Gay actors 1950s

In the 1950s, being labeled as gay could end a career or worse, and many lived in fear of being outed. In 2005, he revealed his long-hidden truth in his memoir, Tab Hunter Confidential, which later became a documentary. “It was career suicide. Her unforgettable performances in movies like Lifeboat (1944) and A Royal Scandal (1945) showcased her range, while her personal life became just as legendary [3].

Through it all, Bankhead stayed superbly & publicly sexual, taking lovers of both genders, including Hattie McDaniel, Marlene Dietrich, & Alla Nazimova.

By Scott Feinberg. McLellan also unearthed evidence suggesting that Garbo had a relationship with Marlene Dietrich, adding yet another layer to her complex personal history [10].

While working on the 1925 silent film The Joyless Street, Dietrich, whom McLellan described as having a “compulsive appetite for the sexual seduction of other beautiful women,” was said to have had an affair with “the simple, sensitive nineteen-year-old Swede.” At the same time, Garbo was reported to have called lesbian love affairs “exciting secrets [10].” Dietrich was unapologetic about her love for men and women, with reports linking her romantically to Edith Piaf, Kay Francis, Mercedes de Acosta, & even Greta Garbo.

Garbo’s sexuality has been a topic of much supposition.

Published August 8, 2016. Their legacy endures as a testament to the power of living authentically, no matter the obstacles.

References:

1. LGBTQ history. Bankhead’s career and spirit remained untamed until her death on December 12, 1968, when she succumbed to pneumonia.

   Tab Hunter

   Tab Hunter was the quintessential heartthrob of the 1950s, known for his blond hair and boyish charm.

   I had a lot of compassion for him because I knew how he was suffering with keeping this secret."

   Barry Williams, who played the oldest son, said: "Had it ever come out that Robert Reed was gay, it probably would have caused the demise of the show."

   After Reed died of colon lymphoma in 1992 at age 59, his death certificate details were made public, revealing he was also HIV-positive.

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Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando, the star of On the Waterfront and A Streetcar Named Desire – considered one of the best and most important actors of the 20th century – married three times and had 10 children.

Wikipedia.org.

Identifying how many Hollywood couples tied the knot to cloak their sexuality is, of course problematic since it’s primarily based on speculation_._

“I think the hardest thing for a historian is to kind of sift through what the rumor [is] and what is actually factual," says Tropiano.

One commonly cited source for speculation is the memoir of Scotty Bowers, Full Service: My Adventures in Hollywood and the Secret Sex Lives of the Stars.

But Jimmy was special, so I don't want to say ... For a glimpse into other intriguing aspects of celebrity culture, consider exploring the stories of celebrities who dated porn stars and the captivating realm of best celebrity butts. Novarro’s internal conflict with his sexuality was compounded by his deep religious beliefs, making it difficult for him to fully embrace his identity.

Novarro remained discreet about his sexual preferences, using escort services under the guise of “gardening” payments.

She was candid about her private life at a time when such honesty was rare, and it likely limited her roles to supporting parts.

Marlon Brando

Marlon was known for his intense performances in films like A Streetcar Named Desire and The Godfather. By People Staff. However, history recollects her as distinctly queer.

I might tell you some people I had affairs with – maybe. Off camera, he was an unhappy person. He had friends in Hollywood, in the acting community, who were gay, and they couldn't come out. The conventional position makes me claustrophobic. She told a biographer she was a “big dyke” living with her girlfriend and had no intention of ever marrying [7].

Kelly’s openness about her relationships, including a romantic connection with actress Tallulah Bankhead, who was also forthright about her bisexuality, set her apart in Hollywood.

Kelly reportedly grew resentful of Grant’s attraction to blonde women, and their relationship allegedly turned abusive at times. But [actor] Nick [Adams] told me they had a big affair."

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Rock Hudson

One of the subtlest, most tightly managed "hides" in Hollywood.

But he was different from most men of his time – he never tried to hide his sexual escapades.

In 1976, he told a French journalist: "Like a large number of men, I, too, have had homosexual experiences – and I am not ashamed."

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Paul Lynde

Paul Lynde, the Hollywood Squares star, was known for his flamboyant comedy persona but never publicly addressed his sexuality.