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Divas - The Site appreciates your votes and comments. Here are some of the little gems you chose to share with us.

Fredrick (USA) on Norma Shearer
"All of the divas had the style and ego that made them the diva that they are, and noticed I am talking in the present... because their style lives on. But Norma Shearer is my diva. Not only was she the first lady of MGM... but a true diva in every way... style like none before or after. And she seemed to turn on a seduction to the  surprise of many, yet it showed she could play any role that stated... I am woman. Long live the name Norma Shearer... may some future starlet dare to follow her stardom."

Melanie (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Norma Shearer would be a great contemporary role model. She is a woman who managed to have it all, and balance it beautifully, not an easy task-but she made it look effortless, with the perfect mixture of class and delightfulness. Norma could sparkle and Norma could smolder, always completely naturally. As far as physical assets, she had the most beautiful luminous complexion, that perfect profile, thick wavy chestnut hair, and ice blue eyes. She had a gorgeous figure, and kept in shape almost all her life through swimming. She was a beautiful diver, as can be seen in a couple of her movies--- "Their Own Desire" and "Riptide". As someone said--- no one wore a slinky Adrian gown like Norma--- that's why they were known as "Norma's nightgowns". And again---that profile--- you don't see perfect patrician profiles like Norma's anymore.  She was the female counterpart to John Barrymore. Her acting is delightful--- she draws you in, instead of hitting you over the head  with bravura. She's the only actress I've ever seen whose mannerisms I can bear. I actually get a kick out of her mannerisms in "Private Lives" and "The Last of Mrs Cheney."  Mannerisms from other actresses drive me crazy, they distract from their acting. Not Norma's--- they just seem charming and natural from her. Norma should be more well-known these days---she was the top star for most of her career. It always seems to me that her own life was happy enough that she didn't really bother about her professional legacy, like many actresses, and I'm glad for her, for that. If I had to choose, I'd rather be happy while I'm alive than remembered when I'm gone, thanks to my chaotic or tragic life. Good for Norma for having two strong and fulfilling marriages, on top of a scintillating career! But I'm glad for the sake of fans who love her, like myself, that she's beginning to get the recognition that was hers all her career and which she deserves now.  Thank you Norma for leaving such wonderful films, for being so charming, beautiful, and full of delight, and showing that you don't have to be screwed up and tragic to do it!"

L.E. (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Her sophisticated beauty and regalness made her a woman ahead of her time, especially during her marriage to Irving Thalberg, MGM executive producer. She was like a queen.  She quit movies while she was ahead of the game and distanced herself from reported rival Joan Crawford, whose career outdistanced Shearer's after 1942."

Janine (USA) on Norma Shearer
"... because Norma Shearer had class, grace, and elegance, and much determination in her film career.  In my opinion, she is the only lady who could have played Marie Antoinette.  Also, because Norma never compromised her values, was respectable, and was loyal to her husbands.  I think that modest role models like Norma Shearer are so hard to find if not impossible to acknowledge anymore.  I think Norma's movies are spectacular and wish they were available on DVD. I also love this website's wallpapers of Norma Shearer.  Other than Norma Shearer, I love watching any movies from French actress Simone Simon. I think she was underrated as an actress, and if you find any photos of Simone Simon (which are rare), you see that she was an absolute doll!  I am more fond of classic films of the 30s/40s than current films and actresses of "Hollywood.""

Nikki (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She was beautiful and glamorous. She had ever right to be a diva with her beauty, acting ablility and stature at MGM! I love her!"

Kathleen (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She had the brains to marry Irving Thalberg!"

Joby (UK) on Norma Shearer
"I read the book by Gavin Lambert a few years back and I immediately admired the way she was able to combine everything in her life. Marriage, career and social life. Also she had many personal problems but she never let that show to the outside world. After reading the book I wanted to see some of her films. I've seen about ten and the one that stands out the most to me is The Women. The way she gatecrashed parties! Like in the red dress at Carole Lombard's! Only someone like Mrs Thalberg could get away with that. I would also like to read new material on her. Barbara Leaming get your pen out!"

L.M. (USA) on Norma Shearer
"... because of her classic beauty and the roles she played... while usually somewhat different, her true personality and essence seemed to shine through.  She comes across as being light as a breath of fresh air with the quality of a person who could make everyone feel her fun-loving spirit just by being in the same room with her or maybe just talking briefly with her. She puts a smile on my face."

Virginie (USA) on Norma Shearer
"I first saw Norma Shearer in Marie Antoinette. Ever since then I have loved her in all the other films. She is my favorite because of her cute voice and witty remarks when she played with Clark Gable. Also, I feel that she has star qualities and her acting is quite good."

Jennifer (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She's a relative!"

Lorraine (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She had real class. As A silent screen star and was even more classy when sound was introduced, and she made Joan Crawford look sick in the Divorcee."

Laury (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She was such a great actress & carried the "great actress" ideal over into real life."

Gloria (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She impressed me in The Women with her acting. there is just something about her polish and sophistication.  Thank you for writing things about her that I didn't know.  It just made me admire her even more"

Gene (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Air of confidence. "The Women" is such a hoot."

Al (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Great screen presence!"

Heather (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She defined what a screen diva should be. Elegance, beauty, poise, hard work, and professionalism.  She was the Queen of the MGM lot, and will always be."

Ronii (USA) on Norma Shearer
"During the 30's no actress exemplified more the role of a movie star than Ms Shearer. She also possessed a vulnerable quality to her."

Jason (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She had such a strong will as an actress, always putting forward her best in all her roles and I think she truly shined in Marie Antoinette."

Patty (USA) on Norma Shearer
"... because, like a lot of movie actresses from the 30's, I think her skin is absolutely fabulous, and I love the way she poses in her pictures, and her eyes are beautiful - I especially loved her in Marie Antoinette, and I love the way George Hurrell photographed her! Flawless beauty, even as she got older - her face is flawless, and I especially like her more sexy poses and photos - by far, the most beautiful and photogenic and classiest! P.S.  Thank you so much for this website!"

Gina (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Pure acting talent and grace."

David (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Outstanding performances in Romeo and Juliet, and Marie Antoinette. Made a great impact on me, and I couldn't see how anyone could have acted the roles any better."

Roimata (New Zealand) on Norma Shearer
"... because she is a great person and a great all time actress.  And I liked her in the movie Marie Antoinette."

Jane (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She's the greatest. Ever."

Clay (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Look at that face. She was Hollywood royalty."

Alix (UK) on Norma Shearer
"I think she was a loveley person that was beautiful, grand and she remained faithful to both her husbands."

Nina (UK) on Norma Shearer
"Norma Shearer was not a standard beauty and had many flaws that would have prevented many other less determined people from succeeding in her field. She was grace, style and beauty itself in my opinion. Her work in Marie Antoinette is so regally executed that it is beautiful to watch. She was a real lady, undoubtably the 1st lady of Hollywood and Queen of the premiere lot in the ultimate glamour age of Hollywood. She is a person I respect and admire very much."

Richard (USA) on Norma Shearer
"... because she WAS Metro.  Her movies are perfection and priceless, just like her.  No one could do a role like Norma Shearer!"

Gary-Michael (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Not only was she classy, but knew her role in the grand scheme of things- she was a true lady in every sense of the word. This diva is by far the best and often overlooked... a shame too, since she ruled MGM for years."

Dimas (Brazil) on Norma Shearer
"Norma Shearer é sem dúvida alguma, uma das maiores atrizes do cinema ! Suas interpretações são modernas e até hoje atuais. Ela é a única rainha das telas."

Sharon (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Loved her ever since I saw The Women."

Bruce (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She worked so hard at it."

Wimberly (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She never thought she was beautiful, but the way she comes across on screen is so elegant. She is the definition of elegance, sophistication, and beauty. Norma, you are gorgeous. Second to her would be Bette Davis. Both of them are glamorous screen sirens."

Anna (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She is the one of the two most elegant actresses that have ever lived.  The other is Annette Bening."

C.V. (USA) on Norma Shearer
"A strong and memorable woman-- you can't miss her!"

Kevin (UK) on Norma Shearer
"... because she stands for everything a diva should be
and had to get there not on looks alone, but with a great deal of determination, self preservation and talent. Also, she's not mainstream in the normal diva sense."

Marvin (USA) on Norma Shearer
"At a time when genuine class among female actresses is damned hard to see anymore, the late Norma Shearer stands out in my mind as not only a great actress and a beautiful lady, but she also has to me always epitomized elegance, charm, and all the riveting attributes of class that so many nowadays chatter about but in sad truth never see in the vulgar celebrities and actresses "gracing" film screens and TV.  No wonder many years ago Alfred Hitchcock wailed:  "Where are the Norma Shearers?"  Shearer was, in a word, magnificent."

Russen (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She was the best of the best! She truly embodied what it was to be an actress! Her portrayal of Marie Antoinette is superbly the finest...and I do not know how she lost to Bette Davis! I just don't know how! Now Marie Antoinette is being remade with Kirsten Dunst as the French Queen! If Norma, god rest her, was still alive... she would have hated a young girl being cast as the part! Only one person could play Marie Antoinette... and that is Norma! Long live Norma who is the most beautiful angel in heaven!"

Mark (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Breath taking in The Divorcee. I haven't seen too much from the others or Norma, but the films I saw--- she was great. The Divorcee, The Women, Marie Antoinette. She was the best."

Olivia (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She got class, style, and beauty."

Sam (USA) on Norma Shearer
"I would love to have met this charming woman. Her role in The Women was wonderfully played. I fell in love!"

Anne (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She just did look like she was acting. She knew how to use the cameras, and she always seem to have the right expression all the time. As if she and the character were one. Just love her."

Jeri (USA) on Norma Shearer
"There was little else to draw you into the old movies, no fancy camera work, or fill noise, the actors had to pull you in with their facial expressions, body movement. She was so graceful and beautiful!"

Bob (USA) on Norma Shearer
"The eyes!"

Becky (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She is very classy and beautiful."

Wallace (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Her beauty and superb acting."

Barbara (USA) on Norma Shearer
"The lady had talent, but she also had class, which is lacking in so many actresses today."

Dianne (USA) on Norma Shearer
"No one compares."

Shelton (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Versatility!"

Gerald (France) on Norma Shearer
"It's my secret!"

Louis Edward (USA) on Norma Shearer
"... cause her talent was indescribable. Norma Shearer was beyond the myth because of her talent beauty and fame.  She lived her life right made choices which she thought were best demanded perfection paid her dues. And treated her co-stars with the same amount of respect she would expect that's why I feel she's the grandest diva of them all."

Craye (France) on Norma Shearer
"... because she's my favorite actress in Marie Antoinette."

Jimmy (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Her sensitivity and vulnerability combined with strength made her roles special for me. she looked fun as well as evincing strong values."

Ruby (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She had talent, class and great presence."

Shane (USA) on Norma Shearer
"... because like so many of the other women she rose from poverty to the top of the game. Joan Crawford did the same but Norma really rose to the top of the game at MGM. And was often called "Queen of the MGM lot". She retired at the top of her game while the public still liked her. Her life in a way is sort of tragic which appeals to me. And she is truly a falcon. She rose from the ashes and became something more wonderful and beautiful."

Johann (Germany) on Norma Shearer
"I saw Norma only one time in one film: The Women. But from this moment on, she had a place in my heart. I was fascinated by the poise and the human charisma, with which she played her role among the other raven-like she goads."

Sean (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Beauty, brains, guts and a respect for privacy!  She proved her worth in an era of innovation - the silent years - and transcended through yet another era of change - talking pictures.  Because of her Academy Award, her marriage to Irving Thalberg and several of her films which have been deemed as "Classics", Norma Shearer's image and work has and will survive the test of time!"

Maria (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Norma was the Queen of the Lot at MGM. She knew exactly what it took for her to be the #1 star there, in everything from clothing to lighting. The ultimate diva!"

Bill (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She is the ultimate movie star of the Golden Age. She had class, talent & beauty. Who else was there?"

Patrick (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Reigning Queen of MGM, she turned down 'Gone with the Wind', 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Mrs. Miniver'.  She could have gone on for many more years, but left the screen when she wanted to!"

Mark (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Marries top producer of MGM, becomes one of biggest stars of the 30's, had to have total approval of any photos taken of her, still kicks butt in those beautiful Hurrell portraits almost 70 years later."

Jimmy (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Norma Shearer is class. Enough said..."

D'Arcy (Canada) on Norma Shearer
"... because she lived an exemplary life and took average looks and intelligence and came out on top!"

Geoff (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She is the bomb! She is great! She is Norma!"

D.F. (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Class and determination!"

Cheryl (Australia) on Norma Shearer
"When she is on the screen no-one else is visible."

Christine (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Can't explain it... she just is."

Kendra (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Her style!  She always looked perfect & made the most of her assets."

Kimberly (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She is so full of life, she is such a great actress that you feel as if you are going through her trials, and I love her laughter.  She is a bright ray of light."

Angelika (Canada) on Norma Shearer
"Norma is fabulous! I only recently discovered her - surprising considering she was such a 'huge' star in her time. I love the way she puts on that fake British accent which was so trendy at the time. And yes, I definitely think she is stunning. She has the chiseled face of a Greek sculpture. The way she slinks around with her hips ahead of the rest her body is so alluring. And the way all her characters are so strong-headed and amusing is so wonderful! I think she qualifies as a definite diva partly because she took advantage of her husband's position in Hollywood to make her a star. I can only admire a lady who does everything in her power to rise to the top in the name of fame and glamour! Another thing I like about her is that she seems like such a 'regular' woman underneath. I can picture her going hunting and fishing in the Rocky Mountains just as easily as I can visualize her slinking around in a sequin dress and feather boa with a martini in her hand.  Can you imagine Joan Crawford going camping?!? Hahaha!! Norma is definitely more versatile."

Adina (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She has class, talent, and beauty, making her much like me, with the exception of the latter."

Jan (UK) on Norma Shearer
"Norma was queen of the lot - literally she was, beautiful, she had magnificent screen presence, her voice was wonderful. The Women is my favourite film ever!"

Bill (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Whenever I see her or her in film I can't take my eyes of her. Those eyes, that mouth! The hair! I can't get her out of my head after the movie is over. And mostly it's the 'stage presence.' You just know she's got 'it' and knows it. That's a diva."

Kenton (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She was the essence of 30's chic."

Lynda (USA) on Norma Shearer
"... because she was one of the first and the best! Because she was Joan Crawford's diva inspiration! Because she was the indisputable 'Queen of the Lot'. Because she worked harder at it than anybody else. Because she 'worked' her roles to full diva-ness. Because when you watch her on screen, you cannot take your eyes off her! Because she's not as well-remembered as she should be. She was the inspiration to generations of divas after her. Because she will always be 'Queen of the Lot'!"

Jerry (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She is the most glamorous and best-packaged. I like her characters because of the sophisticated juxtaposition of modern independence and old-fashioned devotion to family."

Derek (USA) on Norma Shearer
"A combination of class, elegance, beauty, smarts and spirit: sexy as all get out!"

Ken (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Her combination of beauty, grace and charm has been unequaled, and she will be admired for a long time to come."

Renee (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She had class, talent, beauty, taste, style and a luminous career not to mention a great marriage to one of the greatest producers of all time, Irving Thalberg. A mother, an academy award winning actress, a true legend of classic Hollywood who retired with glamour and reputation intact! All the above makes her one of the supreme divas of all time!"

Judy (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Class, sophistication and strength."

Fredrick (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She had a quality that was shy and sexy. She always dressed the part, and with the help of George Hurrell, made heads turn. Her first marriage was lost due to death, her second continued until death came again. Many desired to be Norma Shearer, there was only one."

Maria (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She is so beautiful and elegant that no matter whom she stars with, be it Joan Crawford or John Barrymore, your eyes are always drawn to her. Those dark eyes looking out of a luminous face are those of an actress who could play any role that came her way."

Jimmy (USA) on Norma Shearer
"... because Norma represents class and durability, and needs to be up there again. In motion she is grace itself... in repose she is a statue of beauty."

Monique  (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She truly had such a wonderful quality and she was so beautiful."

Michael (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Loved her range in The Divorcee to Marie Antoinette."

Monique (UK) on Norma Shearer
" In Marie Antoinette & Romeo & Juliet she is superb."

Drew (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Loved her range of performances - Marie Antoinette to Private Lives. She is the favorite of my family!"

Emma (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Norma Shearer was quite possibly the most elegant actress of all time. She was beautiful, graceful, and always, always kind to her fans. You could usually see her flashing that famous smile of hers. She was an excellent wife, mother and friend. With her sleek elegance, Norma Shearer is the ultimate diva."

Crystine (USA) on Norma Shearer
"I love Norma's screen presence. She knew how to work a scene. She gave a raw performance in Marie Antoinette. I also loved her in A Free Soul & The Divorcee. She is clearly underrated as an contributing actress to old tinsel town."

Patty (USA) on Norma Shearer
"... because she has flawless beauty, and is very sultry looking and I loved her in Marie Antionette!"

Albert (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She was the one who broke the mold for women in the 1920s."

Alexis (USA) on Norma Shearer
"... because she was so wonderful!"

Amy (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Classy, stylish, & gutsy!"

Flint (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Norma Shearer is my Goddess of The Silver Screen! Norma Shearer was known as the Queen of MGM. She was a passionate actress, burning with emotion in her every scene. No one can scream or cry or be aloof like Norma. She had class, sensuality and innocence. She possessed a strangely attractive beauty and moved with divine grace. She was all that a woman should be ... and she still is. I love you Norma!"

James (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She has a quality about her that I have never seen on the screen; a natural, common beauty that is very pleasing to the eye. Her acting is smooth and seamless. When I am watching her, I forget that she is acting. She will
be remembered by her fans as one of the greatest actresses of all time."

Patrick (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Not only beautiful, but a great actress and a great lady off screen. A true legend!"

Eric (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Luminosity!"

Amy (USA) on Norma Shearer
"... because she was the greatest and most important feminist of the screen."

Frank (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Norma Shearer was the best actress of the 20s & 30s and exhibited both an intelligence in her performances as well as an emotional directness that often eludes more contemporary actors."

EJB (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Norma Shearer possessed the ability to go inside each role that she played with grace, finesse, and class."

Kent (USA) on Norma Shearer
"I like her movies."

Shirley (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She made black and white colorful!"

Duncan (USA) on Norma Shearer
"A genuine lady. And the most beautiful."

Annick (USA) on Norma Shearer
"... because she set the standard for all other divas that came after her to follow. She was the originator, and she was fabulously classy while doing it."

Sandra (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She was pure royalty."

Mike (USA) on Norma Shearer
"She had class - and a great profile! No one had a better profile!"

Edward (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Unique beauty and tremendous volume of great films capped by the masterpiece 'Marie Antoinette'."

Tim (USA) on Norma Shearer
"Class, style, sass! Watch 'A Free Soul'."

James (Australia) on Norma Shearer
A fascinating performer whom I "discovered" as a teenager. She was a favourite of my mother’s. I had a children’s encyclopedia which had a photograph of Norma and Frederick March in "The Barrets of Wimpole Street" ... I was entranced. Later I saw "Marie Antoinette" (all this courtesy of early OZ television). I have several of her films on tape and it is interesting to see her improve with time. It is a shame she is not better remembered and that some of the references to her (in Movie Histories) seem to be rather spiteful. Apart from "Marie A." my favourite film is "Escape". Hope all this is not too long-winded.”  

 

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