Famous Flappers

The women below were superstars during the 1920's. Some of them are the hottest actresses in Hollywood, while others were famous for other reasons. They all shared one thing though; they severed as role models and inspiration across the county for young women who wanted to be a flapper. Through their appearance and lifestyle they showed the public what it was like to be a flapper, and helped to create the image of the stereotypical flapper.

Clara Bow

Born in Brooklyn, she grew up poor
Was discovered by Hollywood agents when she won a beauty pageant
Was known as the "It Girl" of the 1920's
Was the most famous flapper of the 1920's
From beauty to charm, she had the "It Factor"

Louise Brooks

Born November 14, 1906
Began her career as a dancer
The Screen of Forgotten Men, was her first screen role
She is most known for her role in Pandora's Box

Zelda Fitzgerald

Born in Montgomery, Alabama on July 24, 1900
She began dancing ballet in 1917
Was the muse of the Jazz Age
Married to F. Scott Fitzgerald
Was Scott's personal inspiration
She had been diagnosed with schizophrenia
Could no longer dance so she turned to writing

Colleen Moore

Born August 19, 1899
Her real name is Kathleen Morrison
Her first real acting job was in the silent film, The Bad Boys which premiered in 1917
In her acting career she took on many roles portraying flappers in the 1920's
Became known as the "Flapper Queen" in Hollywood
To read an article that she shared her feelings about flappers and her lifestyle visit our section about articles published about flappers under Flapper Literature.

Joan Crawford

Born March 23, 1905
Began her career as a traveling dancer
Signed with Broadway to be a chorus girl
Played roles dealing with "Rags to Riches" titles
F. Scott Fitzgerald commented, "Joan Crawford is doubtless the best example of the flapper, the girl you see at smart night clubs, gowned to the apex of sophistication, toying iced glasses with a remote, faintly bitter expression, dancing deliciously, laughing a great deal, with wide hurt eyes. Young things with a talent for living.”