Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine stand out as the only sisters to have both claimed the prestigious Best Actress Oscar. Their storied lives were marked by a mix of admiration and rivalry. "I adored her when we were kids," Olivia once confessed about her younger sister, a bond that evolved into a lifelong feud. But let’s take a closer look at what made their relationship so compelling.

A Hollywood Legacy Rooted in Drama

During the golden age of cinema in the 1930s and '40s, Olivia and Joan lit up the screen in some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. Olivia charmed audiences as Maid Marian in Robin Hood alongside Errol Flynn and delivered a memorable performance as Melanie Wilkes in Gone With the Wind. Meanwhile, Joan mesmerized viewers with her role in Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca, earning her the distinction of being the only Hitchcock star to win a Best Actress Oscar for her work in Suspicion. Their careers were as dazzling as they were competitive.

From Childhood Rivalry to On-Screen Success

Even in their early years, the sisters were at odds. Their mother, Lilian, favored Olivia, which only fueled the tension. Tommy Lightfoot Garrett, author of Letters From a Known Woman: Joan Fontaine, explains, "Lilian believed Olivia had the makings of a star. This favoritism planted the seeds of competition, driving Joan to prove herself in her sister's shadow." These early dynamics set the stage for a rivalry that would span decades.

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As children, Olivia and Joan’s disputes often escalated into physical altercations. One infamous incident occurred when Olivia, attempting to stop Joan from pulling her into a pool, accidentally chipped her sister’s collarbone. While Olivia claimed it was an accident, Joan insisted it was deliberate. Such moments highlighted the intensity of their relationship and the deep-seated emotions beneath the surface.

The Road to Stardom

Olivia paved the way for both sisters in Hollywood, initially offering to fund Joan’s education at a prestigious San Francisco prep school. "I envisioned Hollywood as my domain and San Francisco society as hers," Olivia admitted. However, Joan had other plans. Determined to follow in her sister’s footsteps, Joan pursued an acting career. To avoid confusion, their mother suggested Joan adopt a stage name. Joan chose "Fontaine," inspired by their stepfather after consulting a fortune teller. Garrett notes, "Everything seemed to revolve around Olivia, so Joan carved her own path, proving she could succeed on her own terms."

Love, Loss, and the Academy Awards

At the 1942 Academy Awards, both sisters were nominated for Best Actress, sitting side by side. When Joan won for Suspicion, she appeared to ignore Olivia’s congratulatory gesture, reigniting old tensions. Joan later reflected, "All the resentment from childhood came rushing back. I was completely paralyzed." Their rivalry extended beyond accolades; they also competed for romantic interests. Joan’s first husband, actor Brian Aherne, had previously dated Olivia, adding another layer of complexity to their relationship.

Tragedy struck when their mother, Lilian, passed away. The sisters’ strained relationship worsened, with Olivia failing to inform Joan of Lilian’s illness. Garrett reveals, "By then, Joan saw Lilian as someone she resented, further driving a wedge between the sisters." Ultimately, they ceased communication entirely.

A Legacy Left Unfulfilled

Joan passed away in California in 2013 at the age of 96, while Olivia moved to Paris, where she lived until her death in 2020 at age 104. Reflecting on their tumultuous bond, Joan once mused, "Imagine what we could have achieved if we had worked together. We could have built an empire!" Despite their differences, their shared legacy remains a testament to their extraordinary talents and the indelible mark they left on the world of cinema.

— Reporting by Fortune Benatar