Luce, << loos, >> Clare Boothe (1903-1987), became famous for her activities in American politics and government. She was also a noted playwright. Luce served in the United States House of Representatives from 1943 to 1947 as a Republican from Connecticut. She was the U.S. ambassador to Italy from 1953 to 1956. Luce became one of the first women to represent the United States in a major diplomatic post. She was appointed ambassador to Brazil in 1959, but resigned after winning Senate approval because several senators questioned her ability.
Luce’s plays are noted for their sharp dialogue and sarcastic characterizations. Her most successful play, The Women (1936), satirizes rich, idle American women. Luce’s other plays include Abide with Me (1935), Kiss the Boys Good-bye (1938), and Margin for Error (1939).
Clare Boothe was born on April 10, 1903, in New York City. She worked as a magazine editor and journalist from 1929 to 1934. In 1935, she married Henry R. Luce, the founder of Time and Life magazines. After converting to Roman Catholicism in 1946, she wrote several articles on religious subjects. She died on Oct. 9, 1987.
