Robert Mitchum (1948)
Robert Mitchum, a known anti-law bad guy, blazed the way at least 20 years before any other rough and tough characters appeared onscreen. He’d been arrested practically every year since he was a youngster, but after becoming renowned, Robert was arrested in a more public manner when he was discovered with marijuana. Because of his celebrity, the officers used him as an example, and he spent more than a month in jail. Photos were shot of him there, and once he was freed, he became even more famous.
Eva Marie Saint (1954)
Eva Marie Saint’s intimate story of ascent to stardom and collaboration with some of the most talented filmmakers and performers is fascinating. She starred in a drama, and even though she was the lead actress, the producer felt she couldn’t win in that category against other greats at the Golden Globes, so he had the brilliant idea to submit Eva for a co-star role—and she won! The victory, however, was not the most important aspect. Her skill drew the attention of Alfred Hitchcock and Cary Grant, who would lead her to more thrilling roles in larger blockbusters.
Clark Gable (1935)
Legend Before his meteoric climb to celebrity, Clark Gable had an unusual and modest origin. He wasn’t born in L.A., nor was he born with that great grin and those excellent looks. Instead, Clark began as a high school dropout from Ohio, barely making it as far as Oregon before deciding to be an actor. But it was there that he married a lady 17 years his senior, who would transform his life. She taught him posturing, acting, deepening his voice, and exercising, and she paid for his teeth to be fixed. Unfortunately, these new, gorgeous teeth would cause more harm than good, forcing Clark to wear dentures that caused halitosis for the remainder of his life.
Elizabeth Taylor (1951)
During her career, Liz Taylor was a force to be reckoned with—and to watch for her outspoken, wacky, and often simply risky conduct. Most people remember Liz for the theatrical theatrics that ensued from every sexual connection or tumultuous female friendship she encountered, but she also had a heroic side. For example, Liz once had a buddy leave a party she was giving and wind up damaging his vehicle. Liz didn’t wait for the ambulance but instead ran out to the wreckage to assist her friend, even pulling physical teeth out of his neck to keep him from choking to death.