Marilyn Monroe remains an enduring icon decades after her death, but during her lifetime, she looked up to another actress who also faced a tragic fate.
Jean Harlow, Hollywood’s first blonde bombshell, captivated audiences with her stunning curves, platinum hair, and comedic talent. Harlow’s life was cut short at the age of 26 in 1937. Despite her brief career, lasting only seven years, rumors and conspiracy theories have long clouded her legacy.
In an effort to clarify her story, Harlow expert and collector Darrell Rooney, along with Hollywood historian Mark Vieira, have collaborated to update their 2011 book “Harlow in Hollywood.” The revised edition, published on October 18, includes over 280 rare photographs.
Darrell Rooney has collected one of the world’s most extensive archives of Jean Harlow photographs and memorabilia. Some images of Harlow can fetch up to $14,000, while camera negatives can sell for as much as $50,000. Rooney told Fox News Digital that his initial book became so popular among collectors that it became challenging to find original copies online.
“There’s nothing left – I’m searching eBay for copies,” he laughed. “There’s a demand, which is very satisfying… We decided to update the new edition with fresh photographs and developments since 2011.”
Rooney highlighted that with the ongoing interest in Marilyn Monroe, it’s natural to delve deeper into the life of her idol, Jean Harlow.
“Why is Jean Harlow still significant today? First, it’s important to place her within Hollywood’s timeline,” Rooney explained. “Sound films began in 1929, and Harlow was the first blonde bombshell to make a significant impact in the era of sound. She made a sensational debut in Howard Hughes’ film ‘Hell’s Angels.’ At that time, the studio branded her as the ‘Platinum Blonde,’ a title that sparked a global craze. When she moved to MGM, they rebranded her as ‘The Blonde Bombshell,’ highlighting her striking blonde hair and remarkable comedic talent.”
“… And then Marilyn Monroe emerged,” he elaborated. “Jean Harlow served as Marilyn Monroe’s role model. Without Jean Harlow paving the way, Marilyn Monroe might not have become the icon she did. Harlow’s relevance today stems from her profound humanity. She aimed to evoke empathy from audiences through her film roles. Her life experiences also made her relatable to many.” Rooney mentioned that Harlow exuded a “charming, innocent demeanor,” reminiscent of the persona that Monroe would later embody.
“The biggest misconception about Jean Harlow is the stereotype of the ‘dumb blonde’,” Rooney explained. “It’s a common assumption that if you’re blonde, attractive, and don’t conform to certain societal norms, you must be lacking intelligence. However, that was not the case with Jean Harlow. She grew up as an only child, had a passion for writing, and aspired to be an author. Her entry into Hollywood was actually due to her mother’s dream of becoming a star, which she couldn’t fulfill due to age and photogenic limitations. Harlow took on the role of a movie star to fulfill her mother’s wishes, always believing it would be a temporary phase. In 1933, she even wrote a novel titled ‘Today is Tonight,’ but MGM prevented its publication during her lifetime. It eventually came out in 1965.”
Rooney mentioned that movie magazines portrayed Harlow as a sex symbol who relied heavily on her mother, often referring to her as “Mother Jean,” and giving her the nickname “Baby.”
“The issue arose because she was deeply intertwined with her mother and struggled to establish psychological independence,” he explained. “She attempted to break free from this dynamic in her mid-twenties but unfortunately passed away before she could fully achieve that.”
