The Golden Age of Hollywood was filled with talented and gorgeous actresses who lit up
the silver screen.
It was perhaps the first era where people were familiar with the names and personal
lives of Hollywood stars, though obviously not nearly to the extent that we do today.
However, there were some actresses whose personal life had scandals and tumult, and the rumor
mill would run perpetually.
This sometimes helped their career, but often it became a huge setback.
Join Facts Verse, as we present: Old Hollywood Actresses Who Had a Nasty Reputation
Lupe Velez Lupe Velez was a Mexican-born actress who
rose to fame in Hollywood during the 1920s and 1930s.
Born in 1908, Velez had a tumultuous childhood, growing up in poverty in Mexico before moving
to the United States to pursue a career in acting.
Despite her difficult upbringing, Velez quickly made a name for herself in Hollywood, appearing
in a number of successful films throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
Known for her fiery personality and sultry on-screen presence, Velez became a popular
figure among audiences and a sought-after leading lady.
However, Velez's personal life was just as tumultuous as her childhood.
She had a series of tumultuous relationships with men in Hollywood, including several high-profile
romances with fellow actors.
She also struggled with addiction and mental health issues, which contributed to her reputation
as a controversial figure.
In the late 1930s, Velez became embroiled in a scandal when she became pregnant by a
married man.
Despite attempts to keep the pregnancy a secret, the news eventually leaked to the press, causing
a media frenzy and damaging Velez's reputation.
The scandal also led to a breakdown in her relationship with the man, and Velez ultimately
ended her own life by taking an overdose of sleeping pills in 1944.
Velez's tragic death at the age of 36 shocked her fans and colleagues in Hollywood, and
it added to her status as a controversial figure.
Elizabeth Taylor Elizabeth Taylor was one of the most iconic
actresses of the 20th century, known for her beauty, talent, and larger-than-life personality.
Born in London in 1932, Taylor began her acting career at a young age and quickly became one
of Hollywood's biggest stars.
Taylor's early success came with films like "National Velvet" and "A Place in the Sun,"
but it was her performance in "Cleopatra" that cemented her status as a Hollywood legend.
The film, released in 1963, was the most expensive movie ever made at the time, and it featured
Taylor in the title role as the Egyptian queen.
Throughout her career, Taylor was known not only for her talent on the big screen but
also for her personal life, which was often the subject of media scrutiny.
She was married eight times to seven different men, including some of Hollywood's biggest
names like Richard Burton and Eddie Fisher.
Her highly publicized relationships and marriages made her a controversial figure in the eyes
of some, and she was often criticized for her perceived extravagance and indulgence.
In addition to her romantic entanglements, Taylor was also an outspoken activist for
several causes, including AIDS awareness and research.
She raised millions of dollars for AIDS charities through her Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation,
which continues to support people affected by the disease to this day.
In 2011, Taylor passed away at the age of 79.
While she may have been a controversial figure during her life, her talent and compassion
are what ultimately define her legacy.
Frances Farmer Born in Seattle in 1913, Frances Farmer was
raised in a strict, conservative household and rebelled against her upbringing by pursuing
a career in acting.
Farmer's early success came with films like "Come and Get It" and "The Toast of New York,"
which earned her critical acclaim and established her as a rising star in Hollywood.
However, her career was cut short by a series of personal struggles and controversies that
would define her legacy.
Throughout her life, Farmer struggled with mental health issues, including bipolar disorder
and depression.
Her behavior became increasingly erratic, and she was often in conflict with studio
executives and others in the entertainment industry.
She also had a tumultuous personal life, including a failed marriage and a relationship with
playwright Clifford Odets.
In 1943, Farmer was arrested for drunk driving and disorderly conduct, and she was later
diagnosed with schizophrenia.
She was committed to a series of psychiatric institutions, where she underwent a number
of controversial treatments, including electroconvulsive therapy.
Farmer's treatment and subsequent release from psychiatric care became a cause celebre,
and she became a symbol of the abuse of power within the mental health system.
She later wrote a memoir about her experiences, titled "Will There Really Be a Morning?",
which was adapted into a film in 1983.
Her life and career have been the subject of numerous books, films, and plays, including
the biopic "Frances" starring Jessica Lange.
Marion Davies Marion Davies rose to fame during the silent
film era of the 1920s.
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1897, Davies began her career as a chorus girl on Broadway
before making the transition to Hollywood.
Davies quickly became one of the biggest stars of the 1920s, known for her beauty, charm,
and comedic timing.
She appeared in numerous films, including "Little Old New York," "The Patsy," and "Show
People," and was one of the highest-paid actresses of her time.
Despite her success on screen, Davies was often the subject of controversy in her personal
life.
She was the mistress of newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, who was married at
the time of their affair.
Hearst was a powerful figure in the media industry and used his influence to promote
Davies' career, which led to accusations of favoritism and nepotism.
Davies was also known for her lavish parties and extravagant lifestyle, which were funded
in part by Hearst's vast fortune.
The couple's relationship was often the subject of gossip and speculation, and it was rumored
that Hearst had a hand in controlling Davies' career and personal life.
However, Davies remained a popular and respected figure in Hollywood throughout her career.
She was known for her kindness and generosity and was a prominent philanthropist, donating
millions of dollars to charity over the years.
Davies retired from acting in the 1930s and dedicated much of her time to charitable causes.
She passed away in 1961 at the age of 64.
Clara Bow Clara Bow was an actress and sex symbol who
rose to fame during the silent film era of the 1920s.
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1905, Bow's childhood was marked by poverty and neglect.
She began her career as an actress in small roles before catching the attention of Hollywood
producers with her natural talent and undeniable charisma.
Bow quickly became one of Hollywood's biggest stars, known for her sultry looks, signature
bob haircut, and fiery personality.
She appeared in numerous films, including "Wings," which won the first Academy Award
for Best Picture, and "It," which cemented her status as a sex symbol and earned her
the nickname "The It Girl."
Despite her success on screen, Bow was a controversial figure in her personal life.
She was involved in a number of scandalous relationships, including a highly publicized
affair with actor Gary Cooper.
She was also known for her outspoken nature and was often criticized by the media for
her working-class background and frank discussions of her own sexuality.
In 1931, Bow's career came to an abrupt halt when she was accused of engaging in sexual
relationships with a number of actors and crew members on the set of the film "Call
Her Savage."
The scandal, which became known as the "Bow-Boom" affair, tarnished Bow's reputation and led
to her retirement from acting at the age of 28.
Gene Tierney Born in Brooklyn in 1920, Gene Tierney's striking
beauty and natural acting talent quickly caught the attention of Hollywood producers.
She appeared in numerous films, including "Laura," "Leave Her to Heaven," and "The Ghost
and Mrs. Muir," and was known for her dramatic range and ability to convey complex emotions
on screen.
Tierney was also a controversial figure in her personal life.
In the late 1940s, she suffered a nervous breakdown and was hospitalized for several
months.
It was later revealed that her breakdown was caused by the birth of her daughter, who had
been born with severe developmental disabilities.
Tierney was devastated by the diagnosis and blamed herself for her daughter's condition.
Tierney's personal life was also marked by a tumultuous marriage to fashion designer
Oleg Cassini.
The couple married in 1941 and had two daughters together, but their marriage was marred by
infidelity and Cassini's controlling behavior.
In 1951, Tierney's life took another dramatic turn when she was sued for divorce by Cassini
and accused of having an affair with actor Tyrone Power.
The scandal caused a media frenzy and led to Tierney being blacklisted by Hollywood
producers for a time.
But she continued to act in films and on stage, and was known for her grace, elegance, and
resilience in the face of adversity.
Tierney passed away in 1991 at the age of 70.
Jean Harlow Jean Harlow began her career as an actress
in small roles before catching the attention of Hollywood producers with her striking beauty
and natural acting talent.
She appeared in numerous films, including "Dinner at Eight," "Red Dust," and "Bombshell,"
and was known for her sultry looks and seductive on-screen presence.
She was involved in a number of scandalous relationships, including a highly publicized
affair with boxer Max Baer.
She was also known for her heavy drinking and smoking, which led to health problems
later in life.
In 1932, Harlow's personal life was rocked by the sudden death of her husband, MGM producer
Paul Bern, who committed suicide just months after their marriage.
The scandalous circumstances of his death led to rumors and speculation about Harlow's
involvement, though no evidence was ever found to support these claims.
She was the subject of numerous tabloid articles and rumors, which further contributed to her
controversial image.
Tragically, Harlow's life was cut short when she died of kidney failure at the age of 26
in 1937.
Now it’s time to hear from you.
Who is your favorite of these actresses?
Let us know in the comments section below!