Today we talk about Bette Davis, an iconic actress known for her fearless and feisty persona.
With a fierce dedication to her craft, Davis made it clear that she was not interested in playing the typical one-dimensional female roles that were prevalent in Hollywood at the time, insisting instead on roles that would challenge her as an actress and elevate the perception of women on screen, which earned her the reputation of being difficult. In 1936, she even had the courage to take Warner Brothers to court in a legal battle that she eventually lost.
Read her story as her lesson on brand values is a tough one.
MY PASSIONS WERE ALL GATHERED TOGETHER LIKE FINGERS THAT MADE A FIST. DRIVE IS CONSIDERED AGGRESSION TODAY; I KNEW IT THEN AS PURPOSE. – Bette Davis
Born as Ruth Elizabeth Davis in Massachusetts in 1908, she had a comfortable childhood with her younger sister until her parents’ divorce in 1921. Her mother worked as a professional photographer to provide for her two daughters.
I DO NOT REGRET ONE PROFESSIONAL ENEMY I HAVE MADE. ANY ACTOR WHO DOESN’T DARE TO MAKE AN ENEMY SHOULD GET OUT OF THE BUSINESS. – Bette Davis
Inspired by movie stars Rudolph Valentino and Mary Pickford, young Ruth decided to pursue acting and changed her name to Bette Davis.
Davis was an independent spirit and worked as a life-guard at a beach in Maine in the mid-1920s.
She made her stage debut in the late 1920s and appeared in her first film in 1931.
In 1935, Davis won her first Academy Award for her role in «Dangerous», while her performance as the title character in «Jezebel» (1938) not only earned her a second Academy Award but also cemented her status as a legend.
WITHOUT WONDER AND INSIGHT, ACTING IS JUST A TRADE. WITH IT, IT BECOMES CREATION. – Bette Davis
BRAND VALUE
Despite being considered «washed-up» by Hollywood, Davis was offered the role of Margot Channing in «All About Eve» when no one else could be found to play the part.
Bette Davis is a prime example of how brand values pay off in the long run. She demonstrated that in order to remain credible, one must always be prepared to fight for them, even if it means being a little stubborn at times. – Brigitte Kobi
The movie was a huge success and even featured a minor role for another future superstar, Marilyn Monroe.
