Jean Harlow... the original "Platinum Blonde", and one of the sexiest film stars of the golden age of movies.  She died at age 26, with her true potential as a fast-talking comedienne just beginning to be realized.  But who was she, really?  Harlean Harlow Carpenter was born on March 3, 1911, the only child of a Kansas City dentist and his young wife, Jean Poe Harlow Carpenter.  Her parents divorced when she was 10 years old, and Jean tried to prevent (with some success) any further contact between Harlean and her father, Mont Clair Carpenter.  They did manage to keep in touch, unknown to Harlean's later biographers.  As she began her acting career, prompted and always managed, if not actually controlled, by her mother, Harlean was known by her mother's maiden name.

In her childhood, she was a pampered, forthright tomboy.  She never developed the snobbishness that might be expected, but became an extremely hard worker and a kind and caring person who was as considerate of the film crews as she was of any producer or costar.  She inspired the deep affection and respect of nearly everyone with whom she came in contact, and her untimely death grieved thousands. 

This site is a tribute to the undying love between father and daughter.  It is intended to provide a glimpse into the little-known Carpenter side of Harlean Carpenter / Jean Harlow's life and background, as well as some information on her career.  The Carpenter family images here have been reproduced from the family's private collection, and have never before been made public.  Other images are from the collection of Lisa Burks, who generously chose to give many pictures and other memorabilia to members of the family.