Old Hollywood Stars Who Were Forced to Live a Double Life

George Cukor worked behind the camera, directing classics such as The Philadelphia Story, Gaslight, and My Fair Lady. Within Hollywood, his sexuality was widely known, and his home became a gathering place for gay artists. Publicly, however, discretion was essential to keeping his position secure.

Accounts say Cukor was arrested at least once on a vice charge while employed by MGM. Studio influence reportedly helped get the charge dropped, the records cleared, and the incident kept from newspapers. He never publicly came out during the studio era, despite being an industry open secret.