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Gladys GeorgeAmerican film and theatre actress.
Date of Birth: 13.09.1900
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Career Beginnings
- Tragic Fire and Career Interruption
- Broadway Return and Film Comeback
- Oscar Nomination and Notable Roles
- Declining Career and Personal Turmoil
- Final Years and Death
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born September 13, 1900, in Patten, Maine, Gladys Cooper's parents were British stage actors touring America. At an early age, she joined her family in the vaudeville act, "The Three Clairs." Her Broadway debut came in 1914 in "Engagement," and she made her cinematic debut in 1920's "Hot Dollars."
Tragic Fire and Career Interruption
In 1921, Gladys Cooper suffered severe burns in a fire, forcing her to take time off from her budding film career. In 1922, she married unsuccessful actor Ben Hurvie, but they divorced eight years later.
Broadway Return and Film Comeback
In the early 1930s, thanks to her second husband Edward Fowler, Cooper returned to Broadway. Her cinematic comeback occurred in 1934 when she signed with MGM.
Oscar Nomination and Notable Roles
Cooper received her only Academy Award nomination for her performance in 1936's "The Gorgeous Hussy." Notable films from the late 30s and early 40s include "Madame X" (1937), "Marie Antoinette" (1938), "The Roaring Twenties" (1939), and "The Maltese Falcon" (1941).
Declining Career and Personal Turmoil
After the mid-40s, Cooper's career began to decline with fewer and smaller roles. She had three more unsuccessful marriages: Leonard Penn, Kenneth Bradley, and an anonymous man.
Final Years and Death
In the early 1950s, Cooper was diagnosed with throat cancer. She passed away in Los Angeles on December 8, 1954, at the age of 54. Some sources speculate she may have died from a barbiturate overdose.
