Feisty Facts About Margaret Sullavan, Hollywood’s Defiant Starlet
Though she was seemingly as sweet as any other starlet, everyone in Hollywood knew Margaret Sullavan did things her way, wielding a power that both terrified execs and charmed leading heartthrobs. Yet while she exerted unwavering control over her professional career, her private life was very messy—and ultimately tragic.
1. She Was Born Into Money
Born in 1909, Margaret Sullavan made her first appearance in Norfolk, Virginia. On the surface, her childhood seemed charmed: Her father was a wealthy stockbroker, and her parents expected great things of Margaret and her brothers.
Yet despite this luxe living, one very critical thing was missing from the young Margaret's life.
2. She Didn’t Have Friends
Sullavan was a frail child, and suffered from a painful muscular weakness in her legs that affected her ability to walk. This had devastating consequences. She wasn't well enough to socialize with any children her age until she was six years old, leading to an immensely lonely existence for the little girl. And once she recovered, things got even more complicated.
3. She Was A Rebel
Sullavan’s snooty parents had ideas about who their daughter should befriend, and wanted her to associate only with people of a certain class.
So they were appalled when Sullavan, who was quickly turning into an adventurous tomboy, connected with the no-frills lads from the poorer neighborhoods. As Sullavan later admitted, “I liked to be out roughing it with the boys.”
4. She Was Ambitious
It wasn't long before Sullavan was too big for the crinolines her parents were trying to lace her into. She was much too ambitious to become a mere debutante, and became the president of the student body at her boarding school instead.
The smart cookie even delivered the salutatory oration. Soon, however, Sullavan would turn her smarts toward revolt.
