Hollywood Strangest Requests by Celebrity Stars
The world of Hollywood has seen its fair share of eccentric and unconventional demands from famous stars over the years. From Errol Flynn's laconic approach to his role to Frank Sinatra's unusual final wish, these requests shed light on the unique qualities and quirks that define the celebrity lifestyle.
Errol Flynn's Unusual Method for Staying afloat
In 1957, as Errol Flynn was nearing the end of his brief and colorful life, he found himself in a precarious financial situation. Despite his iconic status, Flynn was taking on small screen roles and supporting parts in feature films, and he was notorious for his substance abuse, frequently popping morphine pills and consuming large amounts of vodka.
Enter Huntington Hartford, a millionaire and supporter of the arts. Hartford offered Flynn a lucrative deal to star in a stage adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, with the added benefit of using one of his mansions for the production. Though Flynn hadn’t acted on stage in nearly a quarter of a century, he took the role without hesitation.
The Challenges of Master of Thornfield
However, the production of Master of Thornfield was fraught with issues. Flynn was notoriously unrehearsed and forgetful, consistently missing his lines and showing little enthusiasm for his part. His drinking and drug use only exacerbated the problem, making him a challenge to work with.
Adding to the chaos was the fact that Flynn didn’t particularly enjoy or endorse the script, which was penned by Hartford. Despite these challenges, the play opened to negative reviews and mediocre audiences in early February 1958, with some reports even suggesting that Flynn had requested that his prop be in place for a Lucky Strike cigarette during the performance.
Frank Sinatra's Last Request
Another unusual request made by a Hollywood star comes from the legendary singer, Frank Sinatra. For a long-standing smoker, Sinatra's final wish was something quite specific and deeply personal. In April 1948, on his 48th birthday, Sinatra appeared at a party still carrying his trademark black cigarette case. He made a surprising request that resonated much more deeply later in his life.
Later in his life, when Sinatra was ready to pass on, he insisted on being buried with a pack of Camel cigarettes inside his suit jacket. This request, while seemingly small, speaks to his deep love for cigarettes and the importance they had in his life. It was an homage to his persona and the many memorable performances that saw him on stage or screen, wrapped in a cigarette's comforting scent.
Conclusion
These two requests from Errol Flynn and Frank Sinatra highlight the often eccentric and unconventional nature of celebrity requests. Whether it's the performative use of props or the deep personal significance behind a final wish, these stories provide insight into the lives of stars both past and present. These unique quirks add to the rich tapestry of celebrity culture and offer a glimpse into the extraordinary worlds of Hollywood's most famous individuals.