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Norma Shearer Biography

Birth Name:Edith Norma Shearer

Birth Place:Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Profession Actress, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

Memorialized with a Canadian postage stamp in 2008 for their 'Canadians in Hollywood' series
Determined to make her daughter a famous pianist, she was disappointed when Norma announced she wanted to become a stage actress after seeing a vaudeville show on her ninth birthday
Following the enforcement of Production Code in 1934, she began completing darker film roles and period dramas until her retirement from acting in 1942
After resorting to numerous extra position while looking for stardom in New York, it wasn't until she caught the attention of producer Hal Roach who signed her to a contract with Louis B․ Mayer Pictures in 1923
Served as the inspiration for F․ Scott Fitzgerald's main character Stella in his widely popular story, Crazy Sunday
At the height of her popularity, she was earning up to $6,000 per week

Awards

1924Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1925Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (May): winner
1926Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1927Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (January): winner
1928Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
1929Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1929Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
1930Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: winner
1930Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1930Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
1930Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (August): winner
1931Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1931Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
1931Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (May): winner
1932Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
1932Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
1932Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (May): winner
1934Gold Medal-Best Actress: winner
1935Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1936NYFCC Award-Best Actress: nominated
1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
1937Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1938Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1938Volpi Cup-Best Actress: winner
1939Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1939Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (April): winner
1939Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
1941Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (January): winner