Olivia De Havilland And Joan Fontaine: A Rivalry That Shaped Hollywood

Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine were born 15 months apart and both found success as actresses in Hollywood's Golden Age. But instead of bringing them together, these similarities exacerbated a rivalry that sprang up in childhood and lasted a lifetime. Yet even though they were rivals who became estranged, Olivia and Joan managed to respect and even admire each other — in a feud, you always care what the other is up to, of course.

Childhood Rivalry: Seeds of Competition

Olivia and Joan didn’t always get along as children. Younger sister Joan felt that Olivia was favored by their mother, leading to tensions between the two. Olivia once remarked, “Our biggest problem was that we had to share a room,” highlighting how their close quarters contributed to their frequent clashes.

Despite occasional moments of play, their relationship was marked by conflict, including slaps from Joan and hair-pulling from Olivia. Joan accused Olivia of tearing up her outgrown clothes and even claimed that Olivia broke her collarbone during a playful attempt to pull her into a swimming pool.

Joan's Struggle for Identity in Hollywood

After spending time with their father in Japan, Joan returned to find her sister on the brink of a Hollywood career. Instead of supporting her sister's aspirations, Olivia tried to send Joan off to finishing school, feeling that she wanted Hollywood as her domain. Joan, however, firmly declared her desire to follow in Olivia's footsteps.

Joan moved in with Olivia and their mother in Hollywood, but Olivia, who was under contract with Warner Brothers, wanted her sister to work at a different studio. She felt there was only room for one de Havilland in Hollywood and encouraged Joan to adopt a different last name. Following advice from a fortune teller, Joan began using Fontaine, her stepfather’s name, but this change left her feeling bitter.

The Rise of the Rivalry: Hollywood Success

As their careers progressed, Olivia and Joan became prominent figures in Hollywood, yet they could not escape the shadow of their rivalry. Olivia starred alongside Errol Flynn in classics like Captain Blood and The Adventures of Robin Hood, while Joan initially struggled in her career, facing setbacks even in notable films.

Joan eventually married one of Olivia’s former boyfriends, Brian Aherne, which was seen as a significant achievement at the time. As they both found success—Olivia in Gone With the Wind and Joan in Rebecca—the competition between them intensified, with each sister claiming credit for the other's achievements.

Public Feuds and Academy Awards

The rivalry reached a public crescendo during the Academy Awards. In 1942, both sisters were nominated for Best Actress, with Olivia expected to win. However, Joan took home the Oscar, seemingly ignoring Olivia's congratulations when she accepted her award.

The rivalry continued into later ceremonies, with Olivia also snubbing Joan when she won her Oscar in 1947. This back-and-forth only deepened their estrangement, fueled by Joan's sharp comments about Olivia's marriage and personal life.

Estrangement and Reflection

In the years that followed, Olivia and Joan enjoyed brief moments of closeness, such as attending parties together. However, their relationship soured again when their mother fell ill, leading to accusations from Joan regarding Olivia's lack of support during a difficult time.

Joan’s memoir, No Bed of Roses, revealed her lingering resentments toward Olivia. She described their relationship in terms that suggested a permanent split, claiming you could "divorce your sister just like your husbands." Despite their differences, Olivia expressed sadness upon Joan's passing in 2013, indicating a complex mix of feelings towards her sister.

Final Thoughts: Complex Bonds of Sisterhood

Olivia and Joan's story serves as a reminder of how familial relationships can be both nurturing and competitive. Their rivalry, shaped by childhood conflicts and professional ambitions, illustrates the complexities of sisterhood in the spotlight of Hollywood. Even in estrangement, their bond remained significant, as both sisters navigated the trials of fame and personal loss.

In an interview for her 100th birthday, Olivia reflected on their relationship, emphasizing that she never initiated hostility. This perspective highlights the intricate dynamics of love, rivalry, and the lasting impact of family ties, even amidst conflict.