Gay actors of the 1940s and 50s

The studios would arrange for their top stars surrounded by controversy to get married to thwart the rumors regarding their sexuality. A product of the arts-centric Weimar culture in early 20th-century Germany, Dietrich lived freely and fearlessly.

But when Confidential magazine threatened to expose his homosexuality, his career took a backseat. Soon after the Confidential incident, he married Phyllis Gates to keep any rumors from circulating. That is what they did in the case of Jean Acker and Rudolph Valentino.

A look at 10+ LGBT stars of Old Hollywood, featuring famous gay actors and actresses who made history. The movie legend locked lips with women on screen as early as and was romantically linked with Kay Francis, Edith Piaf, Mercedes de Acosta, and even Greta Garbo.

For the duration of his career, Rock Hudson was an American heartthrob. She frequently covers film, television, and representations of women in the media. He lived with fellow actor Randolph Scott for a number of years and rumors have long circulated that the pair were involved romantically.

The Golden Age of Hollywood gave us many of the biggest icons of the 20th Century. But did you know the film industry's queer culture existed even before that famous HOLLYWOODLAND sign went up inand half of Tinseltown kept their identities a secret to safeguard their careers?

The two remained together until Burr's death in If you go weak at the knees at the sight of a woman in a suit, you have Marlene Dietrich to thank for it. This list highlights iconic celebrities from the past, including the men and women who shaped the movie industry.

His story was even included in Ryan Murphy's Netflix series Hollywood. The Cuban-American actor appeared on the silver screen alongside Marlene Dietrich and Carole Lombard, was a lifelong best friend to actress Joan Crawford, and became a living legend after playing The Joker in the original film version of Batman.

He remained in the closet to the public for the entirety of his career, but was out to friends and colleagues in the industry. Golden Age of Hollywood stars you probably didn't know were LGBTQ+ Public Domain; Donaldson Collection/Getty Images. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

TM Obscura is a writer with a passion for pop culture and a penchant for analysis. Once considered the most beautiful woman in the world, Greta Garbo was legendary for her expressive face, her need for privacy, and her sexuality. However, the two actors also seem to embrace the marriage for the convenience and mutual benefit the nuptials provided them.

HOLLYWOOD’S GOLDEN AGE ERA

With a devilishly handsome smile and a towering height of 6'3", Cesar Romero was poised for leading man status. While Burr was married three times widowed twice and divorced once he had a happy long-term relationship with actor Robert Benevides.

She regularly donned pants and tuxes on the silver screen at a time when it was unfashionable to do so and changed the the way women thought about pants forever. She was also unapologetic about her love for both men and women. There were no famous gay actors in history in the same way we have them today.

Just a few years post-divorce, inHudson met stockbroker Lee Garlington with whom he shared a lengthy, intimate relationship. Queer actors have been a part of the film industry for many, many years! Master of the macabre Vincent Price was the epitome of a movie star.

So, here are some Old Hollywood stars you probably didn’t know were LGBTQ. He wooed audiences with his good looks and impressive performances, and worked hard to keep his private life out of the tabloids. Queer actors have been a part of the film industry for many, many years!

Read about the LGBT members of Hollywood that shaped the industry, even if their personal lives weren't always out in the open. You might know some, but we. Tallulah Bankhead was a theater actress, film star, and life-of-the-party socialite who enjoyed pushing the envelope as much as humanly possible.