Meet Hollywood's Original Blonde Bombshell "Jean Harlow"

Before Marilyn Monroe became the Blonde Bombshell of Hollywood it was Jean Harlow who set the standard for beauty, charm, and charisma, leaving an indelible mark on the Golden Age of Hollywood. Sadly, her life was marred by tragedy, including her untimely death and a tumultuous love life that shocked America.

Born Harlean Harlow Carpenter in Kansas City, Missouri, Jean Harlow's journey to stardom was destined from the start. Her mother, a woman of remarkable beauty herself, had dreams of stardom but failed to find success. Determined to live vicariously through her daughter, she pushed young Harlean into the world of Hollywood.

Source: Country Living Magazine

As a mere teenager of 16, Harlow eloped with Charles McGrew, a wealthy businessman. However, her dreams of a fairytale marriage soon turned into a nightmare of abuse. She found solace in pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles, where she would eventually change her name to Jean Harlow. Her platinum blonde hair and alluring screen presence quickly caught the attention of film executives, and she signed her first movie contract with Howard Hughes' production company. 

Jean Harlow's breakout role came in 1930 with the film "Hell's Angels," a World War I aviation drama that showcased her magnetic talent. The film's success catapulted her to stardom, making her one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. Her sultry performances and daring on-screen presence in movies like "Red Dust" and "Dinner at Eight" solidified her reputation as a bona fide sex symbol of the era, making her the first-ever Blonde Bombshell of Hollywood. 

Despite her professional wins, Jean's personal life was filled with heartache. She married Paul Bern, a studio executive, in 1932. Their marriage, however, was short-lived as Bern tragically died by suicide just two months after their wedding. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked endless rumors and speculation. Some believed it was due to a secret illness, while others hinted at financial troubles or even murder. Despite the investigations, the truth remained uncovered, and the incident haunted Jean for the rest of her life.

Beneath the glamour, Jean battled personal demons and health issues. She suffered from chronic illnesses. On June 7, 1937, Jean Harlow's life was cut short at the age of 26. The cause of her death was acute kidney failure, a complication arising from kidney disease. She also suffered from a condition where her breath smelled like urine. The news of her passing shocked the nation, and fans mourned the loss of Hollywood's original blonde bombshell. Her sudden death left a void in the hearts of many, and her legacy as a screen legend was forever sealed.

Source: Age of Vintage

Even after her untimely demise, Jean Harlow's influence on Hollywood didn’t die. Her captivating performances and undeniable screen presence inspired countless actresses who followed in her footsteps, including the iconic Marilyn Monroe. Monroe herself acknowledged Harlow's impact, once saying, "I used to think as I looked out on the Hollywood night - there must be thousands of girls sitting alone like me, dreaming of becoming a movie star. But I'm not going to worry about them. I'm dreaming the hardest."

Source: Vintage Everyday

Jean Harlow's movies, such as "Platinum Blonde," "China Seas," and "Suzy," continue to be cherished classics, preserving her memory for generations to come. Despite her short life, she remains a great symbol of Hollywood's golden era and an eternal muse for the stars that followed.

Thanks for reading, until next time

Daman