Unknown Facts About Jean Hagen, The Almost Hollywood Legend
After Singin’ in the Rain, Jean Hagen was so close to superstardom that she could almost touch it. Instead, she tumbled into addiction, divorce, obscurity, and disease.
1. She Almost Had It All
There are downfalls, and then there's the tragedy of Jean Hagen. She clawed her way to the top–only to realize Hollywood just wasn't that into her. Just as soon as the industry created its next star, it tossed her aside. Her peak was legendary but momentary. Hagen's questionable choices didn’t help. Showbiz is many things, but it’s never fair.
2. She Had Modest Beginnings
Jean Hagen came far from Hollywood, but she had what it took to get there. She was born in 1923 to a Dutch immigrant engineer and an American housewife. They weren’t wealthy, but still gave their five kids the happiest childhood in Indiana. Young Jean spent her days creating and performing plays in their basement. But child’s play turned into something more.
3. She Followed Her Dreams
After high school plays, Hagen hit a dead end in her hometown. Because of this, her sister encouraged her to take her big dreams out of their small town. She listened. Hagen studied drama at Northwestern and grabbed every opportunity. But once again, her talents and dreams outgrew her circumstances. She had no choice but to take an even bigger leap of faith.
4. She Was Too Honest
In the Big Apple, Jean struggled to make her big dreams a reality. To stay afloat, she took on odd jobs, such as working as a Broadway usher. On one unforgettable occasion, she was asked about her thoughts on one of the productions. Without a second thought, Jean roasted it to ashes: "It stinks!"
Turns out that the man making the inquiry was none other than Ben Hecht—one of the writers. Oops.
