A biographer alleges that the late Frank Sinatra, a renowned singer whose career spanned several decades, once resorted to starring in an adult film to make ends meet.
This revelation, uncovered by his friends many years later, reportedly left Sinatra incensed.
Sinatra, hailing from Hoboken, New Jersey, harbored aspirations of becoming a singer since his youth after being inspired by Bing Crosby’s music.
Despite initial reluctance from his mother about pursuing a singing career, she eventually supported him by leveraging her connections in the industry.
Sinatra’s journey into the music world began at his family’s bar, where he showcased his vocal talents.
Joining a local singing trio facilitated Sinatra’s entry into the limelight, leading to radio show successes in 1935.
Subsequently, in 1939, he parted ways with the group to collaborate with Tommy Dorsey’s big band, propelling him to stardom by 1943, captivating audiences nationwide.
During a period of financial struggles early in his career, Sinatra, as per one biographer, purportedly accepted a role in an adult film titled “The Masked Bandit” in 1934 to alleviate monetary constraints.
The biographer, Darwin Porter, claimed to have acquired this information from Peter Lawford, a member of the Rat Pack, of which Sinatra was a prominent figure.
Reportedly compensated with $100 for his appearance in the film, Sinatra wished to keep this episode confidential throughout his life.
However, his circle of friends stumbled upon the film years later, with Sammy Davis Jr. allegedly possessing a copy that was revealed at a party in 1972.
Despite the character’s mask concealing Sinatra’s identity on screen, the discovery left the iconic singer enraged, prompting Davis Jr. to dispose of the film.
Davis asserted that various celebrities of that era resorted to adult films for financial gain, hinting at a broader trend among stars seeking financial stability during challenging times.
Sinatra’s disapproval of tell-all biographies was well-documented, as he expressed disdain for such exposés in a 1988 interview with Larry King.
Referring to authors of such works as lacking credibility and knowledge about their subjects, Sinatra emphasized his aversion to divulging personal anecdotes in publications.
Despite the controversy surrounding his alleged involvement in adult cinema, Sinatra’s legacy as a musical legend endures, transcending tumultuous episodes in his past.
His enduring impact on the entertainment industry solidifies his standing as an iconic figure revered for his contributions to music and culture.
