From the glamorous parties to the dramatic affairs, the actresses of Old Hollywood lived lives that were anything but conventional. These women not only captivated audiences with their performances but also kept the tabloids buzzing with their bold and adventurous romantic lives. Diana Dors, Elizabeth Taylor, Talula Bankhead, Clara Bow, Jane Mansfield, Vivian Lee, Joan Crawford, May West, Marilyn Monroe, and Marlene Dietrich all had their fair share of scandalous headlines. Their unapologetic lifestyles and fearless attitudes broke societal norms and left an indelible mark on Hollywood history.
Diana Dors
Diana Dors, the British bombshell, was known for her carefree lifestyle and scandalous romantic life. Her Hollywood moment came in the early 1950s when American film producer Albert R. Broccoli noticed her potential and brought her to Hollywood. As her fame grew, so did her love for a flamboyant life. Diana became notorious for her wild parties at her mansion, where she entertained numerous lovers and left the tabloids buzzing.
Diana’s love life was a series of dramatic entanglements. She was married three times and had countless affairs. Her second husband, Dennis Hamilton, was a significant figure in her life, their tumultuous relationship feeding gossip columns for years. She also had a notable affair with actor Rod Steiger during the filming of “The Unholy Wife” in 1957. Despite her numerous romantic escapades, Diana did find lasting love with Richard Dawson, the host of “Family Feud,” whom she married in 1959.
Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor was the epitome of Hollywood glamour and scandal. Known for her breathtaking beauty and magnetic performances in films like “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “Cleopatra,” she also had a reputation for her tumultuous love life. Taylor’s romantic history included eight marriages and numerous affairs, making her a constant subject of tabloid headlines.
One of the most scandalous moments in Taylor’s life was when she allegedly stole her best friend Debbie Reynolds’ husband, Eddie Fisher, and married him. Her most famous love affair was with Richard Burton, whom she married twice. Their passionate and volatile relationship was the stuff of Hollywood legend. Taylor’s affairs and marriages often made more news than her film roles, yet she remained unapologetic about her choices, living life entirely on her terms.
Tallulah Bankhead
Tallulah Bankhead was a woman who lived life boldly and without regret. Known for her sultry voice and audacious personality, she captivated audiences both on stage and in her private life. Tallulah was open about her sexuality and reportedly had numerous affairs with both men and women, making her a trailblazer for sexual liberation in a time of conformity.
Tallulah’s romantic escapades were legendary, with rumors suggesting she slept with hundreds of people throughout her life. Despite the scandals, she was a formidable actress who broke barriers in the industry. Her wit, charm, and fearless attitude made her an unforgettable figure in Hollywood.
Clara Bow
Clara Bow, the “It Girl” of the 1920s, was a trailblazer in the silent film era. Her vivacious energy and charisma made her a star, but her personal life was equally sensational. Clara’s love life was filled with high-profile romances, including relationships with Gary Cooper, Gilbert Roland, and Rex Bell, who later became a Nevada lieutenant governor.
Clara’s adventurous spirit extended to her bedroom, with rumors of her numerous affairs making headlines. One of the most notorious accusations was that she had intimate encounters with the entire USC football team. Despite the scandals, Clara’s legacy as a pioneer of silent cinema remains intact.
Jayne Mansfield
Jayne Mansfield, with her stunning figure and playful sexiness, was a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Known for her roles in films like “The Girl Can’t Help It” and “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” she was equally famous for her romantic escapades. Mansfield was rumored to have had an affair with President John F. Kennedy and was linked to Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan.
Mansfield’s bold attitude and risqué behavior often put her at odds with other actresses, but she didn’t care. She wore what she wanted and did whatever made her happy, leaving a lasting impression on Hollywood.
Vivien Leigh
Vivien Leigh, best known for her iconic role as Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind,” had a personal life that was as dramatic as her on-screen performances. Her marriage to Sir Laurence Olivier was one of Hollywood’s most talked-about relationships, marked by passion and turmoil. Despite her struggles with mental health and the challenges of her romantic life, Leigh remained a consummate professional, delivering remarkable performances throughout her career.
Joan Crawford
Joan Crawford was determined to make it to the top in Hollywood, and she played her cards right, even if it meant bending a few rules. Known for her roles in “Mildred Pierce” and “The Women,” Crawford was rumored to have used her charms to secure iconic roles. Her affairs with Hollywood powerhouses like Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Clark Gable, and Spencer Tracy were the stuff of legend. Despite the scandals, Crawford’s talent and ambition cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s leading ladies.
Mae West
Mae West was a pioneer of sexual liberation in Hollywood. With her sharp wit and unapologetic sensuality, she broke societal norms and became a symbol of female empowerment. West’s boldness led to her arrest on obscenity charges for her play “Sex,” but she remained undeterred. Her film career included memorable roles in “She Done Him Wrong” and “I’m No Angel.” West’s romantic life was equally daring, with alleged affairs with boxer Jack Dempsey and gangster Owney Madden.
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe’s name is synonymous with Hollywood glamour and scandal. Her beauty and charm captivated powerful men like Joe DiMaggio, Arthur Miller, and reportedly President John F. Kennedy. Despite her fame, Monroe struggled with mental health issues and a turbulent love life. Her legacy as a cultural icon and talented actress endures, reminding us of the complex relationship between fame and personal fulfillment.
Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich was the epitome of cinematic seduction. Her roles in “The Blue Angel” and “Morocco” showcased her androgynous allure, while her off-screen romances added to her mystique. Dietrich’s affairs with Gary Cooper, Ernest Hemingway, and Jean Gabin were legendary, but she was also known for her independence and support of Allied troops during World War II. Dietrich’s elegance and rebellion made her a timeless icon.
In conclusion, the lives of Old Hollywood actresses were as captivating off-screen as they were on-screen. Figures like Diana Dors, Elizabeth Taylor, Talula Bankhead, Clara Bow, Jane Mansfield, Vivian Lee, Joan Crawford, May West, Marilyn Monroe, and Marlene Dietrich embodied a blend of audacity, allure, and rebellion that set them apart. They navigated their careers and personal lives with a fearless determination to live on their own terms, breaking societal norms and pushing boundaries. Their romantic escapades, bold personalities, and unapologetic lifestyles not only fascinated the public but also reshaped the image of women in Hollywood. These iconic women left a legacy of glamour, scandal, and empowerment, reminding us that they were truly stars in every sense of the word.
