The Evolution of Movie Stardom: From Stage to Screen
While the term 'megastar' often conjures images of contemporary icons like Tom Cruise, the title first came to prominence with actors whose influence transcended the studio system, embodying power and control over their careers.
Who Were the True Megastars?
Contrary to popular belief, not all early stars of the silent and early color film era were megastars by modern standards. To me, a movie star becomes a megastar when they have the clout to dictate terms to major film studios, like the Weinsteins or Disney. Only a few actors have achieved this level of control in Hollywood.
Richard Burton and Sean Connery
Richard Burton is known for his turbulent career, but his final walk away from the Bond role in its golden age is a perfect example of a megastar. Connery, from the UK, similarly has the distinction of walking away from the Bond role, only to be lured back for a final production. Even when actors like Mel Gibson tried to take control, it was either indirect, hinting at what a megastar can do.
Two other US actors who negotiated studio contracts of a lifetime are Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger. They were the first to offer to make a movie for free, splitting 40% of the earnings. This was a groundbreaking move that remains unparalleled since.
DeVito and Schwarzenegger's decision not only marked a significant change in the film industry but also showcased the power these actors wielded. Their films, such as Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and The Running Man, respectively, were box office successes, making tens of millions of dollars. To put this into perspective, a movie like Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible (released in 2006) made around $20 million, a figure far below what DeVito and Schwarzenegger's initial deals offered.
The Classic Era: Gabe and Tom Mix
While we discuss modern megastars, it is also important to recognize the giants of the past. One such actor is Clark Gable, known in Hollywood as Gabe. Gabe was a prolific actor who starred in 336 films between 1910 and 1936, firmly establishing the western genre with his iconic lines such as: "Straight shooters always win. Lawbreakers always lose. It pays to shoot straight."
Tom Mix, another pivotal figure, was a cowboy actor and film pioneer. He visited the memorial for Wyatt Earp in Florence, Arizona, where he had met his tragic end in a car accident. An appropriately named tributary nearby is called the "Tom Mix Wash," serving as a fitting tribute to his life and legacy.
The Pioneers: Florence Lawrence
Even earlier in the history of film, there was Florence Lawrence. Known as the first film star, she was a Canadian and American stage performer and actress born as Florence Annie Bridgwood on January 2, 1886. She died on December 28, 1938. For a long time, many believed that she was the first actress whose name was known to the public, marking a significant milestone in the early film industry.
By tracing the careers of figures like Gabe, Tom Mix, and Florence Lawrence, we gain insight into the evolution of the movie star from the earliest days of film to the present, where contemporary megastars like Tom Cruise command blockbuster status and earnings.
As the film industry continues to evolve, the legacy of these pioneers and the concept of the megastar remains an essential topic of discussion, highlighting the shifting dynamics of power and influence within the entertainment world.