Gloria Swanson

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Gloria Swanson 1941

Gloria Swanson
Gloria Swanson 1921.jpg
Swanson in 1921
Born
Gloria May Josephine Swanson

(1899-03-27)March 27, 1899
DiedApril 4, 1983(1983-04-04) (aged 84)
OccupationActress, producer
Years active1914–1981
Children3


Gloria May Josephine Swanson (March 27, 1899 – April 4, 1983) was an American actress and film producer. She was one of the most prominent stars during the silent film era as both an actress and a fashion icon. Swanson is best known for her role as Norma Desmond in the 1950 film Sunset Boulevard.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Swanson was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph Theodore Swanson and Adelaide (née Klanowski). She grew up in a military family, which led to frequent relocations during her childhood. Swanson attended public schools in Chicago and later in Puerto Rico.

Career[edit | edit source]

Silent film era[edit | edit source]

Swanson began her career in 1914, appearing in silent films for Essanay Studios in Chicago. She quickly rose to fame and became a leading actress for Cecil B. DeMille's films, including Don't Change Your Husband (1919), Male and Female (1919), and Why Change Your Wife? (1920).

Transition to sound films[edit | edit source]

Swanson successfully transitioned to sound films with the 1929 film The Trespasser, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress nomination. However, her career began to decline in the 1930s as she struggled to find roles that matched her earlier success.

Comeback and later career[edit | edit source]

Swanson made a significant comeback with her role in Sunset Boulevard (1950), directed by Billy Wilder. Her portrayal of the aging silent film star Norma Desmond earned her a third Academy Award for Best Actress nomination. She continued to work in film, television, and theater throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Swanson was married six times and had three children. Her marriages included unions with Wallace Beery, Herbert K. Somborn, and Michael Farmer. She was also known for her high-profile relationships with Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rudolph Valentino.

Death[edit | edit source]

Gloria Swanson died on April 4, 1983, in New York City at the age of 84. She was interred at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York City.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Swanson is remembered as one of the greatest actresses of the silent film era and a pioneer for women in the film industry. Her role in Sunset Boulevard remains iconic, and she has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Filmography[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]



Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD