3 Hollywood Actresses Who Endured Terrible Suffering

The dark side of success

A photograph of Judy Garland by Eric Carpenter, 1945 (Wikimedia Commons)

Hollywood is an integral part of American culture. It symbolizes the idea of the American dream, seducing us with images of luxury, beauty, and opportunity. But we all know the reality is much darker. Beneath the glossy exterior, Hollywood has always been a place of scandal and exploitation.

For more than a century, Hollywood stars have suffered behind the scenes, unable to escape the pressures of fame and the abuse of their overlords. Though there have been plenty of grim cases over the years, these three actresses endured some of the most disturbing ordeals in Hollywood history.

1. Jean Harlow

A photograph of Jean Harlow by George Hurrell, 1933 (Wikimedia Commons)

Before Marilyn Monroe’s rise to fame in the 1950s, there was another platinum-blonde actress who took Hollywood by storm: Jean Harlow.

Jean started working as an extra in her late teens before landing her first major role in Hell’s Angels (1930). She became an overnight sensation, captivating audiences with her sex appeal. Jean went on to star in many other successful films, including Red Dust (1932) and Bombshell (1933).