With her platinum blonde hair, porcelain skin, and sultry appeal, Jean Harlow captivated audiences during Hollywood's Golden Age. Her timeless beauty and incredible acting talent helped her rise to fame, becoming one of the most iconic actresses of her time. Born on March 3, 1911, in Kansas City, Missouri, Harlow would go on to lead a life filled with both successes and tragedies.
In this biography, we will explore the life and legacy of Jean Harlow, from her early life and family background to her rise to stardom and tragic death. We will delve into her physical attributes, including her height, figure, and infamous platinum blonde hair, and discuss the impact she had on cinema during her short but prolific career.
Additionally, we will explore Jean Harlow's net worth and her role as a pioneer for women in the film industry. Her enduring legacy has made her a true Hollywood icon, and her life continues to captivate fans and film historians alike. Join us as we delve into the captivating life of Jean Harlow, one of Hollywood's most beloved and unforgettable legends.
Jean Harlow: A Legendary Actress
Jean Harlow was a Hollywood icon of the 1930s, who became famous for her blonde bombshell persona and stunning looks. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1911, Harlean Carpenter grew up to be a vivacious and charming young woman, who caught the eye of director Howard Hughes.
With her debut in the film "Hell's Angels" (1930), Harlow was catapulted to stardom, known for her sensual beauty, quick wit, and infectious laughter. She starred in over 36 movies, making her mark in classics like "Red Dust," "Dinner at Eight," and "Bombshell."
Despite her short career in Hollywood, Harlow became one of the most iconic actresses of her time, inspiring a generation of women with her liberated spirit and unapologetic sexuality. Her untimely death at the age of 26 due to kidney failure shocked the film industry and her fans, cementing her place in the annals of film history.
Harlow's legacy lives on, with her influence felt in Hollywood today. Through her life and work, Jean Harlow continues to inspire women to embrace their sexuality and follow their dreams.
- Age: Harlow was born in 1911, and passed away in 1937 at the age of 26.
- Height: She was 5’1” tall (155 cm).
- Figure: Harlow was known for her hourglass figure, with measurements of 34-23-33 inches (86-58-84 cm).
- Net Worth: At the time of her death, Harlow's net worth was reported to be around $1 million.
| Film Title | Release Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Hell's Angels | 1930 | Helen |
| Red Headed Woman | 1932 | Lillian 'Lil' 'Red' Andrews |
| Bombshell | 1933 | Lola Burns |
| Dinner at Eight | 1933 | Kitty Packard |
Early Life and Career
Jean Harlow was born on March 3, 1911, in Kansas City, Missouri, as Harlean Harlow Carpenter. Her parents split up when she was only eight, and her mother quickly remarried to an affluent jewelry manufacturer. This allowed Harlow to attend exclusive schools and live a wealthy lifestyle.
After graduating from high school, Harlow eloped with Chuck McGrew, a businessman, but the marriage was short-lived. She moved to Hollywood in 1929 to live with her mother and pursue a career in film. Her first role was in the 1929 film "Hell's Angels," directed by Howard Hughes.
Harlow's breakthrough came with her performance in "Platinum Blonde" in 1931. She became known for her beauty, charisma and blonde bombshell image, which made her an instant star. Throughout the 1930s, she appeared in some of the most significant films of the era, including "Red Dust," "Dinner at Eight" and "Bombshell."
Despite her success, Harlow faced personal tragedy when her second husband, MGM executive Paul Bern, committed suicide in 1932. However, she continued to work in film and became one of the most prominent actresses of the 1930s.
Rise to Fame
Before becoming a Hollywood star, Jean Harlow appeared in many small film roles, mainly as an extra. However, her big break came in 1930 when she was signed to a contract with Howard Hughes for his film, Hell's Angels. The film brought Harlow attention for her beauty and talent, and she soon became in high demand for film roles.
Harlow's fame grew quickly, and she was famous for her platinum blonde hair, sultry voice, and sassy persona. She starred in many successful films in the 1930s, including Red-Headed Woman, Dinner at Eight, and Bombshell. Her unique style and talent earned her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performances in Libeled Lady and Personal Property, but she never won the award.
Despite her success, Harlow faced many challenges, including negative media attention and public criticism. However, she persevered and continued to act, becoming one of Hollywood's biggest stars of the time.
- Harlow's rise to fame was due to her talent, hard work, and unique personality.
- She starred in many successful films in the 1930s, earning nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress.
- Despite facing challenges, Harlow continued to act and became one of Hollywood's biggest stars of the time.
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1930 | Hell's Angels | Helen |
| 1932 | Red-Headed Woman | Lil Andrews |
| 1933 | Dinner at Eight | Kitty Packard |
| 1934 | Libeled Lady | Gladys Benton |
| 1935 | Personal Property | Crystal Wetherby |
| 1936 | Bombshell | Lola Burns |
Age, Height, and Figure: The Physical Attributes of Jean Harlow
Jean Harlow was born on March 3, 1911, in Kansas City, Missouri, which makes her a Pisces. She was just 26 years old when she passed away in 1937 due to renal failure. Her height was 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm), which was considered short for a Hollywood actress during her time.
Despite her petite stature, Jean Harlow had a curvy figure that became the envy of many women. She had a 34-inch bust, 23-inch waist, and 35-inch hips, making her an hourglass shape. Her figure was often accentuated in her films, where she wore form-fitting dresses and gowns.
Some critics even accused Jean Harlow of being too voluptuous and sexy for the big screen, but the public loved her nonetheless. She was known for her platinum blonde hair, bright red lips, and sultry gaze, which added to her allure and sex appeal.
Although Jean Harlow's career was cut short, she left a lasting impression on Hollywood and cinema history with her magnetic on-screen presence and her unique physical attributes.
Net Worth and Legacy
Despite her short life and career, Jean Harlow left a lasting impression on Hollywood and became a legendary figure of the silver screen. Her net worth at the time of her death in 1937 was estimated to be around $10 million, equivalent to over $180 million today.
Harlow's legacy continues to live on in popular culture, with her iconic style and persona inspiring countless artists and filmmakers. She is remembered for her beauty, wit, and talent, as well as her pioneering role as one of the first true Hollywood "bombshells".
In addition to her on-screen work, Harlow was also known for her philanthropy and charitable contributions. She supported causes such as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (now known as the March of Dimes) and was a generous donor to children's hospitals and other charitable organizations.
Despite the tragedies that marked her life, including the death of her husband and her own untimely passing, Jean Harlow remains a beloved and iconic figure of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her legacy serves as a tribute to the enduring power of talent, grace, and beauty in the world of entertainment.
FAQ
What was Jean Harlow's age at the time of her death?
Jean Harlow was only 26 years old when she passed away in 1937.
What was Jean Harlow's height and weight?
Jean Harlow was 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighed around 110 pounds.
What was Jean Harlow's figure like?
Jean Harlow was known for her curvaceous figure, with measurements of 34-24-35.
What was Jean Harlow's net worth at the time of her death?
At the time of her death, Jean Harlow had a net worth of approximately $10 million, which would be equivalent to over $176 million in today's currency.
What were some of the challenges Jean Harlow faced in her career as an actress?
Jean Harlow faced criticism and controversy throughout her career due to her bold, sexually charged persona on screen. She also struggled with frequent illnesses, including kidney disease, which ultimately led to her untimely death.
