Renowned for her iconic roles and enigmatic persona, Greta Garbo left the spotlight at the age of 35, having starred in 28 films and reigning as the top female star globally.

Her mysterious disappearance from Hollywood sparked rumors and speculation, with Garbo maintaining a veil of secrecy around her personal life.

Despite her reserved nature, she couldn’t resist throwing shade at Marlene Dietrich, another leading actress of the era.

When asked about their supposed rivalry, Garbo nonchalantly quipped, “Who is this Marlene Dietrich?”

In contrast, Dietrich, known for her boldness and sharp tongue, had been more vocal in her comments over the years.

Marlene Dietrich was infamous for her uninhibited lifestyle and captivating allure, attracting both men and women with equal magnetism.

Her daughter, Maria Riva, recalled an incident where Dietrich made a cutting remark about one of Garbo’s lovers at a party, insinuating that alcohol was necessary to endure intimacy with Garbo.

Despite sharing romantic interests like actor John Gilbert and Mercedes de Acosta, the relationship dynamics between Garbo and Dietrich were far from straightforward.

A recent exposé suggests that beyond their public personas, the actresses shared a tumultuous love affair in 1920s Berlin before transitioning to Hollywood.

During the inter-war period in Berlin, Marlene Dietrich basked in her status as a bisexual icon, embracing the city’s liberating atmosphere of s**ual freedom.

Historian Diana McLellan highlighted Dietrich’s insatiable appetite for seduction, particularly targeting beautiful women.

The fateful meeting between Garbo and Dietrich on the set of the obscure film “The Joyless Street” in 1925 marked the beginning of a passionate yet destructive liaison.

While Dietrich exuded sophistication and confidence, Garbo, a young and naive talent hailing from modest beginnings, found herself entangled in a relationship that would leave lasting scars.

Despite their subsequent denial of ever crossing paths in Berlin, evidence emerged contradicting their claims.

McLellan’s revelations about their involvement in “The Joyless Street” shed light on a clandestine affair marred by betrayal and animosity.

Dietrich’s penchant for divulging intimate details of her relationships, often to the detriment of her partners, further strained her bond with Garbo.

The Swedish actress, portrayed as vulnerable and insecure in contrast to Dietrich’s bold demeanor, bore the brunt of the latter’s indiscretions and mockery.

While both Garbo and Dietrich led unconventional personal lives, the latter’s penchant for scandalous storytelling added friction to their already strained relationship.

Dietrich’s open marriage with Rudolph Sieber allowed for extramarital affairs, yet her tendency to gossip about her lovers, including spreading false rumors about James Stewart and Garbo, fueled tensions.

Garbo, portrayed as a victim of Dietrich’s callous behavior, faced public scrutiny and humiliation as a result of the German star’s actions.

The intricate web of love, betrayal, and jealousy between these two screen legends continues to captivate audiences, shedding new light on their complex dynamic.

In a parallel narrative, Greta Garbo’s portrayal of Mata Hari exemplified her artistry and allure on-screen, transcending personal conflicts to embody iconic characters that defined an era.