On this day in 1937 — 84 years ago — Hollywood was shocked to learn of the sudden and tragic death of the actress, Jean Harlow, who succumbed to uremic poisoning at
![Jean Harlow was 1930s Hollywood's reigning sex symbol—and greatest screwball actress. Why did she die at 26? Jean Harlow was 1930s Hollywood's reigning sex symbol—and greatest screwball actress. Why did she die at 26?](https://compote.slate.com/images/def3a60d-05f3-4965-bd90-fa13bbf2675e.jpg)
Jean Harlow was 1930s Hollywood's reigning sex symbol—and greatest screwball actress. Why did she die at 26?
![The death of Jean Harlow, Hollywood actress, as reported on the front page of the Daily Mirror, Stock Photo, Picture And Rights Managed Image. Pic. MEV-10644325 | agefotostock The death of Jean Harlow, Hollywood actress, as reported on the front page of the Daily Mirror, Stock Photo, Picture And Rights Managed Image. Pic. MEV-10644325 | agefotostock](https://previews.agefotostock.com/previewimage/medibigoff/deb8564a1f9c79083ff8dd36703ad988/mev-10644325.jpg)