Amidst the shining lights and red carpets of The Golden Age of Hollywood, there existed
a subset of actors and actresses who embraced a lifestyle of excess, particularly when it
came to alcohol.
These Hollywood icons, known for their talent on screen, were also notorious for their insatiable
thirst for alcohol, leading to a series of wild incidents and memorable tales.
From raucous parties to audacious behavior, the stories surrounding these Golden Age stars
and their alcohol-fueled adventures have become legendary, forever etching their names in
the annals of Hollywood history.
Join Facts Verse, as we look at the biggest alcoholics of the Golden Age!
Peter O’Toole One of the most legendary tales involving
Peter O'Toole and alcohol took place during the filming of "Lawrence of Arabia".
O'Toole, known for his affinity for partying and indulgence, was determined to show his
fellow cast and crew members a good time.
During a break in filming, O'Toole organized a night of revelry, transforming an entire
section of the hotel where the cast was staying into a makeshift bar.
It is said that the party lasted for days, with O'Toole at the center, leading the festivities
and ensuring that everyone had a memorable time.
O'Toole's drinking escapades often spilled over into his social life.
He was known for his convivial nature and enjoyed the company of friends and colleagues
in various drinking establishments.
One story tells of O'Toole and actor Richard Burton embarking on a pub crawl that lasted
several days.
The two iconic actors were known for their friendship and shared love for alcohol, and
their adventures together often resulted in memorable and unpredictable nights on the
town.
Another wild story involving O'Toole and alcohol occurred when he was invited to Buckingham
Palace to meet Queen Elizabeth II.
Apparently, O'Toole arrived at the palace already inebriated, having indulged in a few
drinks beforehand.
Despite his state, O'Toole charmed the Queen and managed to engage in lively conversation
throughout the event, leaving a lasting impression on those in attendance.
And there was also the time he was rumored to have shown up to the wrong funeral, completely
drunk, when he was trying to go to the funeral of a friend.
O'Toole's wild stories involving alcohol were not limited to his personal life but also
impacted his professional career.
There were instances where his drinking habits caused disruptions on film sets, leading to
delays and clashes with directors.
However, his talent and charm often allowed him to get away with his indulgences, and
his performances continued to captivate audiences.
Humphrey Bogart One of the most famous tales involving Humphrey
Bogart and alcohol is the "Rat Pack" gatherings in the 1950s and 1960s.
Bogart was a prominent member of this group, which included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin,
Sammy Davis Jr., and other entertainment luminaries.
The Rat Pack was notorious for their partying and indulgence, often converging at Las Vegas
hotspots and throwing lavish gatherings.
Bogart, along with his fellow pack members, was known for his love of alcohol, and their
wild escapades became legendary.
Bogart's affinity for drinking also extended to his film sets.
During the filming of "The African Queen" (1951), Bogart and co-star Katharine Hepburn
would often relax after shooting with a few drinks.
One particular incident involved Bogart and Hepburn indulging in some local gin during
a break from filming.
They ended up in a state of inebriation, with Hepburn later recalling that they giggled
uncontrollably and even tried to push the boat from the stern while still on land.
Another wild story involving Bogart and alcohol took place during the filming of "The Caine
Mutiny".
Bogart's character required him to drink a glass of water that was supposed to be rum,
as the scene depicted a character becoming increasingly intoxicated.
However, Bogart being Bogart, he insisted on using real rum for authenticity.
As the scene progressed, Bogart's character was meant to become increasingly inebriated.
However, due to the use of real alcohol, Bogart's acting became less and less convincing as
he became genuinely drunk.
Director Edward Dmytryk had to cut the scene short, realizing that Bogart had gone a bit
too far.
Beyond the realm of filmmaking, Bogart's love for alcohol often led him to engage in wild
antics in his personal life.
He was known for his love of sailing and owned a yacht named "Santana."
Legend has it that Bogart would frequently organize sailing parties, inviting friends
and fellow actors on daring trips along the California coast.
These adventures were often accompanied by heavy drinking and uninhibited revelry.
Spencer Tracy One notable tale involving Spencer Tracy and
alcohol took place during the production of the film "Adam's Rib".
Tracy, known for his love of drinking and his friendship with fellow actor Humphrey
Bogart, found himself in a memorable drinking contest with his co-star, Judy Holliday.
Tracy and Holliday were known for their quick wit and sharp banter on and off the screen.
During one particular evening, Tracy challenged Holliday to a drinking contest, with both
actors consuming large quantities of alcohol.
The contest lasted late into the night, with both participants holding their own and showcasing
their formidable drinking abilities.
Tracy's fondness for alcohol occasionally resulted in unpredictable behavior and memorable
incidents.
On one occasion, while attending a party hosted by Clark Gable, Tracy consumed an excessive
amount of alcohol and ended up standing on a table, reciting Shakespeare to the delight
of the other guests.
Tracy's charisma and ability to captivate an audience, even when inebriated, only added
to his legendary status as an actor.
Despite his love for drinking, Tracy was also known for his ability to handle alcohol and
maintain his composure.
He had a reputation for being a "functional alcoholic," often managing to deliver exceptional
performances despite his indulgences.
However, there were instances when his drinking affected his work.
For example, during the production of "State of the Union" (1948), Tracy's alcohol consumption
sometimes led to delays and clashes with the film's director, Frank Capra.
Clara Bow Clara Bow, the iconic American actress of
the silent film era, lived a life filled with fame, glamour, and occasionally, wild stories
involving alcohol.
One infamous tale occurred during a party at her mansion in 1929.
It was reported that Bow hosted a lavish gathering, inviting numerous guests, including Hollywood
celebrities, socialites, and even members of the press.
The party quickly spiraled into a wild affair, with alcohol flowing freely and guests indulging
in reckless behavior.
Reports suggest that attendees danced on tabletops, jumped into the swimming pool fully clothed,
and engaged in other uninhibited activities.
The raucous nature of the event attracted significant media attention and further fueled
Bow's reputation as a party girl.
Another notable incident involving Clara Bow and alcohol took place during the filming
of "Wings" in 1927, the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Bow, known for her energetic and free-spirited nature, frequently socialized with the cast
and crew during breaks in filming.
On one occasion, during a break from shooting, Bow reportedly commandeered an airplane and
took it for a joyride.
She soared through the skies, thrilling both herself and those who witnessed her audacious
act.
There was also a time when the president of Paramount at the time, B.P.
Schulberg, asked Clara to come to a party to celebrate the ascension of a newly appointed
judge.
Clara, already quite drunk, showed up and introduced herself by fully making out with
the judge… in front of his wife.
She then tried to dance with him until she was tossed form the party by Paramount security.
Tallulah Bankhead Tallulah Bankhead, the larger-than-life American
actress known for her boisterous personality and provocative behavior, had a reputation
for indulging in wild antics, often fueled by her love for alcohol.
Throughout her life, Bankhead found herself at the center of numerous memorable stories
that showcased her unapologetic approach to life and her uninhibited spirit.
One of the wildest tales involving Tallulah Bankhead and alcohol occurred during a party
she hosted at her New York City apartment in the 1930s.
Bankhead was known for throwing extravagant gatherings, and this particular event took
on legendary status.
It was reported that Bankhead filled her bathtub with champagne, and guests were encouraged
to take turns diving into the bubbly and swimming in it.
The party became an outrageous affair, with revelers frolicking in the champagne-filled
tub, creating a spectacle that epitomized Bankhead's larger-than-life persona.
Bankhead's penchant for alcohol often led to audacious behavior and memorable encounters.
During a plane journey, Bankhead once famously asked a flight attendant to "give her a drink
that would wake up the dead."
Such remarks solidified her reputation as a free-spirited, boundary-pushing personality
who lived life on her own terms.
Another wild story involving Tallulah Bankhead and alcohol took place during the filming
of the movie "Lifeboat" (1944), directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Bankhead's character was required to be stranded at sea for an extended period, and to stay
true to her character, she allegedly smuggled a flask of alcohol on set.
Bankhead, known for her love of drinking, would occasionally take swigs from the flask
during filming, adding an authentic touch to her performance.
Her actions startled and amused her co-stars, who were amazed at her audacity.
Errol Flynn Throughout his life, Errol Flynn found himself
entangled in a series of infamous stories and incidents that showcased his love for
excess and daring exploits.
One of the most notorious stories involving Errol Flynn and alcohol is the so-called "Mocambo
Brawl" in 1942.
Flynn was known for his love of partying and was a regular at the Mocambo nightclub in
Los Angeles.
One night, Flynn found himself embroiled in a brawl with a group of soldiers from the
nearby U.S. Army base.
It is said that Flynn held his own against several men, utilizing his athleticism and
agility to fight them off.
The incident, although not his fault, added to his reputation as a hard-drinking and rebellious
figure.
Another wild story involving Flynn and alcohol occurred during the production of the film
"The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938).
Flynn and co-star Basil Rathbone, who played Sir Guy of Gisbourne, engaged in a memorable
and dangerous fencing match after consuming copious amounts of alcohol.
The inebriated actors, wielding real swords, engaged in a reckless and impromptu duel.
Miraculously, no one was seriously injured during the encounter, but it served as a testament
to Flynn's audacious nature and love for living on the edge.
Flynn's adventures extended beyond Hollywood, as he embarked on numerous sailing expeditions
and enjoyed a playboy lifestyle.
He often threw lavish parties aboard his yacht, the Zaca, inviting friends and starlets to
join him on seafaring escapades.
These gatherings were known for their excesses, with alcohol flowing freely and uninhibited
revelry lasting for days.
He also reportedly got drunk with a young Fidel Castro, and claimed that Castro would
one day “rank in history with some of the greats."
He’d also apparently inject vodka into oranges so that he could sneakily drink on set without
people noticing.
Now it’s time to hear from you.
Did you know about any of these crazy stories?
Let us know in the comments section below!