Jean Harlow

Biography

Jean Harlow (born Harlean Harlow Carpenter; March 3, 1911 – June 7, 1937) was 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. Though her screen persona changed dramatically during her career, one constant was her sense of humor. She was given superior movie roles to show off her looks and nascent comedic talent. Harlow was in the film industry for only nine years, but she became one of the biggest stars in the US, whose image in the public eye has endured. Harlow was consistently voted one of the strongest box office draws in the United States from 1933 onward, often surpassing that of MGM's top leading ladies, such as Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer. Her movies also continued to make huge profits at the box office even during the middle of the Depression. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Harlow No. 22 on its greatest female screen legends of classical Hollywood cinema list.

Most Known For

Intimate Portrait

as Self

MGM Parade

as Self

Goldie

as Goldie

Scarface

as Blonde at Paradise Club

Libeled Lady

as Gladys Benton

Platinum Blonde

as Ann Schuyler

Double Whoopee

as Swanky blonde

Bacon Grabbers

as Mrs. Kennedy

That's Entertainment!

as (archive footage)

The Public Enemy

as Gwen Allen

Hell's Angels

as Helen

Beau Hunks

as Jeanie Weenie - in Photo

Honor Bound

as Extra

Red-Headed Woman

as Lillian 'Lil' / 'Red' Andrews Legendre

Red Dust

as Vantine Jefferson

Dinner at Eight

as Kitty Packard

China Seas

as Dolly 'China Doll' Portland

Chasing Husbands

as Bathing Beauty (uncredited)

James Stewart: A Wonderful Life

as Self (archive footage)

Jean Harlow: Platinum Bombshell

as Self (archive footage)