The Great Womanizers of Hollywood: Tales of Legends and Forgotten Lotharios

Throughout the rich history of Hollywood, there have been men who have captured the hearts and imaginations of countless fans, as well as the attention of potential romantic partners. Two well-known front-runners in this domain are Warren Beatty and Leonardo DiCaprio. However, there are lesser-known figures who have left indelible marks on the image of being a womanizer extraordinaire.

Warren Beatty and Leonardo DiCaprio: Familiar Faces

Warren Beatty and Leonardo DiCaprio are celebrated for their magnetic on-screen presence and magnetic off-screen charisma, often earning them the reputation for being a womanizer extraordinaire. DiCaprio, for instance, has been linked in tabloids and popular culture for having a series of high-profile romantic relationships, which have contributed to his glamorous image. Similarly, Beatty has been renowned for his long string of highly publicized affairs with some of Hollywood's most famous actresses and celebrities.

Hollywood's Golden Age: Noted Womanizers from Times Past

The Golden Age of Hollywood provided a breeding ground for some of the most legendary womanizers, with figures like Errol Flynn, David Niven, Clark Gable, and Gary Cooper all being rumored to have a penchant for infidelity. These actors, famous for their rugged good looks and screen performances, were also known for their romantic escapades, often leading to scandal in the tabloids of the day.

A Long-Forgotten Lothario: Leslie Howard

While many of the aforementioned names are still well-known today, there is one lesser-known figure whose reputation as a womanizer has been all but forgotten from history. Leslie Howard, born Steiner in 1893, has a unique place in Hollywood history. Howard is most famous for his role as Ashley Wilkes in the iconic film Gone With the Wind. However, less is known about his real-life romances and his reputation off-screen.

Hollywood screen legend Leslie Howard was known to have a reputation as a womanizer, not only on screen but also off the screen. Howard became a star in his own right across the 1930s, starring in films such as Romeo and Juliet and Scarlett Pimpernel. Despite his rise to fame, Howard vehemently disliked the character of Ashley Wilkes, who is 21 years younger in the book on which the film is based. During the period of filming, Howard felt uncomfortable about his romanticizing portrayal as he believed he was 20 years too old for the part.

Quotes and Stories from Co-stars

Co-stars recalled Howard’s reputation for being a womanizer. Joan Blondell once described him as 'a darling flirt' who would caress her eyes. Vivien Leigh, who starred alongside Howard in Gone With the Wind, is known to have felt thrust into a role that was not authentic to her. Howard himself alluded to his allure, saying, 'I look like that sissy doorman at the Beverly Wilshire, a fine thing at my age.' His wife reportedly told him, 'I didn't chase women but... I couldn't always be bothered to run away.'

Howard's on-screen portrayal of Ashley Wilkes in 1939 is a stark contrast to his private life and public persona. Even before his ill-fated role, Howard had already been involved with actresses such as Merle Oberon and Merle Oberon. By the 1920s, he had established himself as one of the leading lights of Broadway and the West End, before transitioning into the film industry in the early 1930s, with his initial romantic interests still being well documented.

Conclusion

The legacy of these Hollywood figures, both famous and forgotten, serves as a reminder of the complex and often tumultuous nature of celebrity and stardom. Their romantic entanglements, whether real or imagined, have left an indelible mark on popular culture and continue to fascinate fans today. Leslie Howard, in particular, provides a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era where a talent for acting and a talent for romance went hand in hand.