"The It Girl": Looking Back At Clara Bow's Cause Of Death

Clara Bow

Clara Bow was born on July 29, 1905, in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in a poor and troubled household, facing a difficult childhood marked by poverty and family strife. Despite these challenges, Bow's natural talent and determination to escape her harsh upbringing led her to pursue acting, eventually rising from obscurity to become one of the most celebrated stars of Hollywood's silent film era.

Clara Bow

Romantic Comedy: 'It' (1927)
Clara Bow solidified her title as the "It Girl" in the romantic comedy 'It', where she played "Betty Lou Spence," a salesgirl with irresistible charm. This performance turned Bow into a cultural sensation and defined the flapper archetype in the 1920s. 'It' made her a household name, and Bow’s portrayal remains a defining moment in her career.

Clara Bow and Donald Keith in 'The Plastic Age'

The Breakthrough: 'The Plastic Age' (1925)
One of Bow's earlier significant roles was in 'The Plastic Age', where she played "Cynthia Day," a college student who becomes the love interest of a young athlete. This film was a major box office success and launched her into stardom, showcasing her ability to connect with youthful audiences. 'The Plastic Age' helped Clara Bow transition from smaller productions to more prominent films, marking the beginning of her rise to fame.

Ernest Torrence, Clara Bow in 'Mantrap'

Silent Star: 'Mantrap' (1926)
In 'Mantrap', Clara Bow played "Alverna," a flirtatious young woman who ignites tension between two men. This role further cemented her as a versatile actress capable of transitioning between comedy and drama, effortlessly blending flirtation with vulnerability.

Clara Bow in 'Wings'

Iconic Role: 'Wings' (1927)
Her performance in the epic war film 'Wings' was another milestone. The film, which later won the first Academy Award for Best Picture, showcased Bow’s talent beyond the romance genre. She played "Mary Preston," a nurse in love with a fighter pilot, showing her dramatic range and emotional depth.

Clara Bow in 'The Wild Party'

Musical Transition: 'The Wild Party' (1929)
With the arrival of sound films, Clara Bow successfully made the transition to "talkies" with 'The Wild Party'. She starred as "Stella Ames," a carefree college student, and her Brooklyn accent became iconic. This role further proved her ability to adapt to the changing demands of the film industry.

Clara Bow in 'Hoop-La'

Final Bow: 'Hoop-La' (1933)
After a series of career highs, Bow retired from acting after her role as "Lou," a carnival dancer, in the film 'Hoop-La'. Despite the industry's evolving standards and the pressures of fame, this film marked a graceful end to her cinematic journey.

Clara Bow and Rex Bell

Personal Struggles and Health Decline
Clara Bow’s career was filled with extraordinary success, but her personal life was marred by mental health struggles, stemming from childhood trauma. These challenges led to her withdrawal from the public eye, and she lived a quiet life on a Nevada ranch with her husband, actor Rex Bell.

Clara Bow

Cause of Death
Clara Bow passed away on September 27, 1965, at the age of 60 from a heart attack. Years of reclusive living and health struggles marked her final years, but her legacy as Hollywood’s original "It Girl" remains untouched.

Clara Bow, often hailed as the original "It Girl," became a defining icon of Hollywood's silent film era. Known for her vivacious presence and ability to captivate audiences, Bow’s career was marked by her portrayal of energetic, flapper-like characters. With her expressive eyes and natural charisma, she captured the essence of youthful rebellion during the Roaring Twenties. In this redaction, we’ll explore her career highlights, including memorable performances, and touch on her cause of death.

Clara Bow: A Look at the Life & Legacy of Hollywood's Silent Film Star

Bow's contributions to early cinema laid the foundation for the modern-day celebrity phenomenon, making her one of Hollywood's most unforgettable stars.