Births on May 2

Hedda Hopper, American actress and gossip columnist (d. 1966)

Hedda Hopper, born Elda Furry on May 2, 1885, embarked on a remarkable journey that saw her transform from a stage and screen actress into one of Hollywood's most formidable and feared gossip columnists. Her career, spanning several decades, culminated in an era where her words held immense sway over public opinion and the lives of the film industry's biggest stars. Though her acting career had its moments, it was her second act as a chronicler of celebrity secrets and scandals that cemented her place in American cultural history, right up until her passing on February 1, 1966.

From Stage to Stardom: Hedda Hopper's Early Years and Acting Career

Before donning her famous, often elaborate, hats as a gossip queen, Elda Furry began her professional life on the stage. She joined the chorus of the Broadway production of "The Club" in 1909, eventually marrying its star, DeWolf Hopper, a well-known actor and comedian, in 1913. It was during this period that she adopted the stage name Hedda Hopper. Her acting career took her from Broadway to Hollywood, where she appeared in over 120 films, predominantly in supporting roles, throughout the silent and early sound eras. While she never achieved leading lady status, her roles provided her with an intimate understanding of the studio system, the lives of the stars, and the inner workings of an industry she would later scrutinize with unparalleled intensity.

The Reign of the Gossip Empress: "Hedda Hopper's Hollywood"

As her acting roles began to wane in the late 1930s, Hedda Hopper found a new, even more powerful calling: gossip columnist. In 1938, she launched her syndicated column, "Hedda Hopper's Hollywood," a platform that would soon become essential reading for millions. At the peak of her influence in the 1940s, her column was carried by numerous newspapers and magazines across the United States, reaching an astonishing readership of 35 million. This was an era when celebrity journalism was nascent but burgeoning, and Hopper’s direct, often cutting, prose, coupled with her inside connections and willingness to reveal personal lives, made her an undisputed titan. She skillfully cultivated an image as Hollywood's moral compass, dictating trends and often influencing careers with a mere mention in her column. Her signature flamboyant hats became synonymous with her persona, a visual metaphor for her larger-than-life presence.

A Controversial Stance: HUAC and the Hollywood Blacklist

Perhaps the most contentious aspect of Hedda Hopper's career was her fervent support for the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) hearings during the "Red Scare" of the post-World War II era. Convinced of a communist infiltration in Hollywood, Hopper actively used her column as a weapon, naming individuals she suspected of having communist sympathies. This period saw her become a major proponent of the infamous Hollywood Blacklist, a list of entertainment professionals who were barred from employment due to their alleged political beliefs or associations. Her actions, alongside others, had devastating consequences for many careers, leading to professional ruin and personal hardship. While she saw herself as a patriot protecting American values, her role remains a deeply controversial and often criticized chapter in Hollywood history, reflecting the intense political anxieties of the time.

The Great Rivalry: Hedda Hopper vs. Louella Parsons

No discussion of Hedda Hopper would be complete without acknowledging her legendary, decades-long feud with fellow gossip columnist Louella Parsons. For years, these two women dominated Hollywood's gossip landscape, vying for scoops, exclusive interviews, and the allegiance of studio publicists. Parsons, often perceived as the more traditional and studio-friendly columnist, had a head start, but Hopper's more aggressive and sensationalist style quickly made her a formidable competitor. Their rivalry was epic, fueling countless industry anecdotes and epitomizing the cutthroat nature of Hollywood's public relations machine. They famously avoided each other at public events, and their columns often contained thinly veiled jabs at one another, creating a fascinating side-show for the public.

A Lasting Legacy: Continuing Influence and Final Years

Hedda Hopper continued her relentless pursuit of Hollywood news and gossip until the very end of her life. Her column remained a fixture in magazines and newspapers, and she also transitioned successfully to radio, further expanding her reach and influence. Even as the media landscape evolved, Hopper adapted, always finding new ways to connect with her vast audience. She passed away on February 1, 1966, leaving behind a legacy that is complex and multifaceted: a pioneer of celebrity journalism, a powerful arbiter of taste and morality, and a figure whose political actions left an indelible, often painful, mark on an entire industry. Her career illustrates the immense power of the press and the enduring public fascination with the lives of the famous.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hedda Hopper

Who was Hedda Hopper?

Hedda Hopper was a prominent American actress and, more famously, one of the most powerful and influential Hollywood gossip columnists of the mid-20th century. Born Elda Furry, she became known for her distinctive hats and her cutting commentary on celebrity lives.

What was her primary role in Hollywood?

While she started as an actress, her primary and most impactful role was as a syndicated gossip columnist. Her column, "Hedda Hopper's Hollywood," reached millions and had significant sway over public opinion and careers in the film industry.

How influential was her gossip column?

At its height in the 1940s, her column had an astonishing readership of 35 million people across various newspapers and magazines. She could make or break careers with her reporting and opinions, making her incredibly powerful.

What was her connection to the Hollywood Blacklist?

Hedda Hopper was a strong supporter of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and actively used her column to name suspected communists in Hollywood. She was a major proponent of the Hollywood Blacklist, which led to many entertainment professionals being barred from employment due to alleged political beliefs.

Who was her main rival?

Her main rival was fellow Hollywood gossip columnist Louella Parsons. Their decades-long feud was legendary, with both women vying for exclusive scoops and holding considerable influence over the industry.

When did Hedda Hopper live?

Hedda Hopper was born on May 2, 1885, and passed away on February 1, 1966.