[1] He joined a stock stage group and traveled until he landed in New York City in 1912, where he appeared in Broadway productions.

On November 17, 1936, Bowers heard that his old friend Henry Hathaway was directing Gary Cooper in Souls at Sea on and off the shore of Santa Catalina.

The 50-year-old actor rented a 16-foot sloop and sailed to the island, hoping to land a part in the picture, only to learn that it had already been cast.

Chuck Palahniuk claims folk legend dictates John simply walked into the ocean upon hearing this news.

[4] For his contributions to the film industry, Bowers received a motion pictures star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1709 Vine Street in 1960.