Jean Harlow

American film actress (1911-1937)

Jean Harlow was an American actress known for her portrayal of “bad girl” characters and as the leading sex symbol of the early 1930s. She was nicknamed the “Blonde Bombshell” and the “Platinum Blonde” and became one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars, despite her untimely death at the age of 26.

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About the Jean Harlow

Jean Harlowwas an American actress. Known for her portrayal of “bad girl” characters, she was the leading sex symbol of the early 1930s and one of the defining figures of the pre-Code era of American cinema. Often nicknamed the “Blonde Bombshell” and the “Platinum Blonde”, Harlow was popular for her “Laughing Vamp” screen persona. Harlow was in the film industry for only nine years, but she became one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars, whose image in the public eye has endured. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Harlow number 22 on its greatest female screen legends list.

Harlow was first signed by business magnate Howard Hughes, who directed her first major role in Hell’s Angelsand Suzy (1936). Harlow’s popularity rivaled and then surpassed that of MGM’s top leading ladies Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo and Norma Shearer. She died at the age of 26 of kidney failure while filming Saratoga. MGM completed the film with the use of body doubles and released it less than two months after her death; it became the highest-grossing film of 1937, as well as the highest-grossing film of her career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jean Harlow was an American actress who was a leading sex symbol of the early 1930s and one of the defining figures of the pre-Code era of American cinema. She was known for her roles as ,bad girl, characters and her ,Laughing Vamp, screen persona.

Jean Harlow was often nicknamed the ,Blonde Bombshell, and the ,Platinum Blonde, due to her distinctive appearance and on-screen persona.

Jean Harlow was in the film industry for only nine years, but she became one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars during that time.

Jean Harlow’s first major role was in the film Hell’s Angels (1930), which was directed by business magnate Howard Hughes, who had first signed her.

After a series of critically failed films and losing interest from Howard Hughes, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer bought out Jean Harlow’s contract in 1932 and cast her in leading roles in a string of hit films that showcased her comedic talent.

The film Saratoga, which was completed using body doubles after Jean Harlow’s death, became the highest-grossing film of 1937 and the highest-grossing film of her career.

In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Jean Harlow number 22 on its greatest female screen legends list, recognizing her enduring image and impact in the public eye.