Lowell Sherman

Biography

Lowell Sherman's life was a masterclass in reinvention, as he seamlessly navigated the transition from silver screen heartthrob to esteemed director. Born to a family steeped in show business - his father, John Wm. Sherman, a prolific theatrical producer, and his mother, Julia Gray Sherman, an actress and daughter of the renowned Kate Gray - Lowell's entry into the world of entertainment was all but destined. The exact year of his birth remains a mystery, with some sources citing 1885 and others 1888. By 1905, Lowell had made his mark on the New York stage, and just nine years later, he began to dabble in the burgeoning world of cinema. His on-screen presence was undeniable, and he quickly established himself as a versatile actor with a penchant for portraying charismatic playboys and nefarious villains. Behind the camera, Lowell demonstrated a keen eye for talent, guiding the early careers of Hollywood legends Greta Garbo and Katharine Hepburn. His personal life was equally dynamic, with three marriages and a penchant for high-society gatherings - including the infamous 1921 soiree at San Francisco's St. Francis Hotel, which infamously sealed the fate of Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle. Lowell's life was cut tragically short when he succumbed to pneumonia in December 1934, leaving behind a legacy as one of cinema's earliest and most enduring stars.