The “Blonde Bombshell” was born in Kansas City. Harlean Harlow Carpenter changed her name to Jean Harlow and became the biggest film actress sex symbol in Hollywood during the 1930s.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.