See also Biography Index (J) :: Filmography Index (J) :: Discography Index (J)

John Bowers (December 25, 1885 – November 17, 1936) was an American stage and silent film actor who starred in ninety-four films including short subjects.

Born John E. 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 men. During his career he co-starred frequently with Marguerite De La Motte, whom he later married.

Like many silent film stars, when talkies became the standard, Bowers` career collapsed. On November 17, 1936, he drowned himself in the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica, California. He was fifty years old. His life is often identified as inspiration for the Norman Maine character in the film A Star is Born (1937).

For his contribution to the motion picture industry, John Bowers has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1701 Vine Street.