Hollywood! The very word sparkles with magic, glamour, and the kind of happily-ever-afters we all dream about. We see our favorite stars walk the red carpet, deliver unforgettable performances, and embody everything we aspire to be. But beneath that dazzling veneer of Tinseltown perfection, there’s a whole lot of real-life drama bubbling just out of sight, and trust us, it’s often wilder than anything you’d find in a movie script.
It’s incredibly easy to get swept away by the illusion, believing that the charming leading man or benevolent screen queen is just as lovely in person. We’re told “movie stars in Hollywood‘s illustrious Golden Age became household names and lived illustrious lives that most of us can only dream of.” Yet, even back then, scandal could quickly “sully their reputations,” proving that even beloved figures could harbor a rather, shall we say, *jerk-ish* side. Back then, keeping personal lives “out of the media was much easier than it is today,” so imagine what went unreported!
We’re diving deep into the archives today to pull back the curtain on some of the biggest jerks in Hollywood history. We’re not just talking about actors who *played* jerks so convincingly you hated them (though we totally get that feeling!), but the ones whose “villainous acts behind the scenes” or just plain awful real-life behavior would truly make your jaw drop. Some of their actions were “so heinous that they would probably end their careers if they happened today.” So, grab your popcorn, because these stories are about to get real, raw, and utterly fascinating. Prepare yourselves, because your perception of these legends might just get a serious shake-up!
1. **Milton Berle: The Thief of Bad Gags and a Stage Bully** Ah, Milton Berle, or as he was famously known, Uncle Miltie! He was a television pioneer, a force of nature who dominated the airwaves. But behind the snappy suits and rapid-fire jokes, there was a darker side to Berle’s comedic genius. He earned a notorious reputation for being “an unapologetic joke thief,” a habit so ingrained that it spawned the unflattering nickname, “The Thief of Bad Gags.” Regularly pilfering material from other comedians, he was confident his star power would let him get away with it.
This shady practice wasn’t just confined to whispers; it exploded onto national television. At the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards, none other than RuPaul publicly called him out on stage. What should have been a respectful passing of the torch devolved into an awkward spectacle when RuPaul went completely off-script. The palpable friction between them was undeniable, reportedly leading RuPaul to “end his professional relationship with MTV shortly after.”
But Uncle Miltie’s problematic behavior extended far beyond joke pilfering, often “impacted other people’s work.” Perhaps the most glaring example was earning “a lifetime ban from hosting NBC’s Saturday Night Live.” During his guest-hosting gig in 1979, he tried to “take control of the entire show during rehearsals,” effectively usurping the roles of director and producers. He “upstaged his fellow cast members” and allegedly “recycled old comedy bits.” The experience was so nightmarish for Lorne Michaels that he reportedly “tried to keep the show from being rerun,” a testament to Berle’s “jerk behavior.”
2. **Charlie Chaplin: The Silent Film Maestro’s Loud Temper and Troubled Marriages** Sir Charles Chaplin, a name synonymous with early cinematic genius. His iconic “Little Tramp” character charmed millions across the globe. His films were celebrated for their artistry, yet behind the scenes, Chaplin himself was anything but silent. If his cast and crew dared to fall short of his exacting standards, “he certainly wasn’t” quiet about it. He was notoriously a perfectionist, and that perfectionism often came with a fiery temper.
Chaplin was a well-known figure in Hollywood for his explosive personality. He would frequently “fly off the handle, become a complete jerk, and fire crew members at the drop of a bowler hat.” Imagine the terror on those sets! A single mistake could mean instant dismissal. While his dedication resulted in timeless cinema, the human cost for those working under him was undoubtedly high.
Beyond the professional sphere, Chaplin’s personal life was a consistent source of scandal, particularly his relationships with women. He married four times, and a recurring, unsettling pattern emerged: each of his wives was significantly younger than him. His first wife was “17 on their wedding day,” and his second wife was an even younger “16.” This pattern persisted throughout his life.
Perhaps his most talked-about marriage was to Oona O’Neill. Chaplin was “54,” while Oona was only “18.” This age gap caused her famous father, Eugene O’Neill, to publicly “disown her.” Despite the scrutiny, their marriage lasted until his death. However, its longevity did not negate reported difficulties. Chaplin was “reportedly an abusive husband to all his wives, and he had no qualms about sleeping with other women,” painting a disturbing picture far removed from his on-screen persona.
3. **Lucille Ball: The Comedy Queen Who Was a “Monster” Behind the Scenes** Lucille Ball. The name alone conjures images of red hair, slapstick genius, and the groundbreaking sitcom *I Love Lucy*. She was a true pioneer, revolutionizing the modern sitcom format and pushing boundaries for “what could be aired on television.” Yet, beneath the perfectly timed pratfalls, lay a far more formidable personality when the cameras weren’t rolling.
Behind the scenes, Lucy was known for being “very demanding.” Her quest for perfection often translated into an intense and unyielding approach with her colleagues. She was a boss who expected nothing less than the best, and she wasn’t shy about making her expectations known. This drive, while contributing to her unparalleled success, also created a challenging environment for those who had to work closely with her.
Tony Randall, an actor who experienced her demanding nature firsthand, openly claimed that Lucy “bossed everybody around and didn’t spare anybody’s feelings.” Her bluntness, while perhaps stemming from a desire for excellence, undoubtedly left a mark on those around her. It suggests a powerful, almost dictatorial presence on set.
Perhaps the most damning assessment came from Richard Burton in 1979. He declared Lucy “a monster of staggering charmlessness and monumental lack of humor.” Burton went on to make an even more chilling remark, stating that “if he had been drinking, he might have killed her.” While undoubtedly hyperbolic, this powerfully conveys the animosity some individuals harbored towards Ball.
4. **Errol Flynn: The Swashbuckler’s Shadow of Scandal and Sympathies** Errol Flynn, the quintessential Hollywood swashbuckler, graced the silver screen with his dashing looks and captivating charm. He epitomized adventure and romance. Yet, behind the public image, Flynn’s private life was a tumultuous maelstrom of scandal and controversy that continuously threatened to dismantle his glittering career.
The curtain was dramatically pulled back on Flynn’s unsettling side with Charles Higham’s 1980 biography, *Errol Flynn: The Untold Story*. This book dropped bombshell “shocking allegations” that deeply challenged the narrative of the beloved actor. Higham’s claims were audacious, asserting that Flynn engaged in “multiple same-sex affairs” and, even more controversially, accused him of being a “Nazi sympathizer.”
It’s important to note that these grave accusations, particularly the Nazi sympathies, were based primarily on “circumstantial evidence.” Later biographies “subsequently debunked” these specific claims, suggesting Higham’s book might have leaned heavily on speculation. However, the sheer audacity and public nature of these allegations undeniably added a dark layer to Flynn’s already scandalous reputation, proving how fragile a celebrity’s image can be.
Beyond the biographical bombshells, Flynn’s life was punctuated by very real, public legal troubles. The phrase “In like Flynn” has a deeply troubling origin, inspired by “three separate statutory rape trials in 1942.” While he was “acquitted each time,” the sensational nature of these trials, and persistent rumors, inflicted immense “damage to his reputation.” His notorious “lifestyle choices also took a toll on his good looks,” leading him to primarily play “aging alcoholics later in his career.” At his untimely death in 1959 at 50, the medical examiner observed he had “the body of an 85-year-old man,” a tragic testament to a life lived with reckless abandon.
5. **Bing Crosby: The Crooner’s Cruel Reality and Cold Relationships** Bing Crosby. The name evokes wholesome entertainment: his soothing baritone voice, the charm of his “Road to…” movies, and the timeless magic of “White Christmas.” He was the quintessential American crooner, a beloved figure whose public image was one of warmth and kindness. Yet, beneath this carefully crafted facade, a profoundly disturbing reality festered, painting a portrait of a man vastly different from the one adored by his fans.
The first cracks in Crosby’s pristine image appeared with his oldest son, Gary Crosby’s, 1983 tell-all biography, *Going My Own Way*. Gary’s book was an explosive account that shattered the public’s perception. He courageously detailed a grim and abusive home life, alleging that Bing handled disciplinary issues with “a stern lecture and a studded leather belt.” This shocking revelation of physical abuse transformed the gentle father figure America knew into a tyrannical disciplinarian.
The abuse, Gary claimed, wasn’t just targeted at him. He “was also punished when his brothers acted up,” illustrating a chillingly indiscriminate approach to parenting. The allegations became even more horrific. Gary’s biography detailed claims that “housekeepers allegedly gave the children the drowning treatment in the bathtub if they heard them talking in bed or if they woke up too early.” These accusations paint a truly nightmarish picture of a household steeped in severe and cruel punishment.
The long-term, devastating impact of this alleged abuse was profoundly tragic. Gary’s book highlighted how “two of Crosby’s children suffered from depression and eventually committed suicide.” This heartbreaking outcome links directly back to the environment created by their famous father, leaving an incredibly dark and painful legacy.
It wasn’t just his family life that harbored unpleasant truths. Crosby’s professional relationships, too, were often far from friendly. Despite starring in “seven road movies together,” Bing Crosby and his co-star, Bob Hope, were emphatically “weren’t friends.” Hope himself once candidly confessed to a friend, “he simply didn’t like Bing and, at times, detested him.” This astonishing admission reveals a deep-seated personal animosity festering beneath the surface of one of Hollywood’s most successful on-screen partnerships.
6. **Gene Kelly: From Dancing Star to Alleged IRA Supporter** Oh, Gene Kelly! The name just makes you want to leap and sing in the rain, doesn’t it? With his dazzling smiles, athletic dance moves, and undeniable charm, Kelly was a Hollywood icon who brought joy to millions. You’d think a guy who danced with such effortless grace would be, well, graceful in every aspect of his life. But sometimes, even the most beloved figures have stories that make you do a double-take.
Turns out, even a dancing legend could be a bit rough around the edges, or so some folks claimed. There’s a persistent whisper from the old MGM lot that whenever dancer Cyd Charisse came home covered in bruises, her husband would just shrug and say she must have worked with Gene Kelly that day. It paints a picture of a demanding choreographer, perhaps a little too intense in his pursuit of cinematic perfection. However, Kelly’s alleged jerk-ish behavior might have gone far beyond just being tough on co-stars.
Hold onto your hats for this one! In 1970, shocking allegations surfaced that Gene Kelly reportedly made a hefty donation to the Provisional Irish Republican Army. Can you believe it? He supposedly met *covertly* with IRA leader Cathal Goulding during an underground fund-raising mission right here in the USA. And get this: he allegedly handed over a check for a whopping £20,000, reportedly telling Goulding, “This money is for guns. I certainly don’t want it going to any do-gooders.” Talk about a plot twist that no one saw coming for a beloved Hollywood hoofer!
Now, before we jump to too many conclusions, it’s worth noting that these serious allegations only popped up after Kelly’s death. His widow, Patricia Ward Kelly, has fiercely disputed them. She claimed her late husband was incredibly proud of his Irish heritage, sure, but she also maintained that he “didn’t have much money and wasn’t a violent man.” It’s a classic Hollywood mystery, leaving us to wonder just how much truth lies behind the whispers and the denials. Either way, it certainly casts a different shade on our song-and-dance man.
7. **John Wayne: The Duke’s Divisive Deeds and Controversial Convictions** John Wayne. The Duke. He was the quintessential cowboy, embodying American grit and heroism on screen. You probably picture him riding into the sunset, saving the day, and standing for all things traditionally ‘right.’ And for many, he still represents a bygone era of straightforward, undeniable masculinity. But like many of his contemporaries, Wayne’s off-screen persona was a lot more complex – and often far more problematic – than his heroic roles suggested.
What might really surprise you is that early in his career, before he became the staunch conservative icon we know, John Wayne actually referred to himself as both a socialist *and* a liberal! Mind blown, right? However, he certainly pivoted. His support for Barry Goldwater for president in 1964, especially after Goldwater voted against the Civil Rights Act, was an early indicator of his evolving, very public political stance. It’s his later remarks, though, that truly stirred the pot and revealed a side of Wayne that many find deeply unsettling.
In the May 1971 issue of *Playboy*, Wayne dropped some seriously controversial remarks that still reverberate today. He openly declared his belief in “white supremacy” and stated that he didn’t support African-Americans holding office until they could be “educated to a point of responsibility.” Yeah, you read that right. These statements alone are enough to make anyone cringe, reflecting deeply problematic views that are certainly out of step with modern values, and frankly, were even considered offensive by many at the time.
But the controversy didn’t stop there. Wayne also publicly denounced homosexuality, labeling classic films like *Suddenly, Last Summer* as “too disgusting even for discussion” and calling *Midnight Cowboy* “perverse.” It’s quite the judgmental stance from a man who, surprisingly, ended up befriending Rock Hudson. The two co-starred in *The Undefeated* and remained good friends until Wayne’s death in 1979, proving that sometimes, even Hollywood’s biggest jerks can form unexpected bonds, despite their public pronouncements. It’s a testament to the strange bedfellows Tinseltown can create.
The shadow of John Wayne’s contentious views still lingers heavily today. There are reports of film school students literally walking out of classes when his movies are screened, a powerful silent protest against his legacy. And Democratic leaders are even pushing to remove his name from the Orange County Airport, a move that speaks volumes about the lasting damage his words inflicted. He even got a shout-out – not a good one! – from Public Enemy in their iconic 1989 hit, “Fight the Power.” Clearly, the Duke’s jerky off-screen opinions have made him a figure of ongoing debate and undeniable controversy.
8. **Bette Davis: The Fierce Diva Who Silenced Restaurants** Bette Davis. What a dame! She was a force of nature on screen, with those piercing eyes and an intensity that could cut glass. As songwriter Kim Carnes famously put it, she was “ferocious, and she knows just what it takes to make a pro blush.” You didn’t just watch Bette Davis; you *experienced* her. And apparently, that experience wasn’t always a pleasant one for those around her, especially if you dared to cross her. She certainly earned her stripes as a true Hollywood diva, and not always in the most endearing way.
Imagine having dinner with this legend! Producer William Frye once recounted a memorable evening with Davis and director Herschel Daugherty. Daugherty, perhaps mistakenly, wagged his finger in her face. Big mistake. What followed was a verbal tirade so intense, so utterly captivating in its ferocity, that half the restaurant actually cleared out! Can you even picture that? Then, as if nothing had happened, Davis simply returned to her dinner, cool as a cucumber. It’s the kind of story that cements her reputation as a powerful, if terrifying, personality who truly did not suffer fools gladly.
But beyond her fiery temper, there were even darker incidents that hinted at deep-seated animosity towards Davis. During the filming of *Mr. Skeffington*, someone snuck into her dressing room and poisoned her eyewash. Yes, *poisoned* her eyewash! The culprit was never actually found, which is wild to think about. Director Vincent Sherman reportedly told detectives, “If you were to line up the cast and crew and ask them: ‘Okay, which one of you wanted to kill Bette Davis?’ A hundred people would raise their hands.” That’s not just a challenging colleague; that’s a colleague who made people actively wish her ill. Yikes!
9. **Joan Crawford: The Queen of Rivalry, Rage, and Revelation** Speaking of Bette Davis, you can’t talk about her without bringing up her legendary arch-nemesis, Joan Crawford! These two Hollywood titans had a rivalry so epic, it practically fueled the entire Tinseltown gossip mill for decades. Crawford, with her sharp ambition and undeniable screen presence, would have undoubtedly been first in line to raise her hand – probably as high as Lady Liberty herself – if asked who wanted to take down Davis. Their backstage battle during the production of *What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?* was so explosive it even became the subject of the 2017 miniseries *Feud*. Davis famously tried everything to get Crawford fired from the picture, but to no avail. The drama, oh the drama!
The feud reached a boiling point when Davis was nominated for an Academy Award and Crawford wasn’t. As you can imagine, all hell, predictably, broke loose! Joan, not one to be outdone, then masterminded one of the most iconic Oscar sabotages in history. She got herself booked to present the best director award, and in a move of pure, unadulterated spite, actively campaigned against her archnemesis. When the Oscar for Best Actress went to Anne Bancroft for *The Miracle Worker* in 1963, who was there to accept the trophy on Bancroft’s behalf? None other than Joan Crawford herself, basking in the spotlight and denying Davis her moment. Talk about a power play for the ages!
But Crawford’s jerk-ish behavior wasn’t just reserved for her professional rivals. Her personal life was famously laid bare in the explosive 1978 tell-all, *Mommie Dearest*, written by her adopted daughter, Christina Crawford. The book detailed a lifetime of alleged abuse so severe it shocked the world and forever changed public perception of the star. While two of Crawford’s other children claimed they weren’t abused, and some personal friends jumped to her defense, Joan Crawford’s severe alcoholism, intense jealousy, and obsessive cleaning habits were indeed “well-known throughout Hollywood.” It painted a picture of a deeply troubled woman, far removed from the glamorous movie star.
And if that wasn’t enough scandal for you, there were even more eyebrow-raising stories circulating. Crawford allegedly had a one-night stand with Marilyn Monroe – yes, *that* Marilyn Monroe! – and was named “the other woman” in at least two divorces. Christina’s memoir further claimed that her mother adopted children merely as a publicity stunt, using “back channels” to illegally adopt them because she wasn’t married. There’s even a wild tale of one birth mother arriving to reclaim her child just days after Crawford brought it home. It sounds like something straight out of a soap opera, but this was allegedly real life for Joan Crawford.
The tragic coda to Joan Crawford’s complicated life came with her will. When she died in 1977, leaving behind a substantial $2 million estate, she famously excluded Christina and her brother Christopher entirely. Only two of her other adopted children inherited a modest $77,500 each. It was a final, chilling act of what many saw as control and punishment, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most complex and, let’s be honest, jerky personalities.
10. **Mickey Rooney: The Casanova’s Confessions and Casting Couch Claims** Mickey Rooney! A child star who grew into a prolific actor, known for his boundless energy and a career that spanned decades. You might remember him as Andy Hardy or for his musicals with Judy Garland. He was everywhere, a true Hollywood fixture. But like a lot of stars from that era, the charming, wholesome image he projected on screen was, shall we say, a *little* different from the real-life Mickey Rooney. And when he decided to spill the beans, he really, *really* spilled them.
Rooney was married an incredible eight times, and if that wasn’t enough, he took great pride in boasting about having “countless extramarital affairs” in his tell-all autobiography, *Life Is Too Short*. The stories were wild! He claimed that MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer actually reprimanded him in 1938 for having a “torrid affair with Norma Shearer” because it was causing problems during the production of *Marie Antoinette*. Imagine getting a dressing-down from the big boss for your extracurricular activities!
And it gets even crazier! Rooney also claimed that his very first trip to a bordello was with none other than his mentor, Milton Berle – yes, Uncle Miltie himself, our first jerk on this list! Talk about a dynamic duo. He also shockingly claimed to have witnessed Tallulah Bankhead engaged in a lesbian encounter, further painting a picture of a scandalous Hollywood. As if *that* wasn’t enough, Rooney even outed his close friend Judy Garland for having a brief affair with a woman and described his first wife Ava Gardner’s private parts in rather explicit detail. This guy really had no filter, did he? His behavior undoubtedly had a negative impact on the privacy and reputations of others, solidifying his spot as one of Hollywood’s alleged jerks.
But wait, there’s more! Hollywood journalist Craig Bennett threw even more shocking allegations into the mix in his 2019 book, *True Confessions of a Shameless Gossip*. Bennett didn’t pull any punches, characterizing Rooney as “abrasive, nasty, curt and rude” – a far cry from his on-screen charm. But the most jaw-dropping claims involved his alleged sexual conquests.
Bennett sensationally claimed that Rooney’s lengthy list of conquests included bedding a 14-year-old Elizabeth Taylor on the set of *National Velvet*, when Rooney himself was 24. That’s a seriously disturbing accusation. Bennett also claimed that Rooney “almost wore out the casting couch” auditioning young actresses for roles that didn’t even exist. These are truly explosive allegations that, if true, reveal a deeply predatory side to the star.
However, it’s super important to remember that when it comes to Mickey Rooney’s wild tales, there’s a big, fat asterisk. It’s “widely believed that many of Rooney’s claims were either exaggerated or completely false.” So, while these stories certainly add to his notorious reputation as a Hollywood jerk, we should take them with a grain of salt. Still, the sheer volume of scandalous anecdotes ensures Mickey Rooney’s place in the pantheon of problematic Tinseltown personalities, leaving us to wonder just how much of the truth we’ll ever truly know.
So, there you have it, folks! We’ve peeled back the glitzy curtain on some of Hollywood’s most revered names, revealing a side that’s often far messier and more complicated than the silver screen ever lets on. Movies are our escape, a place where we go to lose ourselves for a few hours and idolize stars who seem larger than life. We see them as the people we aspire to be, or the people we want to be with. But as these stories dramatically illustrate, what happens behind the scenes can be infinitely more shocking, and sometimes downright disappointing, than any script could capture.
It really makes you think, doesn’t it? Do these movie stars actually owe it to us, their fans, to be role models, or should we just enjoy their performances and mind our own business when it comes to their personal antics? Does hearing these wild tales change how you feel about these screen legends, or do you consider their actions tame compared to today’s endless celebrity controversies? We’ve shared our list of Hollywood’s biggest jerks, but now it’s your turn! Who else do you know who deserves a spot among the ranks of Tinseltown’s problematic personalities? Get in the comments below and let us know your thoughts! Let’s get this conversation started!
