Norma Shearer

Date of Birth: August 10, 1902

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: June 12, 1983

Biography

Norma Shearer was a Canadian-American actress and a major star of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Born on August 10, 1902, in Montreal, Quebec, Shearer became one of the most celebrated actresses of her time. She started her career in silent films and transitioned successfully into talkies, earning a reputation for her versatility and charm. She was known for her roles in films like “The Divorcee” (1930), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress, “A Free Soul” (1931), and “Marie Antoinette” (1938). Shearer’s journey to stardom began when she moved to New York City with her mother and sister in the early 1920s. She was signed by MGM and quickly rose to fame under the guidance of studio head Irving Thalberg, whom she married in 1927. Shearer’s career flourished during the 1930s, and she became one of MGM’s top actresses. Her portrayals often challenged the traditional roles of women, showcasing strength, independence, and complexity. After Thalberg’s death in 1936, Shearer’s career began to wane, and she retired from acting in 1942. She lived a quiet life thereafter, focusing on her family. Norma Shearer passed away on June 12, 1983, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances and a trailblazing career that inspired future generations of actresses.

5 Interesting Facts about Norma Shearer

1. Norma Shearer was the first five-time Academy Award nominee for Best Actress.

2. She was known as “The First Lady of MGM” due to her significant contributions to the studio’s success.

3. Shearer’s role in “The Divorcee” (1930) was considered groundbreaking for its portrayal of a woman’s sexual independence.

4. Her husband, Irving Thalberg, was one of the most influential producers in Hollywood during the 1920s and 1930s.

5. Shearer was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame in 2008.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Norma Shearer

1. “It is impossible to get anything made or accomplished without stepping on some toes; enemies are inevitable when one is a doer.”

2. “An adventure may be worn as a muddy spot or it may be worn as a proud insignia. It is the woman wearing it who makes it the one thing or the other.”

3. “Scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength, move on.”

4. “I get whatever placidity I have from my father. But my mother taught me how to take it on the chin.”

5. “Never let them see you in public after you’ve turned thirty-five. You’re finished if you do!”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Norma Shearer’s highest net worth achieved was estimated to be around $2 million during her peak in the 1930s, which would be equivalent to approximately $35 million today when adjusted for inflation.