Who Is Clara Bow? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on July 29, 1905, Clara Bow was an emblematic figure of the Roaring Twenties and an iconic star of the silent film era. She captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with her charming and vivacious personality. By 2025, Bow's legacy is celebrated as a pioneer of Hollywood's Golden Age, paving the way for future generations of actresses. Throughout her career, she starred in numerous films, becoming a household name and earning the nickname "The It Girl." Clara Bow passed away on September 27, 1965, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy that still influences the entertainment industry today.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1905 |
| Age | 60 Years |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 27 September, 1965 |
| Died Place | Culver City, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Clara Bow's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Clara Bow stood at approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall, which was considered petite for her time. Her weight varied throughout her career but was typically around 108 pounds (49 kg). Known for her expressive features and charismatic presence, Bow had distinctive physical characteristics, including her signature bobbed hair and bright, emotive eyes. Her body measurements were often described as shapely and fit, embodying the ideal of femininity during the 1920s.
"...[when] Bow was at her height in pictures we could make a story with her in it and gross a million and a half, where another actress would gross half a million in the same picture and with the same cast.—Selznick"
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her life, Clara Bow had several significant relationships that made headlines. In the 1920s, she was romantically linked to numerous high-profile individuals, including actors and directors. Most notably, she had a tumultuous relationship with actor Rex Bell, whom she married in 1931. Together, they had two sons, but the marriage was fraught with challenges. After separating in the late 1940s, Bow remained single for the most part. In 2025, Clara Bow is often celebrated for her relationships, seen as reflections of her free-spirited personality and the societal norms of her time.
Bow was her parents' third child. Her two older sisters, born in 1903 and 1904, had died in infancy. Her mother, Sarah Frances Bow (née Gordon, 1880–1923), was told by a doctor not to become pregnant again, for fear the next baby might die as well. Despite the warning, Sarah became pregnant with Clara in late 1904.
In addition to the risky pregnancy, a heat wave besieged New York in July 1905, and temperatures peaked around 100 °F. We were both given up, but somehow we struggled back to life."
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 1965, Clara Bow's estimated net worth was around $4 million, a substantial amount that reflected her successful film career and endorsements. Adjusted for inflation, this figure represents millions in today's currency. In 2025, discussions about Bow's financial legacy continue as film historians and enthusiasts analyze her impact on Hollywood's business model and the earning potential for actresses today.
Preferred Pictures loaned Bow to producers "for sums ranging from $1500 to $2000 a week" while paying Bow a salary of $200 to $750 a week. The studio, like any other independent studio or theater at that time, was under attack from "The Big Three", MPAA, which had formed a trust to block out Independents and enforce the monopolistic studio system.
On October 21, 1925, Schulberg filed Preferred Pictures for bankruptcy, with debts at $820,774 and assets $1,420.
Career, Business and Investments
Clara Bow's career began in her teens, quickly rising to prominence with films like "It" (1927), which solidified her status as a leading lady of the silent film era. Despite facing challenges, including the transition from silent films to talkies, Bow continued to captivate audiences with her performances in notable films like "Wings" (1927) and "Mantrap" (1926). Beyond her film career, she also had business ventures and was known for her shrewd investments in real estate. Her forward-thinking business acumen is often acknowledged in discussions about female empowerment in the entertainment industry.
Bow's interest in sports and her physical abilities led her to plan for a career as an athletics instructor. She won five medals at the "cinder tracks" and credited her cousin Homer Baker—the national half-mile (c. 800 m) champion in 1913 and 1914 and 660-yard (c. 600 m) world-record holder—for being her trainer.
The Bows and Bakers shared a house—still standing—at 33 Prospect Place in 1920.
Social Network
Though Clara Bow passed away long before the advent of social media, modern fans and historians continue to celebrate her life through various platforms. Online communities and social media pages dedicated to classic cinema and vintage film stars keep her memory alive by sharing photographs, quotes, and insights into her filmography. In 2025, the revival of interest in classic films has led to increased discussions about Bow's contributions today, highlighting her enduring influence in popular culture.
Colleen Moore made her flapper debut in a successful adaptation of the daring novel Flaming Youth, released November 12, 1923, six weeks before Black Oxen.
Both films were produced by First National Pictures, and while Black Oxen was still being edited and Flaming Youth not yet released, Bow was requested to co-star with Moore as her kid sister in Painted People (The Swamp Angel). Moore essayed the baseball-playing tomboy and Bow, according to Moore, said "I don't like my part, I wanna play yours."
Education
Clara Bow's formal education was modest. She attended local schools in Brooklyn, New York, but her early exposure to the performing arts fostered her acting ambitions. Bow's education in the entertainment industry came largely from her experiences on set and the invaluable learning offered by various acting coaches. Her natural talent and charisma overshadowed any formal training, making her success a testament to her innate abilities.
Bow attended P.S. 111, P.S. 9, and P.S. 98. "P.S." stands for "Public School" in New York City. As she grew up, she felt shy among other girls, who teased her for her worn-out clothes and "carrot-top" hair. She said about her childhood, "I never had any clothes. ... And lots of time didn't have anything to eat. We just lived, that's about all. Girls shunned me because I was so poorly dressed."
