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Old Hollywood was not only a realm of glitz and glamour but also a hotbed of intense rivalries and feuds among its biggest stars. Behind the scenes, there were simmering tensions, competitive clashes, and juicy scandals that kept the tabloids buzzing. In this article, we look at five of the most memorable and juicy rivalries in Old Hollywood, where egos clashed and sparks flew.
1. Bette Davis vs. Joan Crawford
One of the most infamous rivalries in Hollywood history was the feud between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. It all began on the set of their 1962 film "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" The two legendary actresses, both vying for the limelight, had contrasting acting styles and personalities that clashed on and off-screen. Their rivalry intensified as they competed for awards, public adoration, and leading roles. The animosity between Davis and Crawford became the stuff of legend, with reports of sabotage and petty pranks on set. Their bitter feud continued for years, with verbal jabs and public snubs, captivating the media and the public.
2. Katharine Hepburn vs. Spencer Tracy
The fiery on-screen chemistry between Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy in films like "Woman of the Year" and "Adam's Rib" was a testament to their undeniable talent. However, their off-screen relationship was a complex and secretive affair. Tracy was married and struggled with alcoholism, while Hepburn was fiercely independent and guarded about her personal life. Their relationship endured for over 25 years, marked by tumultuous ups and downs. They never married but shared a deep emotional connection that transcended their personal challenges. Despite the obstacles they faced, their collaborations produced some of the most memorable films in Hollywood history.
3. Olivia de Havilland vs. Joan Fontaine
The rivalry between sisters Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine was a case of sibling rivalry spilling over into their careers. Both actresses achieved success in their own right, with de Havilland winning multiple Academy Awards and Fontaine capturing hearts with her performances. Their sibling rivalry intensified in the 1940s when both were nominated for the Best Actress Oscar. Fontaine took home the award, causing a rift between the sisters that lasted for decades. Their bitter relationship was marked by public sniping and a mutual dislike that persisted until Fontaine's death in 2013.
4. Elizabeth Taylor vs. Debbie Reynolds
The love triangle involving Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Fisher, and Debbie Reynolds captured the public's attention like no other. Taylor and Reynolds were close friends, but everything changed when Taylor fell in love with Reynolds' husband, Eddie Fisher, after the death of her third husband, Mike Todd. The affair and subsequent marriage between Taylor and Fisher caused a scandal that reverberated throughout Hollywood. Reynolds was left devastated and humiliated, and the friendship between Taylor and Reynolds was irreparably damaged. The public drama surrounding their love triangle made headlines and forever changed the dynamics of their relationships.
5. Marlene Dietrich vs. Greta Garbo
The rivalry between Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo, two iconic European actresses, captivated fans and fueled speculation for years. Both women were known for their mysterious allure and unique screen personas. Their paths crossed in Hollywood, where their contrasting styles and reputations as international sex symbols led to comparisons and competition. While they never openly feuded, there was an underlying tension and a constant comparison between them that added to the intrigue and fascination surrounding their careers.
1. Bette Davis vs. Joan Crawford
One of the most infamous rivalries in Hollywood history was the feud between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. It all began on the set of their 1962 film "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" The two legendary actresses, both vying for the limelight, had contrasting acting styles and personalities that clashed on and off-screen. Their rivalry intensified as they competed for awards, public adoration, and leading roles. The animosity between Davis and Crawford became the stuff of legend, with reports of sabotage and petty pranks on set. Their bitter feud continued for years, with verbal jabs and public snubs, captivating the media and the public.
2. Katharine Hepburn vs. Spencer Tracy
The fiery on-screen chemistry between Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy in films like "Woman of the Year" and "Adam's Rib" was a testament to their undeniable talent. However, their off-screen relationship was a complex and secretive affair. Tracy was married and struggled with alcoholism, while Hepburn was fiercely independent and guarded about her personal life. Their relationship endured for over 25 years, marked by tumultuous ups and downs. They never married but shared a deep emotional connection that transcended their personal challenges. Despite the obstacles they faced, their collaborations produced some of the most memorable films in Hollywood history.
3. Olivia de Havilland vs. Joan Fontaine
The rivalry between sisters Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine was a case of sibling rivalry spilling over into their careers. Both actresses achieved success in their own right, with de Havilland winning multiple Academy Awards and Fontaine capturing hearts with her performances. Their sibling rivalry intensified in the 1940s when both were nominated for the Best Actress Oscar. Fontaine took home the award, causing a rift between the sisters that lasted for decades. Their bitter relationship was marked by public sniping and a mutual dislike that persisted until Fontaine's death in 2013.
4. Elizabeth Taylor vs. Debbie Reynolds
The love triangle involving Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Fisher, and Debbie Reynolds captured the public's attention like no other. Taylor and Reynolds were close friends, but everything changed when Taylor fell in love with Reynolds' husband, Eddie Fisher, after the death of her third husband, Mike Todd. The affair and subsequent marriage between Taylor and Fisher caused a scandal that reverberated throughout Hollywood. Reynolds was left devastated and humiliated, and the friendship between Taylor and Reynolds was irreparably damaged. The public drama surrounding their love triangle made headlines and forever changed the dynamics of their relationships.
5. Marlene Dietrich vs. Greta Garbo
The rivalry between Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo, two iconic European actresses, captivated fans and fueled speculation for years. Both women were known for their mysterious allure and unique screen personas. Their paths crossed in Hollywood, where their contrasting styles and reputations as international sex symbols led to comparisons and competition. While they never openly feuded, there was an underlying tension and a constant comparison between them that added to the intrigue and fascination surrounding their careers.