Steve McQueen, the iconic Hollywood rebel, had a reputation that sparked both admiration and animosity. In a candid 1979 interview with Barbara Walters, just a year before his passing, McQueen revealed a 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 truth: he was not only disliked but had made enemies among some of the biggest names in Tinseltown.
Among these rivals was Paul Newman, a friendship that crumbled under the weight of jealousy and betrayal. Their tension boiled over during a 1967 gathering at the Beverly Hills Hotel. McQueen arrived late, exuding an air of indifference, and locked eyes with Newman, whose piercing glare suggested a deep-seated resentment.
According to studio documents, McQueen had originally been cast in “Cool Hand Luke,” only to have his contract revoked after Newman orchestrated a dinner with the film’s director and producers. This betrayal ignited a feud that would last for years, culminating in a bitter rivalry during the filming of “The Towering Inferno.” The two stars reportedly fought over screen time and even a physical altercation left Newman with a concussion.
Their animosity persisted until McQueen’s death in 1980, with Newman famously stating he wouldn’t attend McQueen’s memorial, believing he had spent his life trying to undermine him.
Elizabeth Taylor also found herself at odds with McQueen after a single, cutting remark at a 1971 Golden Globe afterparty. When McQueen insulted her Oscar win, Taylor vowed to make him pay. The fallout was swift; a scathing article about McQueen’s treatment of women appeared in the Hollywood Reporter, and he was subsequently blacklisted from major awards and roles.
Taylor’s influence reportedly led to McQueen’s name being purged from the Academy’s shortlist for a nomination, and his career began to falter as he faced backlash from powerful women in the industry.
Marlon Brando entered the fray as a rival who took the battle to a personal level. At the premiere of “Klute,” Brando set his sights on McQueen’s girlfriend, Barbara Lee, launching a psychological campaign to win her over. Their rivalry escalated into a physical confrontation that left both men bruised and the press buzzing.
Brando’s subsequent public relationship with Lee only fueled McQueen’s rage, leading him to retaliate with damaging leaks to the tabloids, but the media had already chosen Brando as their favorite.
John Wayne, the embodiment of classic masculinity, also found himself clashing with McQueen. During a live interview in 1972, McQueen dismissed Wayne’s traditional values, igniting a war of words that raged for years. Wayne’s response was equally fierce, condemning McQueen’s rebellious persona and questioning his character.
Their feud reflected a broader cultural divide, with McQueen representing a new generation of Hollywood stars who challenged the status quo.
Audrey Hepburn, the gentle icon of grace, also suffered at McQueen’s hands. During the filming of “The Garden of Glass,” McQueen’s harsh words reportedly left Hepburn emotionally shattered, leading to a hospitalization due to acute distress. The fallout from their interaction created ripples throughout Hollywood, prompting a movement among female actors to protect one another from similar treatment.
Finally, Kirk Douglas found himself in a bitter feud with McQueen over a coveted role in a major film. After McQueen reportedly made a dismissive comment about Douglas, the two men clashed physically at a charity gala, resulting in a public spectacle that tarnished both their reputations. Their rivalry culminated in legal battles and a canceled film, leaving both stars to retreat into the shadows of their careers.
Steve McQueen’s legacy is a complex tapestry woven with both admiration and animosity. As we reflect on these tumultuous relationships, one question remains: which of these legendary figures harbored the deepest resentment for McQueen? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
