Why Hollywood Icon Humphrey Bogart Cursed His Own Profession Daily
Even Hollywood legends have their grievances. Humphrey Bogart, the star of classics like Casablanca, was no exception. Discover the one aspect of his celebrated career that made him question his life choices and filled him with a daily sense of dread.
Every job has its drawbacks, whether it’s mind-numbing paperwork or a brutal commute. You might think that being a Hollywood A-lister would be different, a life filled with nothing but perks. While the massive paychecks, global travel, and designer clothes are certainly part of the package, it doesn't mean the work is without its frustrations. Even the biggest stars find something to grumble about, and the legendary Humphrey Bogart was no different.
Not the Fame, But the Schedule
As a towering figure of the silver screen, Bogart cemented his legacy in timeless classics like the romantic drama Casablanca and the gritty noir The Maltese Falcon. He was known for playing cool, cynical anti-heroes, but behind the scenes, the actor often lamented the demands of his chosen career. You might assume his complaints stemmed from the grueling process of getting into character or the constant public scrutiny that comes with stardom.
But Bogart’s biggest gripe had nothing to do with the craft or the celebrity. It was something far more relatable: he absolutely despised waking up early.
A Dawn-Breaking Disdain
The actor didn't mince words when it came to his hatred for pre-dawn alarms. In a candid 1942 interview with Photoplay, he laid his feelings bare. “I hate myself for choosing a profession that gets me up at dawn,” Bogart confessed. “I hate myself all the way to the studio and into the make-up room, ‘Boys Town,’ I call it. There we sit, the glamour boys waiting to be made beautiful and feeling like a snail’s grandmother.”
His frustration was clear. The idea of being roused from sleep only to be fussed over by hair and makeup artists held zero appeal for him. “Frankly, I don’t like this work too much, so put me down on the wrong side of the ledger on that one,” he continued. “This awful morning rising business kills me. Mayo [Methot; his then-wife] has to prop me up or I’d curl up after my tea and go to sleep. Come to think of it, that’s what I do. I should like my work more. So put that down as my own black mark against me”.
Legacy Over Loathing
Of course, there are far worse reasons to have to drag yourself out of bed in the morning. Bogart seemed to understand this, acknowledging that at the end of the day, the career path was his own choice, limiting his right to complain too loudly. Fortunately for movie lovers everywhere, he managed to push past his daily dissatisfaction with the crack-of-dawn call times. He consistently delivered the kind of powerful, flawless performances that made him one of the most revered icons of Hollywood’s golden era.