Actors Who Played Best Friends on Screen but Could Not Stand Each Other Off Camera
The entertainment industry is filled with tales of on-screen camaraderie and off-screen rivalry. Sometimes, the dynamic that is projected to the audience is a stark contrast to the real-life relationship between the actors. Here are some notable instances:
Richard Beymer Natalie Wood: West Side Story
On Screen: In the classic 1961 film West Side Story, Richard Beymer portrays Tony, the founder of the Jets gang, while Natalie Wood stars as Maria, the Puerto Rican girl Tony falls in love with. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, as they share a tender relationship filled with love and tension.
Off Camera: However, Natalie Wood incredibly felt that Beymer was her biggest rival. According to rumors, Wood had a board in her dressing room with the names of the people she hated the most, and Beymer's name was at the top of the list. Their off-screen animosity is said to have affected the film's production, and it's a testament to the actors' professionalism that their on-screen chemistry shone through.
Brett Butler Julia White: Grace Under Fire
On Screen: On the CW series Grace Under Fire, Brett Butler plays Grace Mitchell, and Julia White's Nadine Douglas serves as her second-in-command. Although they share a professional relationship and work well together on the show, their off-screen dynamics are quite different.
Off Camera: Butler's struggles with substance abuse and her inappropriate behavior, including sexually harassing fellow actor Jon Paul Steuer, created a hostile working environment. White felt unable to continue her on-screen portrayal of a best friend, confessing, "How could I pretend to be her best friend on camera when I couldn't stand her behind the scenes?" This led to significant shifts in the character’s storyline, eventually resulting in Nadine's departure and divorce from Wade Casey Sanders after giving birth to their daughter.
Vivian Vance William Frawley: I Love Lucy
On Screen: The famous married pair Vivian Vance and Bea Arthur played the neighbors Ethel Mertz and Fred Mertz on the popular sitcom I Love Lucy. Their on-screen dynamic was portrayed as friendly and warm, as expected from any loving couple.
Off Camera: However, their off-screen relationship was quite the opposite. Vance remarked that Frawley appeared old enough to be her father, and the two traded insults frequently. Their hatred was so mutual that it is believed their on-screen interactions were intentionally designed to the audience's detriment. After the show ended, Vance even celebrated Frawley's death with a toast, remarking, "All the drinks are on me."
Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman, Nicollette Sheridan, and Eva Longoria: Saved by the Bell: RELATED
On Screen: These actresses starred in the hit TV series Saved by the Bell, and their on-screen relationships were often playful and friendly.
Off Camera: However, according to gossip columns, Hatcher was a notorious diva and was disliked by her costars. Meanwhile, the other actresses maintained friendly off-camera relationships and even socialized together. This stark contrast in their working environments contributed to a more vibrant social life outside the set.
Conclusion
The world of celebrity is often a complex mix of on-screen charm and off-screen drama. While these cases may seem like the stuff of gossip columns, they highlight the importance of professionalism and the ability to separate personal feelings from professional work. The actors' dedication to their craft often ensures that even the most contentious personal relationships do not overshadow the quality of their performances for audiences.