Gloria Swanson was an American actress, producer, and businesswoman who rose to fame during the silent film era. She is best known for her role in the 1950 classic film Sunset Boulevard. Swanson was born in Chicago in 1899 and began her career in the theater before transitioning to film in 1914. She starred in over 50 films throughout her career and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1929. Swanson was also a successful businesswoman, owning her own production company and becoming one of the first female producers in Hollywood.