Classic Hollywood’s Dark Side: The Racist Truth Behind Its Biggest Stars

While classic films often paint a picture of Old Hollywood as glamorous and wholesome, the reality beneath the surface was far more troubling. Many of the industry’s most beloved stars held deeply racist and xenophobic beliefs, shaping not only their personal lives but also the culture of Hollywood itself. Here’s a look at some iconic names whose off-camera attitudes were anything but golden.

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James Stewart: The “Nice Guy” With a Not-So-Nice Streak

James Stewart, remembered fondly for roles in It’s a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, has long been the face of classic American decency. But behind that everyman charm was a man shaped by small-town prejudices and a deep mistrust of minorities. Stewart’s racism wasn’t just hearsay—Black co-star Woody Strode accused him of racist behavior on the set of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Stewart’s xenophobia extended to Jews as well, and he became closely aligned with FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, even acting as an informant during Hollywood’s Red Scare. His friendship with Henry Fonda ended for years after Stewart’s collaboration with the FBI came to light.

William Frawley: “I Love Lucy” Star With a Problematic Past

William Frawley, best known as Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy, was infamous for his curmudgeonly demeanor both on and off set. But while his bad temper and alcoholism were well-known, so too was his casual racism. Frawley was notorious for using racial slurs and treating women and minorities with open disdain—a behavior that would be unacceptable by today’s standards but was tolerated, even encouraged, in his era. His on-set clashes with co-star Vivian Vance are legendary, but his off-screen attitudes reveal a far darker side to the beloved sitcom star.

John Wayne: Hollywood’s Cowboy and Proud White Supremacist

Few stars are as synonymous with Old Hollywood as John Wayne, but his legacy has been permanently tarnished by his own words. In a now-infamous 1971 Playboy interview, Wayne openly condoned white supremacy, refused to show any remorse for slavery, and used homophobic slurs. He claimed white supremacy was “necessary” until Black Americans received a “proper education”—a statement as offensive then as it is now. The backlash against Wayne’s legacy continues: his name has been removed from university exhibits, and there are ongoing efforts to strip his name from public landmarks.

Walter Brennan: Oscar Winner and Segregationist

Walter Brennan may not be a household name today, but during Hollywood’s Golden Age, he was a major star, winning multiple Academy Awards. Off-screen, Brennan was an outspoken segregationist and a member of the far-right John Birch Society. He reportedly celebrated the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and branded anyone with liberal beliefs as a communist. Brennan’s legacy, like those of his peers, is a reminder of just how deeply racism was woven into the fabric of classic Hollywood.

The Legacy of Hollywood’s Racist Past

These stories are just the tip of the iceberg. Racism and discrimination were rampant in Hollywood’s so-called “Golden Age,” shaping not only the careers of countless stars but also the industry itself. While some fans may try to excuse these attitudes as products of their time, the truth is that bigotry was as much a part of classic Hollywood as glamour and glitz.

As we continue to celebrate the artistry of old films, it’s crucial to remember the darker truths behind the silver screen. Only by confronting this history can Hollywood—and its fans—move forward.