Gloria Swanson
Early Life
Gloria May Josephine Swanson was born on March 27, 1899, in Chicago to Adelaide (née Klanowski) and Joseph Theodore Swanson, a soldier. She was of Swedish, German, and Polish descent. Her father was a soldier in the Spanish–American War and was also a traveling salesman. He relocated the family to Puerto Rico and raised Gloria there until she was 6 years old, when they moved to Key West, Florida.
Career
Swanson began her career in the film industry as an extra in 1914 at the Essanay Studios in Chicago, while on a visit to her aunt. She made her film debut the following year in the short film, The Song of Soul for Essanay. She moved to California in 1916 to appear in Mack Sennett’s Keystone comedies opposite Bobby Vernon. For Sennett, she also appeared in the film Teddy at the Throttle (1917), which was her first film with Wallace Beery.
In 1925, Swanson starred in the successful film The Coast of Folly, which was followed by Madame Sans-Gêne in 1925. She was nominated for the first Academy Award in the Best Actress category for her performance in Sadie Thompson (1928). She received her second Academy Award nomination for her role in The Trespasser (1929). Her last successful starring role was in Sunset Boulevard (1950), for which she received her third Academy Award nomination.
Personal Life
Swanson was married six times. Her first marriage was to actor Wallace Beery in 1916. The couple divorced in 1919. She then married Herbert K. Somborn, a film producer in 1919. They had a daughter, Gloria Swanson Somborn (1920–2000), and divorced in 1922. Swanson's third marriage was to Henri, Marquis de la Falaise de la Coudraye in 1925. They divorced in 1931. Her fourth marriage was to Michael Farmer in 1931. They had a daughter, Michelle Bridget Farmer (born 1932), and divorced in 1934. Swanson's fifth marriage was to William Davey from 1945 to 1946. Her sixth and final marriage was to writer William Dufty from 1976 until her death in 1983.
Death and Legacy
Swanson died on April 4, 1983, in New York City from a heart ailment. She was interred in the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York City. Swanson has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contribution to Motion Pictures at 6750 Hollywood Boulevard.