Claire's credited film debut was in To Please One Woman (1920) following four uncredited roles. Her break came when she was spotted by Paramount's director and producer Lois Weber, who signed her to co-star with Louis Calhern in The Blot (1921). Then in 1922 the newly formed Western Association of Motion Picture Advertisers named Claire a WAMPAS baby star. That same year she signed a contract with Goldwyn Pictures Corporation.
Throughout the twenties, Claire's career progressed rapidly and she was often cast as a denizen of high society. Interestingly, this is in stark contrast to her role in The Blot as the daughter of a lowly paid professor living on the poorer side of town. She was cited for her sophisticated fashion sense, and became a trend-setter of twenties fashion. Her films included Born Rich (1924) and A Son of the Sahara (1924), both co-starring Bert Lytell, whom Claire would marry in 1925 and divorce two years later, Dance Madness (1926) with Conrad Nagel, and as a jewel thief opposite Victor Mclaglen in Captain Lash (1929). Unfortunately, Claire did not fair well with the advent of talkies. Of her 58 films, only seven were made after 1930, with none to any acclaim. In her later years, Claire devoted herself to painting.
Claire died in 1972 Los Angeles, California. She has a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Blvd.
Photoplay magazine - May 1922
Frame captures from The Blot
Photoplay magazine - June 1927A bit ironic to see Claire hawking wedding rings the year of her second divorce.
Stars of the Photoplay - 1930
Undated postcardClaire Windsor - What do you think - Allure?
