious woman unapologetically pursuing her desires. The film, directed by Jack Conway, was controversial for its portrayal of Harlow’s character and her provocative relationships.
Harlow’s on-screen persona resonated with audiences, and she quickly became a box office sensation. Her pairing with leading men like Clark Gable in films such as “The Secret Six” (1931) and “Red Dust” (1932) solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s hottest stars. The chemistry between Harlow and Gable was palpable, contributing to the success of multiple films and earning them a place as one of the era’s most beloved on-screen duos.
In 1933, Harlow starred in “Dinner at Eight,” a star-studded ensemble cast film directed by George Cukor. The film showcased her ability to navigate both comedy and drama, earning her critical acclaim. Harlow’s performance in “Dinner at Eight” demonstrated her versatility as an actress, a quality that would become increasingly evident in the later years of her career.
As the 1930s progressed, Harlow’s career continued to flourish. She starred in a string of successful films, including “Bombshell” (1933), a satirical comedy inspired by the life of Clara Bow. Harlow’s portrayal of Lola Burns, a Hollywood actress grappling with the demands of stardom, earned her widespread praise for her comedic timing and sharp wit.
In “China Seas” (1935), Harlow reunited with Clark Gable, solidifying their on-screen partnership. The film, directed by Tay Garnett, featured Harlow as a brassy showgirl caught in a love triangle on a perilous sea voyage. The success of “China Seas” further solidified Harlow’s status as one of MGM’s top stars.
Despite her professional success, Harlow’s personal life was marked by challenges. She endured three marriages, the first two ending in divorce. In 1933, she married Hollywood executive Paul Bern, a union that lasted only two months as Bern tragically died by suicide. The circumstances surrounding Bern’s death fueled sensationalized rumors and speculation, creating a cloud of controversy around Harlow.
Harlow’s third marriage, to cinematographer Harold Rosson in 1933, also ended in divorce in 1935. The tumultuous nature of her personal relationships added to the scrutiny she faced from the media. Harlow’s private life often overshadowed her professional achievements, reflecting the harsh realities of fame in Hollywood’s Golden Age.
In the latter part of the 1930s, Harlow continued to showcase her range as an actress in films such as “Libeled Lady” (1936), a screwball comedy that paired her with Myrna Loy, William Powell, and Spencer Tracy. Harlow’s ability to hold her own in an ensemble cast further demonstrated her versatility and comedic prowess.
Tragically, Harlow’s life was cut short. In 1937, while filming “Saratoga” with Clark Gable, she fell ill with a severe respiratory infection. The production was halted, and Harlow’s health rapidly deteriorated. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to kidney failure on June 7, 1937, at the age of 26.
Harlow’s death was a devastating blow to Hollywood and her legions of fans. The news of her passing made headlines around the world, and the film “Saratoga” was completed using a stand-in. The film was released posthumously later that year. Harlow’s untimely death left an indelible mark on the industry, and her legacy became enshrined as that of a Hollywood legend.
Jean Harlow’s contributions to cinema extended beyond her time on screen. Her impact on the world of fashion, particularly her signature platinum blonde hair, influenced beauty standards and popularized the glamorous image of the Hollywood starlet. Harlow’s enduring legacy is evident in the continued fascination with her life and career, as well as her influence on subsequent generations of actors.
In recognition of her significant contributions to the film industry, Jean Harlow was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. The star is located at 6910 Hollywood Boulevard and stands as a lasting tribute to Harlow’s enduring impact on Hollywood.
Harlow’s films continue to be celebrated and studied, with retrospectives and screenings dedicated to preserving her cinematic legacy. While her life was brief, her impact on the entertainment industry remains immeasurable, and she is remembered as a trailblazer who challenged conventions and left an indelible mark on the history of Hollywood.
Jean Harlow’s story is one of triumph and tragedy, of a young woman who rose to unparalleled stardom in the face of personal challenges. Her comedic talent, glamour, and magnetic screen presence made her a beloved figure during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Harlow’s legacy endures not only through the films that captured her essence but also in the collective memory of an era when she reigned as one of cinema’s brightest stars.
