Lucille Ball and Bette Davis were two of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood during the mid-20th century. Both women were known for their strong personalities and fierce determination, but they also had a bitter feud that lasted for many years. Here's a closer look at the feud between Lucille Ball and Bette Davis.
The Beginning of the Feud
The feud between Lucille Ball and Bette Davis began in the early 1950s, when both actresses were at the height of their careers. Davis was a respected and accomplished actress who had won two Academy Awards, while Ball was a rising star who was quickly becoming one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood.
According to reports, the feud began when Davis made a comment to the press about Ball's looks. Davis reportedly said that Ball was "a comedian with legs" and that she was not a serious actress. This comment did not sit well with Ball, who was determined to prove that she was more than just a pretty face.
The Battle for Power
As both actresses continued to rise in their careers, they found themselves competing for the same roles and the same level of power in Hollywood. Davis was known for being a strong-willed and opinionated actress, while Ball was more focused on her comedic persona and her business ventures.
The battle for power between these two women only intensified over the years, as they both fought to be taken seriously in a male-dominated industry. Despite their differences, both women were respected and admired by their fans, and their feud only added to their mystique and allure.
The Feud Goes Public
The feud between Lucille Ball and Bette Davis became public knowledge in the 1960s, when both actresses were interviewed about their rivalry. Davis was particularly outspoken about her feelings towards Ball, calling her "a monster" and saying that she was "not a nice person."
Ball, on the other hand, was more diplomatic in her responses, but she made it clear that she did not like Davis and did not respect her as an actress. Despite their dislike for each other, both women continued to work in Hollywood and remained popular with audiences.
The End of the Feud
The feud between Lucille Ball and Bette Davis came to an end in the 1970s, when they were both older and had achieved a level of success that few actresses ever do. Davis reportedly reached out to Ball and apologized for the things she had said about her in the past.
Ball accepted Davis's apology, and the two women were able to put their feud behind them. They never became close friends, but they were able to work together and coexist peacefully in the same industry.
The Legacy of the Feud
The feud between Lucille Ball and Bette Davis is still remembered today as one of the most iconic feuds in Hollywood history. Both women were trailblazers in their own right, and their feud only added to their legacies.
Despite their differences, both actresses had a profound impact on the industry and paved the way for future generations of female performers. Their feud may have been bitter, but it also served to highlight the struggles that women faced in Hollywood during a time when they were often marginalized and overlooked.
Conclusion
The feud between Lucille Ball and Bette Davis was intense and long-lasting, but it ultimately came to an end when both women were able to put their differences aside. Although they never became close friends, they were able to coexist peacefully in the same industry and leave behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.