Open Marriages: Hollywood’s Worst Kept Secret?

Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester

Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester were notable actors throughout the early eras of Hollywood, having starred together in films like Tales of Manhattan and The Big Clock. Laughton was particularly known for his incredible ability as a character actor, but little did many know, he was a closeted gay man.

Laughton and Lanchester were married in 1929 and stayed together until Laughton’s death, but throughout their relationship, they never had children and many say that this was due to Laughton’s secret sexual preference. Lanchester herself was rumored to have lesbian tendencies, so it might be safe to assume that they both let each other indulge in their desires with an open marriage.