Let’s talk about Gene Tierney, a Hollywood legend whose life was as complex and dramatic as the roles she played on screen. In 1957, Gene found herself standing on a window ledge in New York City, contemplating a decision that could have ended it all. In her 1979 memoir, Self-Portrait, she opened up about that moment: “I felt tired, lost, and numb — but not afraid. I wasn’t sure I wanted to take my own life, but I felt like I had no other way out.”
Gene Tierney, known for her stunning beauty and captivating performances, was more than just a pretty face. Behind the scenes, she battled crippling anxiety and depression, struggles that were often overshadowed by her dazzling career. She played the iconic role of Laura in the 1944 film noir classic Laura, but her real-life battles were far more challenging. “Acting was my escape,” she once said. “But when the cameras stopped rolling, I was left facing my own demons.”
A Journey to Stardom
Gene’s path to Hollywood wasn’t an easy one. After graduating from a prestigious Swiss finishing school, she set her sights on Broadway, where she honed her craft before making the leap to the silver screen. Her breakthrough came in 1945 with Leave Her to Heaven, a film that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. But Gene wasn’t just chasing fame; she was chasing her dreams. “In my world,” she recalled, “you were supposed to marry a Yale boy after finishing school. I wanted something different. I wanted to be an actress.”
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Love and Heartbreak
Gene’s personal life was just as tumultuous as her career. In 1941, she defied her family’s expectations by eloping with Oleg Cassini, a designer who would later become a fashion icon. At the time, Oleg was older, divorced, and far from the success he would achieve. Gene’s earnings supported the couple, a fact that led her to uncover a shocking truth: her father, who acted as her agent, had mismanaged her savings. “I was furious,” she admitted. “But I also felt betrayed. It was a heavy burden to carry.”
The pressures on Gene and Oleg only intensified after the birth of their daughter Daria in 1943. Daria was born with severe developmental challenges due to a case of rubella Gene contracted during pregnancy. Though they welcomed a second daughter, Christina, in 1948, the strain on their marriage proved too much to bear. By 1952, Gene and Oleg had divorced, leaving Gene to navigate her career and personal life alone.
Rebuilding Herself
After her suicide attempt in 1957, Gene sought help through therapy, including electroshock treatment, to confront the pain she had been carrying for so long. “It took me years to face the truth about my life,” she reflected. “But I was lucky. I had the opportunity to rebuild myself.” In 1960, Gene married a Texas oilman, finding stability and love once again. Though she continued to act occasionally, her focus shifted to healing and gratitude. “The mind is the most beautiful part of the body,” she said. “I’m thankful to have mine back.”
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or considering suicide, please reach out. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
For the full story, check out the latest issue of Closer magazine, available now on newsstands.
