Gene Tierney was one of Hollywood’s most captivating actresses during the 1940s and 1950s, known for her striking beauty and extraordinary performances in film noir and romantic dramas. From her role in Laura to her personal struggles, Tierney’s life and career were filled with fascinating moments. Here are some interesting facts about Gene Tierney.
1. Gene Tierney Was Nominated for an Oscar for Leave Her to Heaven
Gene Tierney’s role in the 1945 psychological drama Leave Her to Heaven earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. In the film, Tierney plays Ellen Berent, a manipulative and obsessive woman whose jealousy leads her to commit heinous acts. This role is considered one of her finest performances, showcasing her ability to portray complex, dark characters.
2. She Struggled with Mental Health
Tierney’s life was marked by mental health struggles, particularly after the birth of her first daughter, Daria. During her pregnancy, Tierney contracted rubella (German measles) after being exposed to a fan with the illness, resulting in her daughter being born with severe disabilities. The emotional toll of this, combined with the pressures of Hollywood, led Tierney to suffer from depression and bipolar disorder. She sought treatment, including a stay at a mental health facility, and was open about her struggles later in life, helping to destigmatize mental health issues.
3. Gene Tierney Starred in Laura, One of the Greatest Film Noirs
Tierney’s role in Laura (1944) is perhaps her most iconic. The film, directed by Otto Preminger, is considered one of the greatest film noirs of all time. In Laura, Tierney plays the title character, a beautiful and mysterious woman whose apparent murder is the center of the plot. The film’s haunting atmosphere, combined with Tierney’s ethereal beauty, cemented her status as a classic Hollywood star.
4. A Natural Beauty
Unlike many actresses of the time, Tierney refused to alter her looks to fit Hollywood standards. Her famous overbite became one of her signature features, setting her apart from other leading ladies. She embraced her natural beauty and was praised for her striking, unique appearance, which contributed to her mystique.
5. She Was Married to Fashion Designer Oleg Cassini
Gene Tierney married famed fashion designer Oleg Cassini in 1941. The couple had a turbulent relationship, filled with separations and reconciliations, but they remained connected throughout their lives. Cassini, who designed for icons like Jackie Kennedy, often credited Tierney as his muse, and their glamorous marriage was a staple of Hollywood’s golden age.
6. A Tragic Connection to Agatha Christie
In a strange twist of fate, Gene Tierney’s battle with rubella and the resulting complications for her daughter inspired a plot point in Agatha Christie’s novel The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side. In the book, a famous actress meets a fan who unknowingly passes on an illness to her, leading to tragedy. Christie based this storyline on Tierney’s real-life experience after a fan broke quarantine to meet the star during her pregnancy.
7. She Took a Break from Hollywood to Focus on Her Health
Tierney’s mental health struggles forced her to step away from Hollywood at the height of her career in the early 1950s. After receiving treatment and spending time away from the public eye, Tierney made a comeback in the late 1950s with roles in The Left Hand of God (1955) and Advise & Consent (1962). However, she eventually retired from acting in the 1960s to focus on her health and personal life.
8. She Wrote a Candid Memoir
Gene Tierney’s memoir, Self-Portrait, was published in 1979 and provided a candid look at her life, career, and battles with mental illness. In the book, Tierney reflected on the highs and lows of her career, as well as the impact of fame on her personal life. Her openness about her struggles helped to shine a light on mental health issues at a time when they were still highly stigmatized.
Final Thoughts
Gene Tierney’s life and career were a mix of beauty, talent, and tragedy. From her unforgettable performances in films like Laura and Leave Her to Heaven to her personal battles, Tierney’s legacy continues to resonate in Hollywood history. Her courage in facing adversity and her contribution to classic cinema make her one of the most intriguing stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
