John Bowers (actor)


John Bowers was an American stage and silent film actor who starred in 94 films including several short subjects. He has been identified as being an inspiration for the character Norman Maine in A Star Is Born.

Early life and career

Born John E. Bowersox in Garrett, Indiana, to George and Ida Bowersox, John Bowers 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. Bowers 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, Bowers saw his career collapse when talkies became the standard.

Death

On November 17, 1936, Bowers heard that his old friend Henry Hathaway was directing Gary Cooper in Souls at Sea on and off the shore of Santa Catalina. The 50-year-old actor rented a sixteen-foot sloop and sailed to the island, hoping to land a part in the picture only to learn that it had been cast. He never returned to shore and his body was found on the beach at Santa Monica, California. Chuck Palahniuk claims folk legend dictates John simply walked into the ocean upon hearing this news.
His life and particularly his death is identified as inspiration for the character Norman Maine in A Star Is Born. That character was also based on Norman Kerry.
For his contributions to the film industry, Bowers received a motion pictures star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1709 Vine Street in 1960.

Selected filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1914The Baited TrapBlondie
1914In the Days of the Thundering HerdDick Madison
1915The Woman PaysJohn LangtonCredited as John E. Bowers
1916Madame XMonsieur Floriot
1916Destiny's ToyReverend Robert Carter
1917Darkest RussiaAlexis Nazimoff
1917A Self-Made WidowFitzhugh Castleton
1917Betsy RossJoseph Ashburn
1918A Woman of RedemptionTim Stanton
1919Day DreamsDan O'Hara
1919The PestGene Giles
1919Strictly ConfidentialVernon, Lord Bantock
1920Godless MenDan Darrin
1921The Ace of HeartsMr. Forrest
1921Voices of the CityGraham
1922Quincy Adams SawyerQuincy Adams Sawyer
1922South of SuvaJohn Webster
1923The Woman of BronzePaddy Miles
1924The White SinGrant Van Gore
1924Code of the WildernessRex Randerson
1925Confessions of a QueenPrince Alexei\
1925Daughters Who PayDick Foster
1925ChickieBarry Dunne
1926Rocking MoonGary Tynan
1926The Dice WomanHamlin
1926Pals in Paradise
1927The Opening NightJimmy Keane
1927The Heart of the YukonJim Winston
1927RagtimeTed Mason
1929Say It with SongsDr. Burnes, surgeon
1929Skin DeepDistrict Attorney Carlson
1931Mounted FuryJim Leyton