Actor. The advent of sound effectively ended his career. Shortly after attending a party, the distraught 36-year-old Bowers committed suicide by walking into the Pacific Ocean. It is commonly believed that his demise was the inspiration for the similar death of fictional film star Norman Maine in both the 1937 and 1954 versions of A Star is Born. Vintage sepia matte-finish 8 x 10 photo, signed and inscribed 'To Gino, In memory of many wonderful times, John Bowers.' In fine condition, with light photographers stamp inherent to the original. First one we have ever seen.