Lana Turner Names The Seven Lesbian Actress She Hated Most—Dated in Secret

Hollywood’s Golden Age was a time of glitz, glamour, and tightly guarded secrets. Among the most shocking revelations from that era were the rumored clandestine affairs of screen siren Lana Turner—who allegedly had passionate flings with several prominent actresses before turning against them. In a never-before-published interview (or rumored private confession), Turner reportedly listed seven lesbian actresses she “hated most”—despite having secret relationships with them.

Who were these women? Why did Turner despise them? And how did these affairs stay hidden in an era when LGBTQ+ relationships were taboo? Let’s dive into the scandalous world of Old Hollywood’s best-kept secrets.

The Secret Affairs of Lana Turner

Lana Turner, the “Sweater Girl” of the 1940s and ’50s, was known for her tumultuous love life—marrying eight times and dating some of Hollywood’s most powerful men. But behind the scenes, whispers suggested she also had romantic entanglements with women.

According to Hollywood biographer Darwin Porter (Hollywood’s Silent Closet), Turner had several affairs with actresses who later became her rivals. “She was drawn to strong, glamorous women, but jealousy and betrayal turned those romances into bitter feuds,” Porter claimed.

The 7 Lesbian Actresses Lana Turner Dated—Then Hated

1. Tallulah Bankhead

The bold, outspoken Tallulah Bankhead was one of Turner’s earliest flings. Bankhead, openly bisexual, allegedly seduced Turner in the 1940s. But their relationship soured when Bankhead mocked Turner’s acting skills in front of studio executives.

“Lana couldn’t stand Tallulah’s sharp tongue. She called her a ‘vicious drunk’ behind her back.” — Hollywood historian Sam Staggs

2. Barbara Stanwyck

Stanwyck, a powerhouse actress, had a rumored affair with Turner during the filming of “The Strange Love of Martha Ivers” (1946). But when Stanwyck refused to leave her husband for Turner, their relationship turned icy.

3. Joan Crawford

Crawford and Turner’s feud was legendary—but few knew it stemmed from a secret romance. Crawford reportedly despised Turner after she stole a role from her, leading to years of backstage sniping.

“Joan never forgave Lana for sleeping with a director to get a part she wanted.” — Author Shaun Considine (Bette & Joan: The Divine Feud)

4. Ava Gardner

Turner and Gardner had a fiery, short-lived affair in the late 1940s. But when Gardner began dating Frank Sinatra, Turner allegedly spread rumors about her wild parties to ruin her reputation.

5. Agnes Moorehead

Best known as Endora from Bewitched, Moorehead was quietly lesbian and had a brief fling with Turner. Their fallout came when Moorehead refused to lie for Turner in a studio scandal.

6. Dorothy Arzner (Director)

Arzner, one of Hollywood’s few female directors, allegedly had a fling with Turner in the 1930s. But when Arzner criticized Turner’s work ethic, Turner had her blacklisted from major studios.

7. Greta Garbo

The most shocking name on the list—Garbo, the reclusive legend, was rumored to have had a secret tryst with Turner in the early 1940s. But when Garbo abruptly cut off contact, Turner never forgave her.

Why Did Lana Turner Turn Against Them?

According to Turner’s daughter, Cheryl Crane, her mother was deeply conflicted about her same-sex attractions.

“She grew up in a different time. She resented the women who reminded her of what she couldn’t have openly.” — Cheryl Crane (Detour: A Hollywood Story)

In an era when homosexuality could end careers, Turner may have lashed out to protect her image.

Social Media & Public Reactions

When these rumors resurfaced in a 2020 Twitter thread, fans were stunned:

“Lana Turner and Greta Garbo?! Hollywood history is wilder than fiction.” — @OldHollywood

“This explains why Turner and Crawford hated each other so much!” — @ClassicFilmFan

Conclusion

Lana Turner’s life was a whirlwind of passion, jealousy, and betrayal. While her affairs with men were well-documented, her hidden relationships with women reveal a darker, more complex side of Hollywood’s golden era. Were these affairs real? Did Turner truly despise these women—or was her hatred a cover for fear and regret?

One thing is certain: Old Hollywood’s secrets are still coming to light.

What do you think? Were these rumors true, or just Hollywood gossip? Comment below!