Taylor Swift pays homage to an icon of Old Hollywood in one of her latest songs. The final track of her 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” is titled “Who Is Clara Bow,” named after a silent film star from the 1920s.
Who Is Clara Bow?
Born into poverty in Brooklyn, New York, in 1905 to a mother suffering from mental illness and an abusive father, Bow’s rise to fame was nothing short of remarkable. She made her film debut in 1922 with “Beyond the Rainbow,” but it was her role in “It” five years later that catapulted her to stardom, earning her the title of Hollywood’s original “It Girl” and sex symbol.
Bow’s portrayal of the flapper girl became iconic, resonating with countless women of the 1920s and beyond. Despite her success, Bow faced relentless scrutiny from the press, much like Swift does today. Rumors about her personal life and romances were constant fodder for media gossip.
Clara Bow’s great-granddaughter, Nicole Sisneros, drew parallels between Bow’s resilience and Swift’s ability to focus on her career despite media scrutiny. Bow’s biographer, David Stenn, suggested that Swift might be intrigued by Bow’s experiences with media attention, particularly the double standards she faced compared to male stars.
Bow’s popularity soared, with fan mail pouring in by the tens of thousands each month. She became a style icon, with fans emulating her signature look and demeanor. However, behind the glamour, Bow struggled with the pressures of fame, overwork, and underpayment by the studios.
Despite starring in numerous films, including the first-ever Best Picture winner at the Academy Awards, “Wings,” Bow’s career took a toll on her mental health. She suffered an emotional breakdown in 1931 and eventually retired from acting at just 28 years old.
Bow’s later years were marked by personal struggles, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia. She passed away in 1965 at the age of 60, leaving behind a complicated legacy.
Bow’s family hopes that Swift’s song will highlight her accomplishments and talent, reflecting her journey from adversity to stardom. They see parallels between Bow’s story and Swift’s narrative of overcoming obstacles to achieve success in the entertainment industry.
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