Did Old-Time Movie Stars Hire Hairdressers, Makeup Artists, and Stylists for Public Appearances?

When you imagine the stars from old Hollywood movies, it's easy to assume they had top-notch hairdressers, makeup artists, and stylists to take care of their public appearances. After all, today's celebrities often rely on a team of professionals to maintain their polished look. However, things were different during the era of the 'studio system' in the early and mid-20th century. This article explores how starlets and leading men were handled and what their routine for public appearances looked like.

Studio System and Public Appearance Standards

The studio system prevailed in Hollywood for many years, and during this time, many famous actors and actresses were under strict contract terms that dictated not only their performances but also their public appearances. These contracts often included detailed clauses on appearance and behavior, covering everything from smoking and drinking to personal conduct with co-stars. They were essentially everyone's public person, and they had to present themselves in a certain way at all times.

When it came to public appearances, the studios either sent in-house hairdressers, makeup artists, and stylists to prepare the stars or had them come to the star's home. This ensured that the stars were always ready to make a good impression on camera and at public events. This expectation was taken very seriously, as the stars' appearances directly affected the studios' bottom line. If a starlet or leading man did not look their best, their photographs in magazines or at events would reflect poorly on the studio.

The Role of Handlers and Personal Assistants

Another important aspect of a star's public life during this era was the role of their handlers or personal assistants. These individuals supervised all public appearances, ensuring that the stars adhered to the studio's appearance and behavior standards. Handlers made sure that the stars were photographed or recorded in the most flattering angles and positions, and they often attended events with the star to ensure everything went smoothly.

While the concept of popular gossip sites like TMZ did not exist during this time, there were certainly individuals who disseminated information about the stars' lives, such as Hedda Hopper. Hopper was a renowned gossip columnist, and she often reported on the off-screen lives of Hollywood stars, using initials or discreet hints to minimize legal implications. Her habits and methods were designed to keep the information sources secret and exclusive, but they also made her reports very popular among those who were in the film industry or had a keen interest in it.

Life Before Social Media

Before the advent of smartphones with cameras and the rise of social media, the dissemination of information about the stars was much slower and less accessible. People did not have easy access to phones with cameras, and the flow of information through newspapers, magazines, and personal word of mouth was the primary way news circulated. This meant that stars had a little more leeway in their public appearances and personal lives, as they were not immediately visible to the public all the time and in all places.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the old-time movie stars had a sophisticated system in place to maintain their public appearances, with studios providing access to top professionals and strict regulatory oversight through handlers and personal assistants. Their lives were highly structured, and their public image was carefully managed to ensure the best interest of the studio and their own careers. This era of Hollywood is a fascinating glimpse into the carefully orchestrated and meticulously managed careers of these iconic stars.

For more information on this topic, explore the following keywords: old-time movie stars, film studio system, and personal appearance standards.