Actor. He appeared in theatrical roles and in motion pictures from then 1910s to the 1930s, and became one of the top stars of the silent screen era. Born John Pringle in Logan, Utah, to stock company actor parents, his childhood was marked with abuse and neglect until he escaped to Hollywood, California as a teenager. He first found work as an extra with the Thomas Ince Movie Studios and soon became a favorite of French motion picture director Maurice Tourneur, who also hired him to write and direct several pictures. Gilbert quickly rose through the ranks, building his reputation as an outstanding actor. In 1921, he signed a three year contract with the Fox Film Corporation, where he was often cast as a romantic leading man. In 1924, he made the move to MGM Motion Picture Studios, where he became an elite star with appearances in high profile films such as “The Merry Widow”, “He Who Gets Slapped”, and “His Hour”. He worked along with some of the popular actors and actresses of the day, including Norma Shearer and Lon Chaney Jr. In 1925, Gilbert starred in director King Vidor's film “The Big Parade” which became one the highest grossing motion pictures in the silent film era. That same year, John Gilbert made “Flesh and the Devil” with actress Greta Garbo, with whom he began a love affair. The couple had planned to marry, but Garbo did not show up for the ceremony when the time came. Despite their off screen issues, they continued to generate box office success for the studio. Throughout John Gilbert's time at MGM, he had frequent clashes with the studio head Louis B. Mayer over creative matters. While waiting to see if Garbo would show up for their wedding, Mayer allegedly made a very rude remark that sent Gilbert into a rage and caused him to attack Mayer. From then on, Gilbert’s career turned downwards with the coming of talking films. In 1933, he starred opposite Garbo in “Queen Christina”, but the role failed to revive his career. His alcoholism during this time severely damaged his health and died in 1936 of a heart attack.
Actor. He appeared in theatrical roles and in motion pictures from then 1910s to the 1930s, and became one of the top stars of the silent screen era. Born John Pringle in Logan, Utah, to stock company actor parents, his childhood was marked with abuse and neglect until he escaped to Hollywood, California as a teenager. He first found work as an extra with the Thomas Ince Movie Studios and soon became a favorite of French motion picture director Maurice Tourneur, who also hired him to write and direct several pictures. Gilbert quickly rose through the ranks, building his reputation as an outstanding actor. In 1921, he signed a three year contract with the Fox Film Corporation, where he was often cast as a romantic leading man. In 1924, he made the move to MGM Motion Picture Studios, where he became an elite star with appearances in high profile films such as “The Merry Widow”, “He Who Gets Slapped”, and “His Hour”. He worked along with some of the popular actors and actresses of the day, including Norma Shearer and Lon Chaney Jr. In 1925, Gilbert starred in director King Vidor's film “The Big Parade” which became one the highest grossing motion pictures in the silent film era. That same year, John Gilbert made “Flesh and the Devil” with actress Greta Garbo, with whom he began a love affair. The couple had planned to marry, but Garbo did not show up for the ceremony when the time came. Despite their off screen issues, they continued to generate box office success for the studio. Throughout John Gilbert's time at MGM, he had frequent clashes with the studio head Louis B. Mayer over creative matters. While waiting to see if Garbo would show up for their wedding, Mayer allegedly made a very rude remark that sent Gilbert into a rage and caused him to attack Mayer. From then on, Gilbert’s career turned downwards with the coming of talking films. In 1933, he starred opposite Garbo in “Queen Christina”, but the role failed to revive his career. His alcoholism during this time severely damaged his health and died in 1936 of a heart attack.
Bio by: Marta Monk
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