The iconic Hollywood sign stands tall on Mount Lee in Los Angeles, California.
Originally reading “Hollywoodland” to promote a housing development in 1923, it now symbolizes Hollywood glamour.
Legend has it that the sign is haunted, with reports of ghostly sightings.
A jogger once claimed to have seen a spectral figure floating in the air – a mysterious blonde woman.
Speculations about ghostly apparitions tie back to a real tragedy that occurred on Mount Lee involving Peg Entwistle.
While no concrete evidence supports the haunting claims, the story of Peg’s untimely death persists.
Born Millicent Lilian Entwistle in Wales in 1908, Peg migrated to the US with her father, a theater stage manager, at a tender age.
Her early exposure to the world of theater led her to pursue a career in acting.
Following her father’s passing when she was just 14, Peg found herself under the guardianship of an uncle.
At 17, Peg embarked on her theatrical journey and secured a coveted spot in the esteemed New York Theatre Guild.
Despite facing challenges, including marital strife with actor Robert Keith, Peg showcased her talent on various stages, enjoying success in the theater scene.
However, Peg’s personal life took a tumultuous turn when her marriage to Robert Keith ended abruptly due to his alleged abusive behavior.
The fallout from their publicized split resulted in Peg being ostracized from the New York theater circuit during the era of the Great Depression, further complicating her career prospects.
Struggling to find her footing post-divorce and the closure of many theaters, Peg made a pivotal decision to transition to the realm of cinema in Los Angeles.
Joining RKO Pictures, she landed a role in “Thirteen Women,” though her screen time was significantly reduced due to censorship.
The studio’s subsequent decision not to extend her contract dealt a severe blow to Peg’s aspirations, compounding her professional woes.
On a fateful night in September 1932, distressed by recent setbacks, Peg bid her uncle farewell under false pretenses of a visit to the drugstore.
Instead, she made her way to the Hollywoodland sign.
Climbing the letter “H,” Peg tragically plunged to her death at the age of 24, marking a heartbreaking end to her promising career.
Peg’s lifeless body was discovered days later by a passerby, triggering a wave of sorrow and regret.
In her poignant suicide note, she expressed feelings of fear and cowardice, lamenting the pain caused by her actions.
Tragically, just before her untimely demise, Peg had been selected for a film role by RKO Pictures, a letter of offer still pending her reception.
Today, Peg Entwistle’s legacy is overshadowed by the manner of her death, forever associated with the Hollywood sign.
Yet, beyond the tragic end lies the tale of a gifted actress whose talent and potential were cut short by personal struggles and societal challenges.
