10 Biggest Jerks in Classic Hollywood – You Won’t Believe Who’s #1!

Classic Hollywood is often romanticized for its unforgettable movies, timeless stars, and larger-than-life personalities.

However, behind the glitz and glamour, many of the industry’s biggest names harbored shocking secrets.

These were the legends we grew up admiring, but off-camera, they displayed demanding, ruthless, and even cruel behavior towards those around them.

Buckle up as we dive into the 10 biggest jerks in classic Hollywood—you might be surprised by who made the list!

 

 

Number 10: Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby was beloved for his velvet voice and Christmas classics, making him a household name.

However, his personal life was far from perfect.

According to his son, Gary Crosby, life with Bing was ruled by fear rather than affection.

In his memoir, Going My Own Way, Gary revealed that discipline in the Crosby home often involved physical punishment, including the use of a studded leather belt.

Even more disturbing was the so-called “drowning treatment,” where housekeepers would dunk the children in a bathtub if they dared to speak after bedtime.

The emotional scars from this upbringing affected Gary and his siblings throughout their lives, with both of his brothers suffering from chronic depression.

Tragically, they both took their own lives.

Gary believed their upbringing left them with wounds that never healed.

Furthermore, Crosby’s professional relationships were strained as well, particularly with Bob Hope, who privately admitted to disliking him despite their on-screen chemistry.

The man who sang “White Christmas” carried a darkness that overshadowed his public persona.

 

 

Number 9: Milton Berle

Known as “Mr. Television,” Milton Berle was a comedic icon.

However, behind the scenes, he earned another nickname: “the thief of bad gags.”

Berle had a notorious reputation for stealing jokes from other comedians and passing them off as his own.

This behavior came to light during a disastrous appearance at the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards, where he was dismissive and rude to drag superstar RuPaul, turning what should have been a fun moment into an uncomfortable experience.

Berle’s biggest meltdown occurred during his hosting stint on Saturday Night Live in 1979, where he attempted to take over the production, ignoring writers and insisting on outdated routines.

The experience was so horrendous that creator Lorne Michaels banned him for life from the show.

It seems that even the brightest stars can cast long shadows.

 

 

Number 8: Zsa Zsa Gabor

Zsa Zsa Gabor was known for her elegance and charm, but behind her glamorous facade lurked a difficult personality.

Friends and family described her as controlling and obsessed with appearances.

One infamous incident saw her slap a police officer during a traffic stop, resulting in a brief jail sentence that she wore as a badge of honor.

Her relationship with her daughter, Francesca Hilton, was particularly strained.

When Francesca chose to reject the glamorous lifestyle her mother valued, Zsa Zsa became cold and distant.

After Francesca’s father passed away, she fought a legal battle for her inheritance, but received minimal support from her mother.

This heartbreaking story serves as a reminder that fame does not guarantee love or support.

 

 

Number 7: Errol Flynn

Errol Flynn was the quintessential swashbuckling hero of Hollywood’s golden age, known for his charm and good looks.

However, his off-screen life was riddled with scandals and controversies.

Flynn faced multiple statutory rape trials in 1942, though he was acquitted each time.

These charges left a lasting stain on his public image.

Flynn’s reputation as a bad boy extended beyond the courtroom, as he indulged in an excessive lifestyle filled with alcohol and wild parties.

His marriages were tumultuous, marked by infidelity and strained relationships with his children.

Flynn’s tragic end at age 50, with an autopsy revealing a body in poor condition, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of a reckless lifestyle.

 

 

Number 6: Gene Kelly

Gene Kelly was celebrated for his iconic performances in films like Singin’ in the Rain, but behind the scenes, he was known for being extremely demanding.

His dance partner, Cyd Charisse, reportedly returned home from rehearsals covered in bruises, highlighting Kelly’s aggressive perfectionism.

While many admired his passion, working with him often left colleagues feeling drained.

In 1970, Kelly was accused of donating money to the Irish Republican Army, a claim that cast a shadow over his cheerful public persona.

Although his widow denied the allegations, they lingered, and his reputation as a controlling figure persisted.

Even the most beloved stars can have a darker side.

 

 

Number 5: John Wayne

John Wayne was the epitome of the American cowboy, but his legacy is marred by controversial beliefs.

Originally identifying as a socialist, Wayne shifted to a vocal conservative later in life.

His infamous Playboy interview in 1971 revealed troubling views on race and politics, including a belief in white supremacy and opposition to civil rights.

Wayne’s clashes with directors and refusal to adapt his performances highlighted his combative nature.

His legacy is complicated, with some viewing him as a cultural icon while others criticize his outdated beliefs.

Discussions about his impact continue, especially regarding his name’s association with modern values.

 

 

Number 4: Bette Davis

Bette Davis was a formidable talent, but her fiery temperament often made her a feared figure in Hollywood.

Known for her explosive personality, she once unleashed a tirade that cleared half a restaurant after a disagreement.

Davis’s infamous feud with Joan Crawford during the filming of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane showcased her ruthlessness, as each actress sabotaged the other’s performance.

Despite her fierce reputation, Davis was unapologetic about her attitude.

She prioritized her craft over others’ opinions, earning both admiration and fear from colleagues.

In a world of phonies, Davis stood out for her authenticity, even if it came at a cost.

 

 

Number 3: Mickey Rooney

Mickey Rooney’s life was filled with chaos, earning him a reputation as a serial husband with eight marriages.

His autobiography, Life is Too Short, revealed shocking stories, including extramarital affairs and personal details about other stars.

Rooney even outed Judy Garland in his book, causing outrage among fans.

His controversial behavior extended to claims about inappropriate relationships with underage actresses, which remain disputed.

Despite his charming on-screen persona, Rooney’s off-screen antics left many colleagues frustrated and disappointed.

His legacy is a mix of talent and scandal.

 

 

Number 2: Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis was a comedic genius known for his slapstick humor and charity work, but his off-stage persona was often difficult to admire.

His telethons drew criticism for portraying individuals with disabilities in a negative light, and he was known for being dismissive and rude during interviews.

Lewis’s controversial statements about women in comedy sparked outrage, and his feud with Joan Rivers escalated to the point where she felt the need for bodyguards.

His legacy is filled with contradictions, as he was both beloved and criticized for his actions and attitudes.

 

 

Number 1: Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin is a name synonymous with the foundation of cinema, but his off-screen behavior reveals a more complex character.

Known for his perfectionism, Chaplin often created a stressful environment on set, demanding absolute control over every aspect of his films.

His personal life was equally tumultuous, marked by multiple marriages to much younger women and accusations of emotional abuse.

Chaplin’s legal troubles, including a paternity suit, further complicated his legacy.

Despite his significant contributions to film, his personal life casts a long shadow over his brilliance.