Like Montgomery Clift before him, Sal Mineo was a beautiful young man who took acting very seriously. His homosexuality was fairly well known within the industry and to the public, though McDowall remained "discreet" until the end. He was also an accomplished photographer, and published five books of his photos.
Famous gay men 1930s tv#
McDowall worked almost continuously in film and on TV until his death. A popular child star, he struggled to find work as an adult until his role as a talking chimp in Planet of the Apes (1968) revived his sagging fortunes. They worked together as kids at MGM and were still close when McDowall died fifty years later. Haines continued to receive film offers into the 1950s, but he refused them all.Ĭhild star McDowall was another of the many gay men whom Elizabeth Taylor befriended. Haines and Shields started a successful interior design business, catering to Hollywood's biggest stars. Though they never publicly said "the words,” they were accepted as a couple everywhere they went. Haines chose Shields, and the two remained together until Haines' death from cancer in 1973. In 1933, MGM studio boss gave Haines an ultimatum, leave his partner Jimmie Shields and marry a woman, or leave the studio. He co-starred alongside Joan Crawford several times, and the two remained lifelong friends. As handsome as can be, he was a top five box office draw from 1928-1932. Haines was an athletic, all American guy who appeared in many successful "chick flicks,” military dramas, and sports themed films. The actor died from his wounds, and the brothers, who were caught, made off with a mere $20. Believing him to be hiding a cash stash in the house, the brothers tied Navarro up and tortured him for hours. In 1968, Navarro was murdered in his home by two "guests.” A pair of brothers who worked together as hustlers were paid by Navarro for sex. During his lifetime he was conflicted between his strict Catholic upbringing and his homosexuality, which led to difficulties with alcohol. Navarro's star fell during the sound era, though he continued working in B films and on television. His scanty attire in the biblical epic Ben Hur (1925) today remains an iconic male erotic image. The Mexican born silent film superstar made ladies' and men's hearts flutter worldwide. Though the accident no doubt escalated his descent, many believe that Clift might not have hit the bottle at all had he been able to live an honest, authentic life. When Clift died, shortly before filming was to commence, he looked far older than his 46 years. Liz used her influence to get him cast opposite herself in Reflections in a Golden Eye (1967), a then shocking drama about repressed homosexuality. After a 1956 auto accident ruined his looks, the drinking worsened. It's now believed that he had flings with James Dean and Marlon Brando, who was open about his bisexuality.Ĭlift suffered from severe bouts of depression and was a chronic alcoholic. While the press falsely assumed that Liz and Monty were an item, Monty secretly dated TV's Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen on Adventures of Superman). Related: Queers of the Past: On Stage And Screen Everyone assumed they were in love, and they were, as only sisters could be. Their onscreen chemistry was sensational, and they became inseparable when the cameras stopped. He would only accept parts, which he found challenging and artistically rewarding.Ĭlift co-starred with Elizabeth Taylor in A Place in the Sun, one of 1951's biggest hits. At a time when others were more interested in being stars, Clift studied the craft of acting and immersed himself in his roles. But he was more than just a pretty face.Ĭlift was a method actor. Long ago, Montgomery Clift was considered the most beautiful man in the world.
And a few who eventually peeked out of the closet door. Here are a few famous faces who remained in the closet until the end. There was a time when coming out, or being found out, could mean career suicide.
Not all that long ago, the picture wasn't so rosy. Some have said that coming out actually enhanced their careers. Like many other young stars, they've seen no career backlash. These days, actors like Glee's Chris Colfer, Zachary Quinto (Star Trek) and Neil Patrick Harris live out, proud lives.