Born in Chicago on March 27, 1899. She was an actress and a fashion icon.

Today she is best known for her role as Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard" from 1950.

Gloria made her film debut an an extra in "The Song of Soul".

During her heyday, she became the first fashion icon of films. She was the most famous and photographed person in the world during the silent film era. Her look was copied all around the globe.

She was one of the first stars to challenge the Hays Code by producing the banned movie "Sadie Thompson" in 1928. She was nominated for the first ever Academy Award for Best Actress in the title role of that film.

Ms. Swanson passed away in New York City on April 4, 1983.