Old Hollywood, with its glitz and glamour, is often romanticized as a golden era of filmmaking. The stars of this period are idolized for their iconic roles, impeccable style, and larger-than-life personas. However, beneath the glittering surface, many of these celebrities were known for their less-than-pleasant real-life behavior. Here’s a closer look at some Old Hollywood stars who were notorious for being jerks in real life.
Wallace Beery
Wallace Beery, one of MGM’s highest-paid actors in the 1930s, was beloved on screen for his roles in movies like “The Champ” and “Grand Hotel.” However, off-screen, Beery was notoriously difficult to work with. He was known for his violent temper and bullying behavior. His co-stars and directors frequently found him to be uncooperative and hostile. Beery’s mean-spirited antics weren’t limited to professional settings; his personal life was also marked by reports of physical abuse and general nastiness.
Dr. Seuss
While Dr. Seuss, whose real name was Theodor Geisel, is celebrated for his imaginative children’s books, his personal life was far from the whimsical world he created. Geisel was known to be quite unpleasant in his personal dealings. His first wife, Helen Palmer, suffered from a long illness and, feeling neglected by Geisel, took her own life. Geisel married his mistress shortly after Helen’s death, which added to the perception of his cold-hearted nature. Additionally, some of his earlier political cartoons and advertisements contain racially insensitive content that has marred his legacy.
Bette Davis
Bette Davis, one of Hollywood’s most talented and revered actresses, was also known for her abrasive personality. Davis had a reputation for being extremely difficult on set, often clashing with directors and co-stars. She was fiercely competitive and would go to great lengths to ensure she was the center of attention. Her legendary feud with Joan Crawford is one of the most famous in Hollywood history, filled with bitter exchanges and spiteful behavior. Davis’s demanding and often combative nature made her a formidable force but also a challenging person to work with.
John Wayne
John Wayne, an icon of American cinema known for his roles in Westerns and war films, was also known for his strong opinions and abrasive personality. Wayne’s conservative political views often put him at odds with others in Hollywood, and he was not shy about expressing his disdain for those who disagreed with him. His controversial remarks on race and his support for the anti-communist blacklist tarnished his public image. On set, Wayne was known to be a domineering presence, often insisting that things be done his way and exhibiting little patience for those who crossed him.
Walt Disney
Walt Disney, the man behind the magical world of Disney, had a reputation that was less than enchanting. Although Disney is celebrated for his contributions to entertainment and his visionary creativity, he was also known for his ruthless business practices and controlling nature. Disney was notorious for underpaying his employees and was a staunch opponent of labor unions, which led to significant labor disputes. His perfectionism and demand for total control created a high-pressure environment for those who worked under him. Additionally, his alleged racist and anti-Semitic views have cast a shadow over his legacy.
Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin, a pioneer of the film industry and a beloved comedic actor, had a darker side to his personality. Despite his charming on-screen persona, Chaplin was known for his manipulative and predatory behavior in his personal life. He had numerous relationships with much younger women, often leading to scandal and controversy. Chaplin’s relationships were marked by his controlling and sometimes abusive behavior. Professionally, he was a perfectionist who could be incredibly demanding and harsh with his colleagues, leading to strained working relationships.
Joan Crawford
Joan Crawford, another legendary actress of Old Hollywood, was infamous for her volatile temper and demanding nature. Crawford’s off-screen life was filled with drama and controversy. She was known for her ruthless ambition and would go to great lengths to secure roles and maintain her star status. Her relationships with her children were particularly troubled, as detailed in her daughter Christina Crawford’s memoir “Mommie Dearest,” which depicted Crawford as abusive and emotionally unstable. Crawford’s difficult personality made her a notorious figure in Hollywood circles.
Gene Kelly
Gene Kelly, the star of musicals like “Singin’ in the Rain,” was celebrated for his incredible talent and choreography. However, he was also known for being a tyrant on set. Kelly’s perfectionism and high standards often resulted in him being harsh and demanding with his co-stars and crew. He was notorious for his temper and could be incredibly critical, creating a tense and stressful working environment. Despite his charm on screen, Kelly’s real-life behavior left much to be desired.
Mickey Rooney
Mickey Rooney, a prolific actor known for his boy-next-door charm, had a reputation for being difficult and temperamental in real life. Rooney’s career, which spanned almost his entire life, was marked by numerous scandals and controversies. He was married eight times, and many of his relationships ended acrimoniously, often amid accusations of infidelity and abuse. Professionally, Rooney was known for his unprofessional behavior, including showing up late to set and clashing with directors and co-stars. His financial irresponsibility also led to significant personal and professional turmoil.
In conclusion, the stars of Old Hollywood, while revered for their on-screen contributions, often led tumultuous lives filled with controversy and conflict. Their less-than-stellar behavior off-screen serves as a reminder that fame and talent do not necessarily equate to admirable personal qualities. The legacies of these celebrities are complex, marked by both their remarkable achievements and their notorious real-life conduct.
