Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich, two of the most enigmatic actresses of the Golden Age, had a tumultuous relationship that spanned decades. Closer delves into the backstory of these silver screen legends' rivalry.
Before their rise to fame, Greta Garbo, the heart-wrenching Swedish actress, and Marlene Dietrich, the elegant Berlin-born cabaret performer, shared the screen in the 1925 German silent film, The Joyless Street. Garbo played the second lead as a prostitute facing hardship, while Dietrich took on a minor role, which she later acknowledged after years of denial.
Despite their early collaboration, the two film icons tried to steer clear of comparisons. Mark A. Vieira, author of Greta Garbo: A Cinematic Legacy, states, "Garbo had no interest in Dietrich whatsoever. She thought she was riding on her coattails." In contrast, Dietrich exhibited a mix of admiration and contempt for Garbo, sometimes making cruel comments, while at other times expressing envy of Garbo's mysterious allure.
The actresses shared friends and lovers, including actor John Gilbert and Cuban-American playwright and actress Mercedes de Acosta. According to Diana McLellan's 2000 book, The Girls, Dietrich and Garbo also had an intimate relationship during the filming of The Joyless Street. The liaison ended poorly after Dietrich gossiped about Garbo's personal habits, leading to a lasting rift between the two. McLellan wrote, "Garbo flatly refused to acknowledge Dietrich’s existence for the rest of their lives."
The two icons encountered each other at a party in the 1930s, but Garbo ignored Dietrich's attempts to engage in conversation. Vieira notes that Dietrich was furious about the cold reception.
Despite their animosity, both Garbo and Dietrich became highly successful and wealthy Hollywood stars, captivating audiences with their portrayals of spies, queens, and enigmatic women. However, they never managed to overcome their rivalry or forgive past grievances. When a reporter questioned Garbo about Dietrich, the famously reserved actress responded, "Who is this Marlene Dietrich?"