The figures of early Hollywood were stars in a completely different way then we might understand them today. So, instead of becoming infamous, folks gained notoriety for being talented in one way or another. Certainly, there was scandal. There always has been, but due to the quickness – or lack thereof – with which information then travelled, stars and starlets were safe.
Amongst the crop of famous folks in Hollywood during the ‘30s were a spate of singing cowboys. Easily the most famous, though, was Gene Autry. Despite coming to a semblance of fame prior to shooting a movie as a result of his singing career, Autry continued on an upward trajectory of stardom all the while attempting to maintain his identity. Read more