These Classic Comedians Hid Disturbing Secrets
Why is it that the comedians always hide the darkest secrets? Like Peter Sellers's horrific parenting, Mae West's wild marriages, or Milton Berle's special "gift." Turns out, the ones who make us laugh might secretly be the most messed up of us all.
At least, that's the case with these classic comedians from Hollywood's past.
1. His Name Had A Chilling Meaning
In 1925, Sellers was born into comedy. His parents, Bill and Agnes Sellers, performed in variety shows, and Peter made his stage “debut” at just two weeks old, when a family friend carried him on from backstage. But from the beginning, his childhood was no laughing matter. Case in point: Although his parents originally christened him “Richard Henry,” they switched it to “Peter”…after his stillborn older brother. Yes, that’s more than a little creepy—and it wouldn’t get better.
2. He Had Big Mommy Issues
As a young boy, Peter showed inklings of the dysfunctional relationships that would eventually eat up his life. He and his mother had an extremely close bond, but it wasn’t necessarily a healthy one.
While Agnes was domineering, Peter was cringing and shy, and their dynamic had a dark symbiosis to it. Despite this, his mother had no problem fobbing her young, only child off for weeks at a time while she and his father went touring.
Hmm, I wonder why every adult relationship Sellers ever had turned out to be a horror story.
3. He Had A Whirlwind Romance
As a young man, Sellers met the beautiful Australian actress Anne Howe. From there, things moved incredibly fast—some would say much too fast.
He proposed just a year later, and by 1958, they were married and had two children together, Michael and Sarah. At this point, Sellers could have settled down into fatherhood and cruised into a happy life. Psst: He didn’t.
4. He Sent His Wife A Nasty Telegram
For one thing, Sellers wasn’t your average family man, and he could be downright cruel to his new wife.
According to one story, the pair were in their apartment one afternoon, with Peter working in his study and Anne around the house, when there was a ring at the door.
When Anne answered it, she found a telegram Sellers just sent from the other room ordering her to, "Bring me a cup of coffee. Peter." As we’ll see, though, this neglect was just the beginning.
