Who Did What Now – Episode 149: Mary Astor - Hollywood and Scandal
Host: Katie Charlwood
Release Date: June 30, 2025
Podcast: Who Did What Now by Katie Charlwood
Episode Title: Mary Astor - Hollywood and Scandal
Introduction
In this illuminating episode of Who Did What Now, Katie Charlwood delves deep into the tumultuous life of Mary Astor, one of Hollywood's most enigmatic figures. From her immigrant roots to her rise in the silver screen and the scandal that nearly derailed her career, Katie presents a comprehensive narrative enriched with personal insights and historical analysis.
Early Life and Entry into Acting
Mary Astor was born Lucille Vasconelas Laganque on May 3, 1906, in Quincy, Illinois. Her parents, Helen Marie de Vasconceles and Otto Ludwig Wilhelm Langonke, were both educators with a strict upbringing for Mary.
Katie recounts, “Mary was homeschooled and also played the piano. And when I say also played the piano, I mean her parents forced her to continuously play the piano until she was perfect.” (04:15) This rigorous training instilled in her a discipline that would later serve her in her acting career.
At the tender age of 12, Mary's entry into the acting world began when she submitted her photograph to a Motion Picture Magazine contest. Her relentless pursuit saw her reaching the semi-finals and later becoming a national runner-up, prompting her father to relocate the family to New York City to advance her budding career.
Rise to Stardom and Early Challenges
Mary's transformation from Lucille Langonke to Mary Astor was orchestrated by Paramount Pictures, deeming her original name "too foreign." Her screen test with Lillian Gish earned her a six-month contract with Paramount. However, her father's domineering presence often overshadowed her opportunities. As Katie humorously puts it, “Otto has major dance mom vibes.” (10:42) This paternal control led to missed opportunities, including a promising interaction with famed director D.W. Griffith, who chose not to sign her due to Otto's overbearing nature.
Despite these setbacks, Mary carved her niche in independent films, earning critical acclaim and eventually securing a year-long contract with Paramount in Hollywood. Her ascent continued as she was named one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars in 1926, a testament to her emerging star power.
Affair with John Barrymore and Personal Struggles
A pivotal moment in Mary's life was her liaison with John Barrymore, a renowned actor of the time. At 17, Mary became entwined in an affair with Barrymore, who was significantly older. Katie narrates, “John Barrymore, he is actually helping her with acting. So he is doing what he says he's doing. He's also doing her.” (18:30) This relationship not only complicated her personal life but also set the stage for future scandals.
Mary's parents, recognizing her financial success, purchased the opulent Moorcrest Mansion in 1925, effectively turning Mary into the family's sole earner. Katie highlights the extent of her father's control: “Otto puts her on an allowance of $5 a week and is in complete control of her finances.” (22:10)
At 21, yearning for independence, Mary made a dramatic escape from her parents' control, climbing out of her bedroom window to start a life on her own terms. This bold move marked the beginning of her quest for personal and professional autonomy.
Tragedy and New Relationships
In 1928, Mary married Kenneth Hawks, an aspiring director, only for tragedy to strike shortly after when Hawks died in a plane crash during the production of "Such Men Are Dangerous." This loss profoundly affected Mary, leading her to seek solace in her career and new relationships.
Subsequently, Mary married Dr. Franklin Thorpe in 1931, hoping for stability. However, the marriage turned abusive, prompting her to seek a divorce. Amidst this turmoil, Mary began an affair with playwright George S. Kaufman, further complicating her personal life.
The Purple Diaries Scandal
Mary's life took a dramatic turn with the emergence of her "Purple Diaries", journals filled with candid and explicit accounts of her relationships and affairs. When her husband, Dr. Thorpe, discovered these diaries, he used them to orchestrate a scandal aimed at tarnishing her reputation.
Katie describes the intensity of this period: “The trial is set for July 29, 1936... Dr. Thorpe, he is an absolute vindictive shit.” (35:50) The leaked diaries became national headlines, overshadowing major global events and thrusting Mary into the center of a media frenzy.
During the highly publicized custody battle for her daughter, Marilyn Hauole Thorpe, Mary faced relentless scrutiny. Despite fears of being "canceled" and blacklisted from Hollywood, Mary’s resilience shone through as she continued her acting career, earning back her acclaim with performances in films like "Dodsworth" and "The Maltese Falcon."
Later Career and Legacy
Undeterred by personal scandals, Mary Astor's career flourished. She won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Great Lie" and continued to produce significant work in the film industry, including iconic roles in "Midnight", "Brigham Young", and "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte."
Mary authored five novels and an autobiography, demonstrating her versatility beyond acting. Her final screen appearance in "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte" marked the end of a prolific career spanning 109 films.
Mary Astor retired from acting in 1987 and passed away on September 25 of the same year at the Motion Picture Home in Woodland Hills, leaving behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and undeniable talent.
Conclusion
Katie Charlwood masterfully unpacks the life of Mary Astor, illustrating the complexities of fame, personal struggle, and resilience in Hollywood's golden age. Through detailed storytelling and insightful commentary, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of Mary Astor's enduring legacy in American cinema.
Notable Quotes:
- “Otto has major dance mom vibes.” (10:42)
- “The trial is set for July 29, 1936... Dr. Thorpe, he is an absolute vindictive shit.” (35:50)
- “She was cool as a cucumber during cross examination, showing that she wasn't just some crazy, wild whorish slut of Babylon.” (39:10)
Final Thoughts
Mary Astor's story is a testament to overcoming adversity and maintaining one's integrity amidst relentless public scrutiny. Katie Charlwood's engaging narrative ensures that Mary Astor's contributions to Hollywood are remembered and celebrated.
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