Nancy Reagan: Unraveling the Myth of Hollywood’s Past Starlet
In a recent peculiar turn of events, the spotlight shifted onto Nancy Reagan’s alleged escapades in Hollywood, spurred by a convoluted chain of events involving conservative pundit Ben Shapiro’s sister and music icon Madonna.
The former first lady unexpectedly found herself trending on Twitter as an old tale resurfaced, suggesting her prowess in a particular skill during her days in Tinseltown.
Social media users seized upon this tidbit with unbridled enthusiasm, with terms like “blow job queen” being among the more polite references thrown around.
However, the veracity of these claims remained dubious, originating from a contentious biography dating back to the early ’90s.
So, what was the real story behind Nancy’s time in Hollywood?
Karen Tumulty, a Washington Post editor who recently penned a new biography on Nancy Reagan, shed some light on the matter in a conversation that has been condensed and edited.
Heather Schwedel: As someone who just published a book on Nancy Reagan, how did you react when you saw her name trending for such reasons?
Karen Tumulty: It served as a reminder that sometimes, it’s best to steer clear of Twitter.
The salacious detail making the rounds—that Nancy Reagan was reputed to be exceptional in a certain skill during her starlet years—originated from a 1998 Village Voice article referencing a 1991 book by Kitty Kelley, known for her sensational biographies.
Do you consider Kelley a reliable source?
I extensively reference Kelley’s work in my own biography of Nancy Reagan but interpret the information differently based on my subsequent research conducted three decades later.
While some facts align, my conclusions may differ.
Kelley’s book garnered significant attention upon its initial release.
Its impact was substantial, managing to humanize Nancy Reagan in the public eye, a feat noted even by The New York Times.
The widespread acceptance of positive narratives about the 40th president contrasted sharply with the negative portrayals of his wife.
The book’s reception prompted unusual support for Nancy Reagan, even from unexpected quarters like The New York Times.
The circulating snippet alludes to Nancy Reagan’s Hollywood connections and her contract with MGM, aspects delved into extensively in your book.
How does this narrative fall short in capturing the complete picture?
The true account is far more intriguing.
Evidence suggests that Spencer Tracy, a leading Hollywood star at the time, played a pivotal role in launching Nancy’s career.
Tracy, a family acquaintance dating back to her mother’s theatrical days, received assistance from Nancy’s adoptive parents during challenging times.
Nancy herself acknowledged benefiting from nepotism throughout her showbiz journey, acknowledging her reliance on her mother’s connections for opportunities.
Shortly after her arrival in Hollywood, she reportedly engaged in a relationship with Benjamin Thau, MGM’s casting director notorious for soliciting favors from actresses in exchange for roles.
Such practices, now denounced under the #MeToo movement, were commonplace in the late 1940s.
Contrary to the scandalous rumors, Nancy Reagan openly admitted to her pregnancy before marrying Ronald Reagan, a revelation not particularly shocking in the context of a single woman navigating Hollywood’s social landscape.
Her experiences mirror those of numerous women achieving fame and facing retrospective judgments based on their past associations.
Revisiting Benjamin Thau’s character suggests predatory behavior, consistent with narratives from other women in Hollywood during that era.
These accounts underscore the systemic issues predating modern movements like #MeToo.
Nancy Reagan’s willingness to address her personal history, including turbulent relationships before her marriage, reflects a complex narrative overshadowed by misconceptions.
While she navigated challenges in her romantic life, her enduring partnership with Ronald Reagan provided stability and mutual support.
Amidst probing questions, Nancy’s responses regarding her connection with Thau oscillated between ambiguity and candidness, showcasing a nuanced perspective on their association.
Despite finding allies in the industry, her film career remained brief and unremarkable, ironic considering the studio’s preference for her over icons like Marilyn Monroe.
Beyond Marilyn Monroe, your book highlights Nancy’s interactions with Hollywood luminaries like Clark Gable and Lana Turner, underscoring her extensive network inherited from her mother—a valuable asset during Reagan’s political ascent.
The enduring negative perceptions of Nancy Reagan, amplified by detractors leveraging past controversies to vilify her, reflect her polarizing tenure as first lady.
Despite facing severe criticism initially, she wielded considerable influence within the Reagan administration, often overlooked at the time.
The recent uproar on Twitter over decades-old speculations speaks volumes about societal attitudes, casting more light on contemporary discourse than on Nancy Reagan herself.
