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(real name John E. Bowersox)
(December 25, 1885 - November 17, 1936), was an American silent film
actor who starred in ninety-four films including short subjects.
 Bowers
was born in Garrett, Indiana, to George and Ida Bowersox.
He attended Huntington Business College in Huntington, Indiana,
where he became interested in acting. He joined a stock stage group
and traveled until he landed in New York in 1912, where he appeared
in Broadway productions.
He began his film career in 1914. Within five years, he became one
of the most popular leading men. During his career he co-starred
frequently with Marguerite De La Motte, whom he later married.
Like many silent film stars, when talkies became the standard,
Bowers' career collapsed. Bowers committed suicide by rowing a boat
into the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica, California, and drowned. He
was fifty years old. His life is often identifed as inspiration for
the Norman Maine character in the 1937 film, A Star is Born. |
