Harlow, Jean, 1911-1937

Jean Harlow was an actor known for performing in comedic Hollywood films with her platinum blonde hair. Born as Harlean Harlow Carpenter in Kansas City, Missouri, she auditioned under her mother's maiden name, Jean Harlow, but only received work for minor and extra roles. Harlow's first major role was as Helen in Hell's Angels (1930), produced and directed by Howard Hughes. Despite the film's success, Harlow would return to minor roles until Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer Studios (MGM) bought her contract from Hughes, beginning a boom in her career between 1932 until her death on June 7, 1937. During this time, Harlow appeared in approximately 40 films, and in 1999, the American Film Intsitute listed her as one of the greatest actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Source:

Basinger, Jeanine. "Lived Fast, Died Young: The short and unhappy life of Jean Harlow, the platinum blond who had everything but luck." New York Times. October 10, 1993.

"Jean Harlow, Film Star, Dies in Hollywood at 26 After an Illness of Only a Few Days." New York Times. June 8, 1937.