John Bowers (actor)

American actor (1885–1936)

John Bowers (born John E. Bowersox; December 25, 1885 – November 17, 1936) 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 (1937).

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.

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 16 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 (1937). 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.

Year Title Role Notes1914The Baited TrapBlondie1914In the Days of the Thundering HerdDick Madison1915The Woman PaysJohn Langton credited as John E. Bowers1916Madame XMonsieur Floriot 1916Destiny's ToyReverend Robert Carter1917Darkest RussiaAlexis Nazimoff 1917A Self Made Widow Fitzhugh Castleton1917Betsy RossJoseph Ashburn1918A Woman of RedemptionTim Stanton 1919Day DreamsDan O'Hara1919The PestGene Giles1919Through the Wrong DoorBurt Radcliff1919Strictly ConfidentialVernon, Lord Bantock 1920Godless MenDan Darrin1921The Ace of HeartsMr. Forrest 1921 The Silent Call Clark Moran1921Voices of the CityGraham 1921 The Poverty of Riches Tom Donaldson 1922 Affinities Day Illington1922Quincy Adams SawyerQuincy Adams Sawyer 1922South of SuvaJohn Webster 1923 The Destroying AngelHugh Miller Whittaker 1923Divorce Jim Parker1923The Woman of BronzePaddy Miles 1924The White SinGrant Van Gore1924Code of the WildernessRex Randerson 1925Confessions of a QueenPrince Alexei\1925Daughters Who PayDick Foster 1925ChickieBarry Dunne1926Rocking MoonGary Tynan1926The Dice WomanHamlin1926Pals in Paradise Bill Harvey 1927 The Opening Night Jimmy Keane1927The Heart of the YukonJim Winston 1927 Heroes in Blue Bob Kelly 1927 For Ladies Only Cliff Coleman1927RagtimeTed Mason1929Say It with SongsDr. Burnes, surgeon 1929Skin DeepDistrict Attorney Carlson1931Mounted FuryJim Leyton