Gloria Stuart
A Hollywood starlet of the 1930s who staged one of cinema's greatest comebacks, earning an Oscar nomination at 87 for her role in 'Titanic.'
1910–2010 (age 100)·American actress and painter·Birthday: July 4·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Gloria Stuart began her career under the klieg lights of Universal Pictures, a golden-haired ingenue in pre-Code horrors and comedies like 'The Old Dark House' and 'The Invisible Man.' Frustrated by the studio system's limitations, she stepped away from film in the 1940s, channeling her creativity into painting, printmaking, and political activism. For decades, she was a footnote from Hollywood's early sound era. Then, director James Cameron, seeking an authentic link to the past, cast her as the elderly Rose in his 1997 epic 'Titanic.' Stuart's poignant, spirited performance catapulted her back into the global spotlight, making her the oldest person ever nominated for a supporting actress Oscar and granting her a triumphant final act.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Gloria was born in 1910, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Gloria Was Born
The biggest hits of 1910
Gloria's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1910Born
Halley's Comet makes its closest approach
President: William Howard Taft
1915Started school
The Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat
President: Woodrow Wilson
1923Became a teenager
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1926Could drive
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1928Could vote
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1931Turned 21
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1940Turned 30
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1950Turned 40
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1960Turned 50
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1970Turned 60
First Earth Day; The Beatles break up
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $17,000Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Bridge over Troubled Water" — Simon & GarfunkelBest Picture: Patton
1980Turned 70
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1990Turned 80
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
2010Died at 100
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
Key Achievements
- Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress at age 87 for her role as Old Rose in 'Titanic.'
- Was a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild in 1933, helping to establish protections for performers.
- Had a successful career as a visual artist, with her paintings and fine art prints exhibited in museums and galleries.
- Starred in a series of early horror and mystery films for Universal Studios in the 1930s.
Did You Know?
She was the first female president of the Los Angeles Artists' Council.
She turned 100 years old in 2010, just a few months before her death.
She was a committed environmental activist and a member of the Sierra Club for over six decades.
She hand-illuminated a limited edition of the screenplay for 'Titanic' as a work of art.
“I was a starlet at twenty, a painter at forty, and an Oscar nominee at eighty-seven.”
