Gloria Swanson

 Unlike the character she played in "Sunset Boulevard" (1950), Gloria Swanson had accepted the fact that the movies didn't want her anymore so had moved to New York where she worked on radio, and later, on television. Although she had long before ruled out the possibility of a movie comeback, she was nevertheless highly intrigued when she got the offer to play the lead.

Swanson almost considered rejecting the role of Norma Desmond after Billy Wilder requested she do a screen test for the role. Her friend George Cukor, who initially recommended her for the part, told her, "If they want you to do ten screen tests, do ten screen tests. If you don't, I will personally shoot you." Swanson agreed to the audition, and won the role.

Other actresses considered for Norma Desmond were Mae West (who wanted to rewrite the dialogue), Mae Murray, and Mary Pickford. In fact, Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett even went to Pickfair to pitch the story to Pickford, but her horrified reaction as the story progressed made them stop halfway through and apologize to her.

After a private screening for Hollywood dignitaries, Barbara Stanwyck knelt in front of Swanson and kissed the hem of her skirt. The veteran actress particularly wanted to see what Pickford felt and was disappointed to see that she had left. Swanson was told, "She can't show herself, Gloria, she's too overcome. We all are."

Swanson became so identified with the demanding, irascible Norma, that later generations of fans were startled to discover Gloria's serene, easy-going, naturalist personality in real life.

Riding high after the critical and financial success of "Sunset Boulevard," Swanson was offered more film roles. According to her, they were all pale imitations of Norma Desmond. Reluctant to accept the roles, in fear of being typecast as a faded actress, she agreed to be in "Three for Bedroom C" (1952) because it offered something different — it was a comedy. This was her first film in color, and she was also costume designer for the project. Swanson hoped to duplicate her previous success. Unfortunately, the film underperformed with critics and with audiences. In 1956, Swanson made "Nero's Mistress", which also starred Alberto Sordi, Vittorio de Sica and Brigitte Bardot. Her final screen appearance was as herself in "Airport 1975" (1975). Although Swanson only made three films after "Sunset Boulevard," she starred in numerous stage and television productions during her remaining years. She was active in various business ventures, traveled extensively, wrote articles, columns, and an autobiography, painted and sculpted, and became a passionate advocate of various health and nutrition topics.