When we reminisce about Old Hollywood, we often envision a glamorous era filled with movie premieres, extravagant parties, and larger-than-life celebrities. However, beneath the glitz and glamour, the industry was not without its share of dark and bitter rivalries. Legendary feuds between actors marred the reputations of some of Hollywood’s brightest stars, leaving a lasting impact on their careers and public images.
One of the most infamous feuds in Old Hollywood was between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Their rivalry reached its peak during the making of the classic film “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” Their on-set animosity was so palpable that it spilled over into the public eye, captivating the media and fans alike. Their feud became emblematic of the bitter rivalries that could develop between leading ladies in Hollywood’s golden era.
Another iconic feud was between Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, one of the most celebrated comedy duos of their time. Despite their incredible success together, personal tensions and creative differences led to a bitter split that shocked the entertainment world. Their relationship remained strained for years, and the public could not help but mourn the end of their beloved partnership.
In Old Hollywood, even seemingly glamorous events could give rise to bitter conflicts. The infamous feud between Sophia Loren and Jayne Mansfield is a prime example. At a star-studded event, Mansfield famously upstaged Loren, causing a rift between the two actresses that persisted for years.
Feuds were not limited to on-screen talent, as evident in the case of William Frawley and Vivian Vance, co-stars of the beloved TV series “I Love Lucy.” Despite playing Fred and Ethel Mertz, the best friends of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, the two actors reportedly had a strained relationship off-screen, with animosity lingering throughout the show’s successful run.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing feuds was that between two legendary performers, Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra. Their clash occurred during the making of the film “Guys and Dolls.” Brando allegedly viewed Sinatra as a lesser actor and resented his involvement in the project. Their mutual dislike led to a tense atmosphere on set and a bitter feud that persisted long after the movie wrapped.
In the glitzy world of Old Hollywood, where fame and fortune intertwined, some of the industry’s most legendary figures engaged in bitter feuds that forever altered their lives and legacies. Here are some of the most notorious feuds that left a lasting impact on the celebrities involved:
- Bette Davis and Joan Crawford: Two iconic leading ladies, Davis and Crawford, engaged in a legendary feud that reached its peak during the making of “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” Their on-set animosity spilled over into the public eye, captivating media and fans alike, making it a symbol of Hollywood’s bitter rivalries.
- Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis: Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were a beloved comedy duo, but behind the scenes, personal tensions and creative differences led to a bitter split that shocked the entertainment world. The dissolution of their partnership left a void in the hearts of their fans.
- Sophia Loren and Jayne Mansfield: At a glamorous event, Jayne Mansfield infamously upstaged Sophia Loren, causing a rift between the two actresses that persisted for years. The clash between the sultry starlets became an enduring symbol of Hollywood’s competitive and glamorous facade.
- William Frawley and Vivian Vance: Despite portraying the lovable Fred and Ethel Mertz on the beloved TV series “I Love Lucy,” William Frawley and Vivian Vance reportedly had a strained relationship off-screen. Their animosity persisted throughout the show’s successful run, casting a shadow over their on-screen chemistry.
- Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra: Two legendary performers, Brando and Sinatra clashed during the making of “Guys and Dolls.” Brando viewed Sinatra as a lesser actor and resented his involvement in the project, leading to a tense atmosphere on set and a feud that extended beyond the movie’s production.
Overall, in Old Hollywood, where big personalities and egos collided, feuds were bound to happen. While some rivalries eventually faded away, others left permanent scars on reputations and careers. These feuds serve as a reminder that the glitzy facade of Old Hollywood also concealed a world of catty conflicts and simmering grudges that continue to intrigue and captivate audiences to this day.
