Secrets Behind Closed Doors: Celebrities who Kept Their Affairs Underwraps Despite Rumors

Throughout the golden age of Hollywood, and even in the present day, affairs among actors and actresses have been a never-ending source of fascination. Sometimes, though, these intimate relationships remain hidden behind closed doors, with their stars seemingly unaware of them or choosing not to acknowledge them. This article delves into the history of such secretive affairs, using the example of Robert Benchley and Dorothy Parker in the 1920s.

A Pre-Hollywood Love Affair

Robert Benchley, a witty and comedic writer, and Dorothy Parker, a sharp-tongued and insightful author, had a famous love affair in the 1920s. Though they never set foot on the silver screen, their affair was no less scandalous. Their relationship was widely known in literary circles, but keeping it mostly secret from the public until much later.

A notable anecdote about their relationship occurred one evening when Alexander Woollcott, a close friend, was with a friend who saw Benchley and Parker walking down the street holding hands. The friend remarked, "Is that Mrs. Benchley?" Alexander Woollcott, knowing the nature of their relationship, replied with a wry smile, "It would be if it were not for Mrs. Benchley."

Transition to Hollywood

While their careers had taken separate paths early in their lives, they both eventually made their way to Hollywood. In the 1930s, Robert Benchley cemented his place in the entertainment industry by transitioning from a stand-up comic to a character actor. He starred in a series of hilarious shorts that captured the humorous side of modern life. Dorothy Parker, on the other hand, found her calling as a screenwriter. She became a prolific writer, contributing scripts for several notable films and television shows.

Iconic Hollywood Memorabilia

A significant moment in Dorothy Parker's Hollywood career came in her appearance in the film "Saboteur." It took place during a memorable scene where Robert Cummings and Priscilla Lane were seen fighting by the side of the road. As the couple debated furiously, Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, made a cameo appearance behind the wheel of a passing car. During this short scene, Dorothy Parker entered the car, sitting next to Hitchcock. Her astute observation, made as she viewed the couple's ongoing argument, was, "Goodness! They must terribly love each other." This humorous comment captivated the audience and has since become a cherished piece of Hollywood trivia.

Consequences of Silence

While Benchley and Parker's affair was widely known among their peers and friends, it did not make its way into the public domain for many years. Sometimes, public silence about one's private life can have lasting consequences for a celebrity's reputation and sometimes it can remain a mystery, only revealing itself through the whispers of insiders or unexpected public disclosures.

Conclusion

Robert Benchley and Dorothy Parker's affair is just one example of the many secrets that celebrities from both the past and present have managed to keep under wraps. Their story is a testament to the ongoing intrigue surrounding the personal lives of famous individuals. Whether or not they ever publicly acknowledged their relationship, their story remains a fascinating piece of Hollywood history, reminding us that even among the most public figures, there are still secrets behind closed doors.