Education
Born John East. Bowersox in Garrett, Indiana, to George and Ida Bowersox, he attended Huntington Business College in Huntington, Indiana, where he became interested in acting.
Born John East. Bowersox in Garrett, Indiana, to George and Ida Bowersox, he 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 mentor
Like many silent film stars, Bowers saw his career collapse when talkies became the standard.
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 (1937).
That character was also based on Norman Kerry.
Foreign his contribution to the motion picture industry, John Bowers has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1701 Vine Street.