Hollywood’s first ‘It Girl,’ Clara Bow, is back again, making headlines after Taylor Swift named a track after her in her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, leaving many wondering what happened to her.
Despite being popular as the sex icon, Clara Bow’s acting career ended abruptly when she left Hollywood during her heyday.
After abandoning Hollywood in 1931, Clara enjoyed her retirement with her husband, Rex Bell, with whom she welcomed two sons.
Later, in the year 1965, Clara Bow passed away due to a heart attack. However, even before that, she had attempted to take her own life as she suffered from Schizophrenia.
Key Takeaways
- Clara Bow retired from Hollywood after she became the victim of vile criticism and rumors from the tabloid press.
- Taylor Swift might be telling the story of the way the press media handles and criticizes young female talents in Hollywood by referencing what happened to Clara Bow and her tragic abandonment of her dream career.
Here is the list of tracks from the artist Taylor Swift that you might like to hear!
The tragic story behind what happened to Clara Bow: Story of a wildest dream turned nightmare!
Behind the cheerful, ‘It’ face, Clara Bow had a tragic past, which she used as fuel to chase her dreams of stardom.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she had a traumatic childhood growing up. Clara Bow’s mother was mentally unstable and suffered psychotic episodes. Meanwhile, her father was an alcoholic and was barely there to look after her.
Moreover, the actress used to get bullied at school for her poor appearance. However, the street boys in her neighborhood respected Clara, as she used to come first in many games.
When her mother was sent to a public asylum, Clara Bow’s father forced himself upon her, and she was just 16 at the time.
Only after winning the nationwide acting contest did Clara Bow step into Hollywood with the role in Beyond the Rainbow.
However, the movie role in Down to the Sea in Ships in 1922 put her on the Hollywood map.
Later, in 1927, she starred in the movie It, giving birth to the ‘It Girl’ concept in Hollywood.
However, with fame, Clara Bow also drew vile criticism for her independent, strong woman persona. Many scandalous and truly disturbing rumors were broadly circulated about her.
So, in 1931, she abandoned her dream career and retired from Hollywood.
After her retirement, the past traumatic experiences of Clara Bow caught up to her. According to the National Museum of American History, she suffered from schizophrenia and tried to take her own life.
As her mental health took a severe turn, she had to take shock therapy in 1949. She later passed away three years after her late husband, Rex Bell, in 1965 due to a heart attack.
Clara Bow and Taylor Swift’s relation in The Tortured Poets Department!
The 11th studio album of Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department featured a track titled Clara Bow, referencing the story of the 20s ‘It Girl.’
Taylor Swift hinted at the similar circumstances that celebrity women have to endure even today.
Although the pop megastar herself has yet to tell about it, Taylor Swift might be trying to convey the story of a young, talented girl who earned fame and later became a victim of press media to the point she had to abandon her dream career.
Like Clara Bow, Swift also had her share of ups and downs regarding tabloid experience as she quoted, “I’ve been raised up and down the flagpole of public opinion so many times,” to Time magazine.
So, the pop star Taylor Swift might be hinting at something similar to what happened to Clara Bow after her massive success with Eras Tour via her track Clara Bow.
FAQs
Clara Bow had two children: Tony Beldam and George Beldam.
Clara Bow is remembered today for her contribution, crucial influence, and role in shaping present-day American women and society.
Clara Bow married her only husband, Rex Bell, in 1931, and the couple was together till their last breath.
