A star is torn

Once upon a time – say, about eighty years ago – Jeanne Eagels was the brightest shining star on Broadway.

Starting out as the cash girl in a department store, she soon got into acting and at the tender age of 17, she moved to New York to fulfill her dreams and became a Ziegfeld Follies Girl. From there, she went on straight to the top, headlining Broadway show after Broadway show.

Then her tendency for self-medication got the better of her and her career began to decline. She missed performances and was finally banned by the Actors Equity from appearing on stage for 18 months. Though she did make a few movies, there was no denying she was heading for a fall.

At the age of 35, her body had finally had enough. She died suddenly on October 3, 1929, most likely from alcohol or heroin abuse. She was posthumously nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in The Letter, but the Oscar went to Mary Pickford for her role in Coquette.

"She talked fast and gestured with her hands. Few knew or understood her. She was explosive, mercurial, neurotic, loyal, generous, and sweet. She usually ignored all except the humblest members of her company. She hated most managers, interviews, movies, gossip, autograph seekers, night clubs, and Actors Equity. She liked dogs, auction sales, dill pickles, and ice cream with cherries. Her philosophy was Never deny. Never explain. Say nothing and become a legend."