One of the most feared women in Hollywood was also a failed actress- Hedda Hopper. Ms. Hopper was one of the pre-eminent gossip columnists who often found the ire of big name Hollywood legends who she frequently angered with her often exaggerated stories. Get on her bad side? She'd most likely include you in her next article, accusing you of being a communist, gay or worse. (At least in her mind.)
In one famed encounter, Spencer Tracy confronted her at Ciro's when she exposed his relationship with Katharine Hepburn. Mr. Tracy allegedly kicked her in the rear. Joseph Cotten once pulled a chair out from under her at a banquet. She once admitted that she did these things due to "sheer bitchery" and referred to her palatial Beverly Hills mansion as "the house that fear built." She reveled in her power and often used it to destroy careers. Sadly, she was successful most of the time. Her relentless attacks on Charlie Chaplin resulted in him exiling himself back to England. He only returned to Hollywood once after she had passed away. Though largely forgotten these days, Ms. Hopper's name was enough to send a chill down the spine of many a Hollywood legend back in the day.
