Bette Davis, born Ruth Elizabeth Davis in 1908, was a force of nature in early Hollywood. Known for her piercing eyes and unyielding spirit, she became the first actor to receive ten Academy Award nominations, winning twice for Dangerous (1935) and Jezebel (1938). Her performances in All About Eve (1950) and Now, Voyager (1942) are often cited among the greatest in cinematic history. Roger Ebert praised her portrayal in All About Eve, noting, “Davis was a character, an icon with a grand style; so, even her excesses are realistic.”
⚡ Behind Closed Doors: Scandals and Controversies
💔 Affair with Howard Hughes and Blackmail
In the mid-1930s, Davis was on the cusp of superstardom, but behind the scenes, her personal life was tumultuous. She had an affair with Howard Hughes, which became public when her first husband, Harmon “Ham” Nelson, discovered the relationship. Nelson reportedly blackmailed Hughes for $70,000 to destroy compromising recordings of the affair, and demanded $10,000 from Davis herself. FacebookReddit+1UPI
🖤 Feud with Joan Crawford
Davis’s rivalry with Joan Crawford is legendary. The two actresses starred together in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), a film that mirrored their real-life animosity. The production was fraught with tension, with both actresses reportedly sabotaging each other’s performances. Crawford allegedly persuaded Davis to join the project, and their on-set behavior fueled public fascination with their feud. Harper’s BAZAAR
📚 Daughter’s Tell-All Memoir
In 1985, Davis’s daughter, B.D. Hyman, published My Mother’s Keeper, a memoir that painted a damning portrait of Davis. Hyman accused her mother of emotional cruelty, alcoholism, and narcissism. One of the most shocking allegations was that Davis staged a suicide attempt to punish her daughter. Hyman claimed that at age eight, she found her mother locked in a room after allegedly overdosing, only to be told the next day, “I hope that taught you a good lesson.” FacebookVanity Fair
The memoir caused a rift between mother and daughter, with Davis reportedly disinheriting Hyman and criticizing her in her own memoir. Actress Mia Farrow, who knew Hyman from childhood, called the book “trashy” and stated she “lost all respect” for her. People.com
🧠 Critical Perspectives: Praise and Critique
Critics have had mixed reactions to Davis’s performances. While many lauded her intensity and dedication, others found her style overbearing. Pauline Kael referred to Now, Voyager as a “shlock classic,” and Time magazine described her acting in Dead Ringer (1964) as “shameless showing off.”
However, Davis’s ability to evoke strong emotions and command the screen was undeniable. Her portrayal of Margo Channing in All About Eve was ranked fifth on Premiere magazine’s list of 100 Greatest Performances of All Time, highlighting her skill in portraying complex, flawed characters.
🏆 Enduring Influence and Legacy
Despite the controversies, Davis’s impact on Hollywood is immeasurable. She was the first woman to receive the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1977 and was ranked second on the American Film Institute’s list of the 50 Greatest American Screen Legends in 1999. Her legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers, and her films remain a testament to her talent and resilience. Mental Floss
📺 Further Reading and Viewing
To gain deeper insights into Bette Davis’s life and career, consider exploring the following resources:
Bette Davis’s journey through Hollywood was a compelling tapestry of brilliance, defiance, and relentless ambition. Her extraordinary talent, unflinching dedication, and fearless embrace of controversy cemented her as one of cinema’s most unforgettable figures. While her life bore moments of turbulence and debate, her artistry and enduring influence remain indisputable. As audiences continue to revisit her films and legends, Bette Davis stands immortal—not merely as an actress, but as an emblem of audacity, passion, and the indelible spirit of Hollywood’s golden age.
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