Which actress of the 1930s was the original "blonde bombshell"?

Jean Harlow (born Harlean Harlow Carpenter; 1911-1937) was an American actress and sex symbol of the 1930s. She earned the nickname "Blonde Bombshell" after starring in the film 'Bombshell' (1933). Since then, "blonde bombshell" has become a gender stereotype that describes a very attractive woman with blonde hair.

Harlow's first major role was in 'Hell's Angels' (1930). Two years later, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer gave her a contract and cast her in many leading roles. Her films include 'Red-Headed Woman' (1932), 'Red Dust' (1932), 'Dinner at Eight' (1933), 'Reckless' (1935) and 'Suzy' (1936).

Over time, Harlow became more popular than some of MGM's other leading ladies, including Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo and Norma Shearer. Unfortunately, Harlow died at the age of 26 from kidney failure after developing sepsis following a wisdom tooth extraction.

At the time of her death, Harlow was in the middle of filming 'Saratoga'. MGM managed to complete the film by using body doubles. It became MGM's most successful film of 1937.

In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Harlow in 22nd place on their greatest female screen legends of classical Hollywood cinema list. Her name was given to a cocktail, the 'Jean Harlow', which is equal parts light rum and sweet vermouth.