17 Unforgettable Facts About Old Hollywood
1. Judy Garland’s Diet Struggles
Poor Judy Garland was put on a strict diet by the studio bosses. They wanted her to stay slim, so she was often given pills and very little food. It’s heartbreaking to think about how much pressure she was under.
2. Clark Gable’s Missing Teeth
Clark Gable had dentures! He lost his teeth at a young age due to gum disease. But that didn’t stop him from becoming one of the most famous actors of his time.
3. Marilyn Monroe’s Stage Name
Marilyn Monroe wasn’t always known by that name. She was born Norma Jeane Mortenson. She picked “Marilyn” after Broadway star Marilyn Miller and “Monroe” was her mother’s maiden name.
4. Charlie Chaplin’s Versatility
Charlie Chaplin was more than just a great actor. He also directed, produced, and composed music for his films. Talk about a multi-talented guy!
5. Bette Davis’s Unique Contract
Bette Davis was the first woman to get a contract with Warner Bros. that gave her some control over her roles. She fought hard for better parts and won!
6. Audrey Hepburn’s Humanitarian Work
Audrey Hepburn wasn’t just a style icon and talented actress. Later in life, she became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and worked tirelessly to help children in need.
7. Greta Garbo’s Privacy
Greta Garbo was famously private. She even had a clause in her contract that allowed her to avoid public appearances. She valued her privacy above all else.
8. Cary Grant’s LSD Therapy
Cary Grant took part in LSD therapy sessions. He believed these sessions helped him deal with his personal issues and become a happier person.
9. Shirley Temple’s Diplomatic Career
After her acting career, Shirley Temple went into diplomacy. She served as the U.S. ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia. What a career change!
10. James Dean’s Love for Speed
James Dean loved fast cars. Sadly, it was this passion that led to his untimely death in a car accident. His love for speed was well-known among his friends.
11. Joan Crawford’s Cleaning Obsession
Joan Crawford was obsessed with cleanliness. She would clean her own house every day, even though she could have easily hired help. She wanted everything to be spotless.
12. Humphrey Bogart’s Lisp
Humphrey Bogart had a slight lisp. It became one of his trademarks and added to his unique charm. Fans loved him just the way he was.
13. Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewelry Collection
Elizabeth Taylor had an incredible collection of jewelry. She was known for her love of diamonds and had some of the most famous pieces in the world.
14. Frank Sinatra’s Mafia Ties
There were rumors that Frank Sinatra had connections to the mafia. These rumors followed him throughout his career, though he always denied any involvement.
15. Grace Kelly’s Royal Transition
Grace Kelly went from Hollywood royalty to actual royalty when she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco. She left her acting career behind to become Princess Grace.
16. Orson Welles’s Radio Prank
Orson Welles once caused a panic with his radio broadcast of “The War of the Worlds.” People believed it was a real news report about an alien invasion!
17. Rita Hayworth’s Real Name
Rita Hayworth was born Margarita Carmen Cansino. She changed her name to sound more American and fit in better with Hollywood’s expectations.
Old Hollywood was full of fascinating stories and incredible people. These 17 facts are just a glimpse into the rich history of that glamorous era.
