Claire Luce
Actor
About Claire Luce
Claire Luce was a versatile American stage and screen actress, dancer, and singer who rose to prominence during the 1920s and 1930s. Born in Syracuse, New York, she began her career as a ballerina with a traveling Russian opera troupe before making her Broadway debut in the early 1920s. She became a celebrated fixture of the New York stage, appearing in the 'Ziegfeld Follies of 1927' and later starring opposite Fred Astaire in the 1932 musical 'Gay Divorce'. While her film career was relatively brief, she made a significant impact in John Ford's 'Up the River' (1930), where she played the romantic lead opposite Humphrey Bogart in his feature film debut. A serious hip injury sustained during a performance of 'Gay Divorce' in London eventually curtailed her professional dancing career, leading her to focus more on dramatic acting. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, she transitioned into classical theater, earning acclaim for her Shakespearean roles in both the United States and England.
The Craft
On Screen
Luce was known for her athletic and 'refulgent' dancing style, which Fred Astaire noted as a primary inspiration for his more romantic and modern partnering approach. As a dramatic actress, she was praised for her versatility, moving from light musical comedy and 'bad girl' roles like Curley's Wife to demanding classical Shakespearean leads with equal poise.
Milestones
- Starred in the original Broadway production of 'Gay Divorce' (1932) with Fred Astaire
- Played the female lead in John Ford's 'Up the River' (1930), the feature debut of Spencer Tracy and Humphrey Bogart
- Featured performer in the 'Ziegfeld Follies of 1927'
- Acclaimed performance as Curley's Wife in the Broadway production of 'Of Mice and Men' (1937)
- Successful transition to Shakespearean drama, playing Beatrice in 'Much Ado About Nothing' and Katharina in 'The Taming of the Shrew'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Variety Club Award for Best Actress (1945)
Special Recognition
- Recognized by Fred Astaire in his autobiography as the inspiration for the 'Night and Day' dance routine
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Claire Luce played a pivotal role in the evolution of American musical theater by helping Fred Astaire transition from his brother-sister act with Adele Astaire to a more sophisticated, romantic partnership style. Her performance in 'Gay Divorce' set the template for the 'Night and Day' routine, which redefined filmed dance when it was later adapted for the screen. Additionally, her presence in 'Up the River' places her at a historic intersection of Hollywood history as the leading lady for two of cinema's greatest icons, Bogart and Tracy, in their first major film.
Lasting Legacy
Luce is remembered as one of the most talented double-threats of her era, excelling as both a world-class dancer and a serious dramatic actress. Her legacy is preserved through her association with the 'Golden Age' of Broadway and her early contributions to the talkie era of Hollywood. She remains a subject of interest for film historians due to her unique role in the early careers of Humphrey Bogart and Fred Astaire.
Who They Inspired
Her modern, athletic dancing style directly influenced Fred Astaire's choreography, encouraging him to move away from tap-heavy routines toward the sweeping, ballroom-influenced 'partnered' dance that became his trademark with Ginger Rogers.
Off Screen
Luce grew up in Rochester, New York, in a fractured household and was later adopted by Florence Colebrook Powers, who ran a dance school. She was often confused with the writer and politician Clare Boothe Luce, leading the latter to use her maiden name professionally for a time. In 1940, she became engaged to RAF pilot John Woodburn Gillan, who was tragically killed in action in 1941.
Education
Studied dance under Florence Colebrook Powers; trained as a ballerina with a Russian opera troupe.
Family
- Clifford Warren Smith (1928-1935)
Did You Know?
- She was the first actress to play Curley's Wife on Broadway in the 1937 production of 'Of Mice and Men'.
- Fred Astaire wanted her for the film version of 'Gay Divorce' (The Gay Divorcee), but RKO insisted on Ginger Rogers.
- She suffered a permanent hip injury during a 'Table Dance' routine in London that ended her career as a professional dancer.
- She is frequently confused with the politician Clare Boothe Luce, despite their different spellings and careers.
- At age 15, she ran away from home to join a Russian opera troupe as a ballerina.
- She appeared in the 'Ziegfeld Follies of 1927', one of the most famous editions of the legendary revue.
- She played Humphrey Bogart's love interest in his very first credited feature film role.
In Their Own Words
Come on, Fred, I'm not your sister, you know. (To Fred Astaire, encouraging him to be more romantic during rehearsals for 'Gay Divorce')
In the refulgent Claire Luce, Fred Astaire has found a partner who can match him step for step. (Quote by critic Brooks Atkinson regarding her talent)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Claire Luce?
Claire Luce was a prominent American stage and screen actress and dancer active from the 1920s through the 1950s. She is best known for her Broadway partnership with Fred Astaire and her role in the 1930 film 'Up the River'.
What films is Claire Luce best known for?
She is most famous for 'Up the River' (1930), which featured the debuts of Spencer Tracy and Humphrey Bogart. Other notable films include 'Under Secret Orders' (1937) and 'Over She Goes' (1938).
Was Claire Luce related to the politician Clare Boothe Luce?
No, they were not related. They were contemporaries with similar names, which caused significant confusion in the media at the time, leading the politician to often use her maiden name 'Boothe' to distinguish herself.
Why did Claire Luce stop dancing?
She suffered a severe hip injury during a performance of the 'Table Dance' routine in the London production of 'Gay Divorce'. This injury was serious enough to force her to retire from professional dancing and focus on dramatic acting.
What was Claire Luce's connection to Fred Astaire?
Luce was Astaire's first major stage partner after his sister Adele retired. She is credited with inspiring the romantic style of his famous 'Night and Day' dance routine.
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Films
1 film
