Hollywood’s Golden Age dazzled audiences with its elegance and glamour, but behind the scenes, not all was as it seemed.

Many of the era’s most beloved actresses were infamous for their cruelty, manipulation, and ruthless ambition. From on-set meltdowns to sabotaged careers, these women left a trail of drama that rivaled their on-screen performances.

1. Joan Crawford

Perhaps the most notorious of them all, Joan Crawford’s reputation for cruelty is legendary. Her tumultuous relationships with co-stars and staff, coupled with her alleged mistreatment of her children, have been well-documented. Her memoir, My Way of Life, and the film Mommie Dearest shed light on her darker side.

2. Miriam Hopkins

Known for her fierce rivalry with Bette Davis, Miriam Hopkins was infamous for her jealous and vindictive behavior. Their feud was so intense that it became a public spectacle, with Hopkins reportedly spreading rumors and sabotaging Davis’s career.

3. Constance Bennett

Constance Bennett was known for her icy demeanor and ruthless ambition. She allegedly manipulated situations to her advantage, often at the expense of others’ careers. Her sharp tongue and calculated moves made her a formidable figure in Hollywood.

4. Susan Hayward

Susan Hayward was known for her fiery temper and demanding nature. She reportedly clashed with directors and co-stars alike, often throwing tantrums on set. Her volatile personality made her a challenging actress to work with.

5. Jess Barker

Jess Barker, though not as widely known, was infamous for his manipulative behavior. He allegedly used his relationships with actresses to advance his own career, often at their expense.

6. Marilyn Monroe

While Marilyn Monroe is often remembered for her tragic life, she was also known for her difficult behavior on set. Her late arrivals, mood swings, and erratic behavior reportedly frustrated directors and co-stars.

7. Lee Marvin

Lee Marvin was known for his tough-guy persona, but off-screen, he was reportedly a bully. He allegedly used his physical presence to intimidate others, making him a feared figure in Hollywood.

8. Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake’s career suffered due to her difficult behavior. She was known for her diva antics, including showing up late and refusing to cooperate with directors, which led to her being blacklisted.

9. Loretta Young

Loretta Young was known for her perfectionist tendencies, but she also had a reputation for being manipulative. She allegedly used her charm to get what she wanted, often at the expense of others.

10. Ginger Rogers

While Ginger Rogers was beloved for her dancing skills, she was also known for her sharp tongue and demanding nature. She reportedly clashed with co-stars and directors, making her a challenging actress to work with.

11. Gene Tierney

Gene Tierney’s beauty was matched by her reputation for being difficult. She reportedly had a volatile temper and was known to be demanding on set, which affected her relationships with co-stars and directors.

12. Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich was known for her aloof and demanding nature. She reportedly had a sense of superiority and was often difficult to work with, making her a polarizing figure in Hollywood.

13. Ethel Barrymore

Ethel Barrymore, though respected for her acting talent, was known for her sharp wit and biting remarks. She reportedly had a caustic tongue and was not afraid to speak her mind, often offending those around her.

14. Frank Capra

Frank Capra, though a director, was known for his authoritarian style. He reportedly had a reputation for being difficult and demanding, making him a challenging figure to work with in Hollywood.

15. Norma Shearer

Norma Shearer was known for her ambition and determination. She reportedly used her relationships to advance her career, often at the expense of others. Her calculated moves made her a formidable figure in Hollywood.

16. Judy Garland

Judy Garland’s struggles with addiction and personal issues were well-known, but she was also known for her difficult behavior on set. Her late arrivals and mood swings reportedly frustrated directors and co-stars.

17. Margaret Hamilton

Margaret Hamilton, best known for her role as the Wicked Witch of the West, was reportedly a kind and professional actress. However, her portrayal of the witch led to her being typecast and facing challenges in her career.

These actresses, while talented and iconic, left behind legacies marked by controversy and conflict. Their stories serve as a reminder that the glitz and glamour of Hollywood often masked a darker reality.