Laura Lower

Born in Pennsylvania, Laura Lower was primarily raised in Mississippi and Alabama. Winning a local beauty contest in the 1930s, part of her prize included a trip to Hollywood along with a bit role in the film "Search for Beauty" (1934). Lower became friendly with actress Gail Patrick (1911-1980), who was from the Birmingham area in which Lower was attending high school, during her brief stay in Hollywood. Patrick became a mentor for Lower, meeting her train when she initially arrived, helping her select the proper wardrobe for different social engagements, and meeting her for lunch when their schedules permitted. Patrick, who was well-educated and went on to become a producer, also offered her new friend advice. I don't know how seriously Lower was considering pursuing an acting career, but once filming for "Search For Beauty" was over, she returned home to Alabama permanently. Perhaps some sage words from Patrick influenced her decision to go home and finish her education, but it seemed to ultimately work out well. A local premiere for Lower's one and only feature film was held in Birmingham and she entertained questions before stepping out of the spotlight altogether. "It was thrilling and lots of fun," she told reporters while recalling seeing stars like Mae West (1892-1980) and Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992) during her time out west. "But, " she continued "I am glad to be back in Birmingham." Still, she cherished the once in a lifetime experience, saying "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I had of going to Hollywood and working in a picture." When reporters quizzed her on whether she planned to return to California, she seemed to not even be tempted. "I don't know about that," she said plainly, "I am just happy to have had the experience and to be home again now." And, with that, the door on the film career of Laura Lower was closed forever. Post-Hollywood, Lower seemed to live a very full and happy life. She married in 1937 and remained so until the death of her husband 58 years later. The couple had 4 children. Laura Lower passed away from congestive heart failure in 2001 at the age of 84.