Name:
Greta Garbo.

Also known as:
The greatest movie star who ever lived - allegedly.

Not to be confused with:
Marlene Dietrich, Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford, or any of the other old school movie stars.

Last seen:
Garbo bowed out of public life in the 70s, living as a recluse in a luxury hotel (though she was partial to regular walks in Central Park) and keeping up her friendships by telephone. She died in April 1990.

She was alwasy a very private person and refused to answer fan mail, give interviews and sign autographs - making her signature among the most sought after by collectors.

Best feature:
Her huge hooded eyes, ability to look extremely sexy whilst smoking, and aloof Scandinavian temperament.

Candy Bar or Kenric?
Kenric.

Most likely to say:
"I want to be alone."

Least likely to say:
"Don`t be such a fusspot, everybody eats their own bogies."

Is she a sista?
Yes, although it’s all rumours. Salacious gossip has linked her, over the years, with Louise Brooks, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Marlene Dietrich. What’s more she never married and left actor lover John Gilbert at the altar in 1927.

More specifically there’s been a great mystery surrounding her friendship with socialite Mercedes de Acosta. When private letters between the pair were opened 10 years after Garbo’s death, everyone thought the rumours of a lesbian affair would finally come out. Unfortunately there was little in the correspondence that hinted at a sexual relationship.

Do mention:
Garbo defined the concept of star and was one of those rare Hollywood actresses at the time who made a successful transition from silent movies to the talkies. Her legend endures even today, she is a staple crush-object of drag queens and queers around the world.

Don`t mention:
Garbo was from the one-expression-fits-all school of acting. Did her face ever move?


Want to find out more? Then buy Greta Garbo: A Cinematic Legacy online and save yourself some money to put towards the DVD of one of her greatest films Grand Hotel.