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Hedda Hopper, born Eldora Sullivant in 1885, was a name synonymous with Hollywood gossip. She transcended the boundaries of a mere columnist, becoming a cultural force during the Golden Age of Hollywood, wielding immense power through her syndicated column, radio show, and later, television appearances. Her impact extended far beyond mere entertainment, influencing careers, shaping public perception, and even playing a role in shaping the political landscape. Hopper’s life was a whirlwind of ambition, scandal, and ultimately, triumph. She started her career as a stage actress, even appearing alongside the legendary Sarah Bernhardt. Her personal life was a tapestry woven with love, loss, and controversy. She married DeWolf Hopper, a renowned comedian, in 1913, experiencing the highs of fame and the lows of losing their child to illness. By the time she began writing her gossip column in 1938, she had established herself as a woman of experience and a shrewd observer of the human psyche.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania on May 2, 1885, Eldora Sullivant was one of six children. She grew up in a strict Methodist family, where she was instilled with traditional values and a strong work ethic. As a young girl, she developed an interest in the arts and became active in local theatre productions. In 1900, at the age of 15, she married actor DeWolf Hopper and moved to New York City. Despite being almost 30 years older than her, DeWolf was a well-known figure in the theatre world and helped further her career. She made her stage debut in “The Pied Piper” in 1901 and went on to perform in various musicals and plays.

However, her marriage to DeWolf was tumultuous, and they eventually divorced in 1905. Hedda then spent several years traveling and performing in vaudeville shows. She even toured Europe with famous actress Sarah Bernhardt, gaining valuable experience and connections in the world of entertainment.

Rise to Fame

Hopper’s transition from the stage to the world of journalism was born out of necessity. In 1938, the once-famous Beautiful DeWolf found herself in a dire financial situation. She had been relegated to supporting roles in radio shows and the theatre, struggling to make ends meet. The idea of writing a gossip column came to her by chance.

While attending a party hosted by Louella Parsons, another prominent Hollywood gossip columnist, Hopper made an offhand comment about wanting to write a column of her own. To her surprise, Parsons offered to help her get started. Hopper soon began writing for the Los Angeles Times, and her column quickly gained popularity.

Her column, “Hedda Hopper’s Hollywood,” was filled with juicy insider information, personal opinions, and often scathing remarks about celebrities. She became known for her sharp wit and ruthless commentary, earning the nickname “The Queen of Mean.” With her keen sense of observation and knack for storytelling, Hopper quickly became one of the most influential voices in Hollywood.

Influence in Hollywood

Hopper’s column was not just a source of entertainment; it also had a significant impact on the careers and public images of many celebrities. She had the power to make or break a career with just a few sentences. Actors and actresses would often go to great lengths to stay on her good side, knowing the consequences of being targeted by her pen. Hopper’s words could also shape public perception of a celebrity, as she often used her platform to promote certain stars while tearing down others.

One of the most notable examples of her influence was during the infamous “Red Scare” of the 1940s and 50s. Hopper, along with fellow gossip columnist and rival, Louella Parsons, were staunch anti-communists and used their columns to target suspected communist sympathizers in Hollywood. They also played a role in the creation of the infamous Hollywood blacklist, which prevented many actors and filmmakers from working in the industry due to their alleged ties to communism.

Hopper’s column also had a significant impact on fashion and beauty trends. She was known for having a keen eye for fashion and often showcased the newest trends in her column. Her opinions on style were highly sought after and could make or break a designer’s reputation.

Controversial Tactics

Despite her immense popularity and power, Hopper was not without controversy. Her ruthless tactics and often harsh criticism earned her many enemies in Hollywood. She was notorious for stirring up feuds between celebrities with her column, often fabricating stories or embellishing the truth to create drama. She was also known for her use of blackmail and threats to get information from sources.

Hopper’s personal life was also a source of controversy. She was married six times, and her relationships were often tumultuous and short-lived. She also had a strained relationship with her son, William, who would later go on to become an actor under the name William Hopper. Her constant need for attention and desire to stir up drama often caused turmoil in her personal life as well.

Feuds and Alliances

Hopper’s column may have been a source of power, but it also created intense rivalries between herself and other gossip columnists. Her biggest rival was Louella Parsons, who she constantly tried to one-up with more scandalous stories. The two engaged in a bitter feud for many years, even going so far as to publicly insult each other in their respective columns.

However, Hopper also formed alliances with some of her fellow gossip columnists, including Walter Winchell and Sheilah Graham. They often shared information and collaborated on stories, creating an even more significant impact in the world of Hollywood gossip.

Legacy in Modern Media

Hopper’s influence may have peaked during her time in Hollywood, but her legacy continues to this day. Today, celebrity gossip is a multi-million dollar industry, with countless magazines, websites, and TV shows solely dedicated to it. Hopper was one of the pioneers of this genre, and her methods and tactics continue to shape modern media’s approach to reporting on celebrities.

Her column has been adapted into a Broadway play, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” and inspired numerous films and books about her life. In 2015, a television series called “Feud” delved into her infamous rivalry with Joan Crawford. Hopper’s name and legacy continue to live on, making her an enduring figure in Hollywood history.

Critical Reception and Public Perception

Throughout her career, Hopper’s column received both praise and criticism. While many were entertained by her scandalous stories and sharp wit, others saw her as a nuisance and a source of negativity in Hollywood. Some critics accused her of using her power to manipulate and control the lives of others, while others praised her for her boldness and tenacity in a male-dominated industry.

Public perception of Hopper was also divided. Many saw her as a cultural icon and a pioneer in the world of journalism. Others viewed her as a troublemaker and a meddler in other people’s lives. Despite the controversy surrounding her, there is no denying that she left an indelible mark on Hollywood and paved the way for future gossip queens to come.

Conclusion

Hedda Hopper was a woman ahead of her time. From her humble beginnings as a stage actress to her rise as the most powerful gossip columnist in Hollywood, she defied societal norms and made a name for herself in a male-dominated industry. Her impact on Hollywood, both positive and negative, is still felt today. She may have been known as “The Queen of Mean,” but her legacy will always be remembered and revered in the world of entertainment media. Hedda Hopper may have passed away in 1966, but her enduring legacy lives on.