The Golden Age of Hollywood gave us some of the most iconic stars of the 20th century. But did you know the film industry’s queer culture existed even before the famous HOLLYWOODLAND sign went up in 1923? Many of Tinseltown’s stars kept their true identities hidden to protect their careers. Here are some old Hollywood stars you might not know were LGBTQ. Some will surprise you!
James Dean is remembered for his role as the ultimate rebel in Rebel Without a Cause. Though he dated women like Natalie Wood, rumors about his sexuality have persisted. Some claim he had relationships with Rogers Brackett and even Marlon Brando.
Marlon Brando had multiple marriages and children, but he also had relationships with men, including Cary Grant, Montgomery Clift, and Bob Dylan. Brando later openly discussed his past with men, saying, “I am not ashamed.”
Elizabeth Taylor is famous for her eight marriages, including twice to Richard Burton. While she was loved by gay fans, she also had rumored relationships with Marilyn Monroe. Taylor was a passionate activist for the LGBTQ+ community and had many close gay male friends.
Cary Grant, born Archibald Leach, was a Hollywood leading man. He married five times, but documentary Women He’s Undressed reveals that he had a long-term relationship with costume designer Orry-Kelly and lived with actor Randolph Scott for 12 years, sparking rumors of a romance.
Vivien Leigh, best known for Gone With the Wind, had a complicated marriage to Laurence Olivier. It’s believed her marriage was a cover-up for her bisexuality, and she reportedly had affairs with women, including actress Isabel Jeans.
Janet Gaynor, the first-ever Best Actress Oscar winner, had a secret relationship with Broadway star Mary Martin, though she was married to costume designer Adrian. Their marriage was seen as a lavender marriage to hide their true identities.
Robert Reed, famous for The Brady Bunch, kept his homosexuality a secret to protect his career. Despite his straight-laced TV role, Reed was gay and never openly discussed his sexuality during his lifetime.
Paul Lynde was known for his snarky persona on Bewitched. While he never came out, his campy humor was often linked to his closeted identity.
Richard Pryor, a celebrated comedian, had multiple marriages and children, but his widow revealed he had a secret relationship with Marlon Brando. Pryor also mentioned his brief romantic involvement with a transgender person.
