The Golden Age of Hollywood was a dazzling era marked by the rise of iconic stars and a public enthralled by the glamorous lifestyle of the movie industry. Unlike today, where personal lives of celebrities are often exposed and scrutinized, the stars of early Hollywood had a level of privacy that allowed them to live more freely. The fame and wealth they enjoyed also gave them the liberty to explore their desires and live life on their terms, often away from the prying eyes of the public.
While many envision Hollywood’s golden era as one dominated by sexually adventurous men with demure female counterparts, the reality was far more nuanced. Several female stars of the time embraced their fame and independence, using it to explore their romantic and sexual desires just as freely as their male counterparts. These women defied societal norms and restrictions, choosing to live life on their own terms, even if it meant breaking the conventions of their time. Here, we look at some of these trailblazing actresses who refused to let societal expectations dictate their lives.
Throughout Hollywood’s history, there have been many actresses who have been known for their promiscuous behavior and sexual escapades with various partners. These women were often seen as rebellious and free-spirited, breaking away from societal norms and expectations. It remains a truth that some old Hollywood actresses were known for their active sex lives and had multiple partners.
From classic Hollywood icons like Grace Kelly and Greta Garbo to more modern stars like Elizabeth Taylor, their sexual exploits have been the subject of much gossip and speculation. In this article, we will explore the lives and sexual relationships of many actresses who slept with whoever they pleased, and the impact it had on their careers and public image.
Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly, often remembered as the epitome of elegance and sophistication, became a literal princess when she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956. Despite acting in only 11 films, Kelly’s legacy as a classy icon endures. However, before her royal marriage, Kelly lived a life filled with passion and romance. She enjoyed numerous relationships with her co-stars, starting with her affair with Gary Cooper during the filming of “High Noon.” Cooper was not only much older than Kelly but also married at the time. This pattern continued with her romance with Clark Gable while shooting “Mogambo” in Africa. Kelly’s list of lovers reportedly included Bing Crosby, Marlon Brando, Ray Milland, and Prince Aly Khan, showcasing her penchant for high-profile and exciting romances. Before settling down with Prince Rainier, Kelly indulged in her desires and lived a vibrant, adventurous life.
Greta Garbo
Greta Garbo was a colossal star in the early days of Hollywood, known for her enigmatic presence and free-spirited nature. Garbo’s romantic life was as diverse as her film roles. She had relationships with both men and women, indifferent to their marital status. Despite her independent and adventurous love life, Garbo maintained a veil of privacy around her personal affairs. Her rumored affair with the legendary Josephine Baker and her brief fling with actress Louise Brooks were never publicly confirmed, adding to her mystique. Garbo’s relationship with swimmer-turned-actor Johnny Weissmuller, best known for playing Tarzan, and her romance with eccentric cartoonist Charles Addams, further illustrated her eclectic taste in partners. While she never married, Garbo’s life was rich with varied and fulfilling relationships, reflecting her independent spirit.
Vivien Leigh
Vivien Leigh, another star from Hollywood’s golden era, was known for her passionate and often turbulent personal life. A biography published in 2021 shed light on her open marriage with actor Laurence Olivier. Both Leigh and Olivier had numerous affairs, with Leigh’s romantic escapades often veering towards the unconventional. She frequented a Los Angeles brothel with her friend, director George Cukor, where they would select men for the evening. Leigh’s affairs extended to her co-stars, including Rex Harrison and Marlon Brando. Her bisexuality also saw her in relationships with women, such as British actress Isabel Jeans. Leigh’s behavior was partly influenced by her untreated bipolar disorder, leading her to seek solace in sex. Her story is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by individuals with mental health issues during an era lacking proper diagnosis and treatment.
Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor’s romantic life was almost as legendary as her acting career. Renowned for her beauty and talent, Taylor’s numerous marriages and affairs captivated the public’s imagination. After the tragic death of her husband, Mike Todd, Taylor found comfort in her best friend Debbie Reynolds’ husband, Eddie Fisher. This affair led Fisher to divorce Reynolds and marry Taylor, causing a public scandal and a temporary rift between the friends. Taylor’s most famous relationship was with Richard Burton, whom she married and divorced twice, describing him as the love of her life. Later in her life, Taylor surprised many by marrying construction worker Larry Fortensky, whom she met in a rehab clinic. Taylor’s romantic life was a testament to her passion and resilience, showing her ability to move forward despite numerous public and personal challenges.
Tallulah Bankhead
Tallulah Bankhead was a celebrated sex symbol of her time, known for her voracious sexual appetite and refusal to conform to societal norms. Openly bisexual, Bankhead’s romantic partners included a host of prominent figures such as Greta Garbo, Beatrice Lillie, Hattie McDaniel, and Marlene Dietrich. An article once speculated that she had over 500 lovers, though Bankhead herself dismissed such numbers, emphasizing her impulsive and carefree approach to relationships. Her endless pursuit of pleasure and her casual attitude towards her numerous affairs set her apart as a bold and unapologetic figure in Hollywood.
In conclusion, hese Hollywood stars were ahead of their time in embracing their sexual freedom and desires. Living in an era where societal norms heavily restricted women’s romantic lives, they chose to defy these conventions and follow their passions. While their actions may have been controversial, they also highlighted the importance of personal freedom and the right to love and live without fear of judgment. Today, we celebrate these stars not just for their contributions to cinema but also for their courage in breaking societal barriers and paving the way for future generations to live more authentically.
