Post A Pup Sundays! Gloria Swanson, Sunset Blvd, Pups and Silent Screen Era: Post Your Babies, Memes, or Anything Canine

 

Gloria Swanson was born Gloria May Josephine Svensson on March 27, 1899, in Chicago, Illinois. She became one of the most prominent stars of her time and was well-known for her glamorous presence on and off the screen. Swanson was the only child of Joseph Theodore Swanson and Adelaide Klanowsky. Due to her father's job as a civilian supply officer with the U.S. Army, the family moved frequently, living in Key West, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, before eventually settling back in Chicago. Swanson showed a strong interest in the arts from a young age, particularly in theater and film, which initially puzzled her family because it wasn't a world they were familiar with or understood. Her passion was without question during her school years when she participated in various plays and operettas showcasing her budding talent.

Gloria's initial entry into the film industry was coincidental. When she was 15, she visited Essanay Studios in Chicago, where she was offered a small role as a film extra. Swanson grabbed the opportunity, marking the beginning of her career in the spotlight. Soon after, she moved to California, working for Keystone Studios and performing in comedy shorts alongside Bobby Vernon. Her talent and charisma quickly caught the attention of directors, leading to more significant roles and opportunities. Swanson's big break came when she was recruited by Paramount Pictures and signed to a seven-year contract. Under the direction of Cecil B. DeMille, Swanson starred in films such as "Male and Female" (1919) and "The Affairs of Anatol" (1921), which catapulted her to international stardom. Her expressive performances and magnetic screen presence made her one of the most famous figures of the silent film era.

Swanson's journey had its share of challenges. She successfully transitioned to sound films with The Trespasser (1929), earning her a second Academy Award nomination. However, the 1930s brought about a period of change and personal turmoil. Despite these setbacks, she made a significant comeback with her role as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard (1950), a performance that earned her a third Oscar nomination and is widely regarded as her most important solidifying her as a pop culture fixture well after the film was released. The word iconic is overused and bastardized, but the role can indeed be said to be iconic. Who can forget the Carol Burnett reruns from the 90s when she did her take on Norma Desmond with hilarious results. 

Swanson's personal life was as thoroughly dramatic as her on-screen roles. She was married six times, and many of these relationships were fraught with pain and difficulties. Her first marriage to Wallace Beery was particularly challenging, with Swanson later recounting that Beery was abusive. The relationship ended in divorce after a tumultuous few years marked by a miscarriage induced by Beery tricking her into taking medicine that caused her to lose the baby. Gloria left him soon after. 

Her second marriage to Herbert K. Somborn ended in a highly publicized divorce, with accusations of infidelity on both sides. Although initially happy, her third marriage to Henri de la Falaise ended due to her affair with Joseph P. Kennedy and the strains of their separate careers. Subsequent marriages, including those of Michael Farmer and William Davey, were also troubled, with issues such as jealousy and alcoholism contributing to their breakdowns. Her final marriage to William Dufty, a writer and health food advocate, lasted until her death. 

Gloria was also a pioneering figure in the business world. She formed her own production company, gaining creative control over her projects, although it also brought significant financial risks. In addition, she founded a profit-sharing invention company called Multiprises, aiming to develop and market patents. This company was notable for its humanitarian efforts, as it helped Jewish inventors escape Nazi Germany. These ventures showcased her versatility and resilience, allowing her to remain in the public eye even when her acting career was less active.

Swanson had notable interactions with her contemporaries, including two of the biggest male stars of that era. Her relationship with Charlie Chaplin began early in her career when she worked at Essanay Studios. In Chaplin's film "His New Job" (1915), she appeared in a minor role, but the experience was awkward, and Chaplin eventually replaced her. On the other hand, her collaboration with Rudolph Valentino was more amicable. They co-starred in the 1922 film "Beyond the Rocks," and their on-screen chemistry was well-received, and both enjoyed the experience. Swanson and Valentino remained friends, and she attended his funeral in Hollywood, which shows her affection for the Silent Screen heartthrob. 

Swanson was not only an accomplished actress throughout her life, she owned several pets, with a particular fondness for Dachshunds and Chows. Among her canine companions, a shorthaired Dachshund named Max held a special place in her heart.

Swanson's affection for Max was so profound that she wrote an article from his perspective, titled "My Name is Max Swanson," showcasing her deep bond with her beloved pet. Swanson's love for dogs was part of her broader appreciation for animals and nature. Throughout her lifetime, she was known to have several pets, including both dogs and cats.

In addition to her love for dogs, Swanson was a trailblazer in many other areas. She was an early advocate for healthy food and vegetarianism, becoming a vegetarian around 1928. Swanson was known for bringing her meals to public events, reflecting her commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Her interest in nutrition and wellness was ahead of its time and complimented her holistic approach to life, which included her love for her pets and her love of life. Even though she had suffered setbacks and pain, Gloria was never one to be beaten down because she had a strong sense of self and an amazing fortitude.

Swanson's life and career were defined by her ability to navigate the complexities of Hollywood and her personal life with resilience and adaptability. Her contributions to film, particularly during the silent film era, have made a lasting impact on the history of cinema. She passed away on April 4, 1983, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in early Hollywood cinema and as a woman who lived life on her own terms.