Old Hollywood was a place full of glitz, glamour, and scandals. Unfortunately, some of the biggest names in show business met a tragic end. Here are just a few of the Old Hollywood celebrities who were murdered under mysterious circumstances.
Dorothy Stratten
Dorothy Stratten was a rising star in Hollywood, but her life was cut short when she was brutally murdered at the age of 20. Stratten was discovered by Hugh Hefner and became a Playboy Playmate in 1979. She then landed a small role in the film “Skatetown, U.S.A.” and was offered a lead role in the movie “They All Laughed.” However, before the movie was released, Stratten was shot and killed by her estranged husband, Paul Snider, who also took his own life.
Bob Crane
Bob Crane was a popular television actor who starred in the hit series “Hogan’s Heroes.” However, his life took a dark turn when he was found bludgeoned to death in his apartment in 1978. Crane had a history of womanizing and it is believed that his murder may have been a result of a jealous lover. Despite several suspects being investigated, the case remains unsolved.
Natalie Wood
Natalie Wood was a beloved actress who starred in films such as “West Side Story” and “Rebel Without a Cause.” In 1981, Wood drowned while on a weekend boating trip with her husband, Robert Wagner, and their friend, actor Christopher Walken. Her death was initially ruled an accident, but in 2011, the case was reopened and the cause of death was changed to “drowning and other undetermined factors.” While foul play has not been officially proven, many believe that Wagner may have played a role in Wood’s death.
Carl Switzer
Carl Switzer, better known as “Alfalfa” from the “Our Gang” comedies, was shot and killed in 1959 during a dispute over money. Switzer had allegedly been hired to retrieve a dog for a friend, but when the dog’s owner refused to pay the reward, a fight broke out and Switzer was shot in the groin.
Jean Harlow’s Husband
Jean Harlow was a stunning actress who appeared in films such as “Red Dust” and “Dinner at Eight.” However, her life was marred by tragedy when her husband, MGM producer Paul Bern, was found dead in their home in 1932. Bern had been shot in the head and a suicide note was found nearby. However, many believed that Harlow’s ex-husband, who was known to be abusive, may have played a role in Bern’s death.
Barbara Thomason
Barbara Thomason was a young actress who had just signed a contract with Warner Bros. when she was killed in 1966. Thomason had been married to director Richard Thorpe, but was having an affair with her agent, Jennings Lang. Lang’s wife, who was also his business partner, shot and killed Thomason in a fit of jealousy.
These are just a few examples of the tragic fates that some of Old Hollywood’s biggest stars met. While their legacies live on, their untimely deaths serve as a reminder of the darker side of the entertainment industry.
