Tallulah Bankhead: The Colorful Life of an American Actress and Activist

Summary

"I'm as pure as the driven slush." – Tallulah Bankhead

Exhibitionism and narcissism coupled with talent are not the sole property of modern entertainment, as some might suppose. From the beginnings of American theater and film, various personality types prone to self-intoxication by the status of their own careers have acted-out at will in their public lives. For them there is no barrier between the professional and the private.

In the early years of the 20th century, members of a clique residing at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City were emblematic of a shocking behavioral rebellion against societal norms. Led by humorist Dorothy Parker and others, they defended and glorified extremes of outspoken sexual expression and contrary lifestyles. In doing so, they became a popular source of entertainment in themselves, with behavior flying in the face of the normal decorum of the time. To those most staid in society, they represented the perfect foil for the righteously indignant, while to the titillated masses, they were a constant presence in the news of the day, and perversely admired for their brazenness.

Tallulah Bankhead was a latecomer to the Algonquin Circle, and even the most hardened social rebels were not sure what to make of her. Demonstrating an early talent for the stage, Bankhead went on to stardom in live theater, film, radio, and early television. She was among the most parodied public figures of her time and could always be counted upon to shock by bringing her private behavior into the public arena of entertainment.

At the same time, Bankhead had no qualms voicing her opinions about current events and hot button political topics, which often came at the expense of her own family, a fixture in Alabama politics. She became an avid supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, and that, along with her background in show business, helped land her on various lists.