In a 1957 interview with reporter Mike Wallace, Hollywood legend Gloria Swanson, 58, sits in an elegant dress topped with an elaborate off-the-shoulder bow, her white-gloved hands twirling a flower in her lap. As Wallace prods her with questions about her talent, her age, and if she’s done with Hollywood after her best-known role as fading actress Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, Gloria smiles calmly. “Wait a minute, am I through with Hollywood or are they through with me?” she asks. “I would love to do pictures. I’m one of the people who believes in romance, and I don’t think that has any age.”
Gloria would go on to prove that, for her, it was true. She rose to fame as a glamorous star of silent films and had legions of fans. “She lived extravagantly. She traveled with entourages. She spent wildly,” Stephen Shearer, author of the new book Gloria Swanson: Hollywood’s First Glamour Queen, tells Closer. “In those days, the public wanted us to live like kings and queens. And why not? We were in love with life,” said Gloria, who had six husbands, numerous lovers and three children.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Delicious Low-Sugar HOLIDAY SWEETS
You'll never miss the sugar in these creative and mouthwatering treats, perfect for sharing with your loved ones
I'm Still HAVING FUN
The veteran actor talks about his life, latest film, Thelma, and TV series Son of a Critch
Fame, Secrets &Lies
A NEW BOOK SHEDS LIGHT ON THE MYSTERIES OF THE REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE STAR'S PRIVATE LIFE
ART GARFUNKEL - IN HARMONY With His Son
THE GRAMMY-WINNING SINGER FOUND A NEW MUSIC COLLABORATOR CLOSE TO HOME
Kate's CHRISTMAS WISH
AFTER A YEAR OF PRIVATE STRUGGLES, THE PRINCESS IS GRATEFUL FOR THE GIFTS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS
5 WAYS TO REDUCE ANXIETY NATURALLY
KEEPING CALM CAN HELP YOU FEEL BETTER AND STAY HEALTHY
STEFANIE POWERS Love, Loss What I've Learned
THE HART TO HART ALUM ON HER CAREER, RELATIONSHIPS AND THE WORK SHE'S DOING TO HELP SAVE THE PLANET
Mouthwatering BRAISED DISHES
These simple, flavor-packed suppers are just what the doctor ordered this winter
JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT Opens Up About Her New Projects
Jennifer Love Hewitt has always loved celebrating the holidays, but this year promises to be J her most special season yet.
Girl Interrupted
For Nicole Kidman, the film Babygirl is an affair to remember. In this erotic thriller, she's a high-powered tech CEO whose suppressed desires are unleashed by a new, young intern (Harris Dickinson) -threatening the life she's built for herself.
