That gorgeousness is the original “It” girl… not some Lohan trash imitation. Bow was the real deal, from Brooklyn too, born on this day in 1905. An abused and impoverished child, she somehow managed to become America’s first sex symbol.
The story about her taking on the entire USC football team was proven false by someone who interviewed members of the alleged dalliance team, and they all denied it. Among her many affairs, however, was Bela Lugosi.
Clara got into pictures by winning a contest and was a top box office star in the waning days of the silents — she exemplified the Flapper era, although she was making $35,000 a week during the Depression.
She made a few sound pictures and quit the business at 26, married cowboy actor Rex Bell and had two kids. She never attempted a comeback.
Bow died in Los Angeles of a heart attack at age 60. Her remains are at Forest Lawn, near those of George Burns and Nat King Cole, and right below Alan Ladd.
