Existing comment:
Clare Boothe Luce, 1903-1987
Born New York City
Clare Boothe Luce first gained notice at Vanity Fair magazine. Married to publishing mogul Henry Luce in 1935, she never held an official position in his enterprises, but she had influence -- most memorably with the launch of Life magazine in 1936. She also distinguished herself as a playwright. Her acerbic comedy The Women, featuring an all-female cast, was a great Broadway hit. Turning to politics, Luce served two terms in Congress beginning in 1942. When President Eisenhower named her ambassador to Italy in 1953, a Gallup poll ranked Luce among the world's most admired women.
Jo Davidson, 1939 |