Bette Davis: The Painful Betrayal That Haunted Her

Bette Davis, the legendary Hollywood actress, never fully recovered from the devastating betrayal inflicted upon her by her daughter, according to her personal assistant, Kathryn Sermak.

Davis and her rival, Joan Crawford, both experienced heartbreak when their eldest daughters published tell-all books that depicted them in a negative light.

In 1978, Christina Crawford released “Mommie Dearest,” which portrayed her adopted mother as an abusive alcoholic prone to fits of rage.

This book was published just one year after Davis' death.

Then, in 1985, Davis' biological daughter, Barbara “B.D.”

Hyman, released her own damaging tale titled “My Mother's Keeper.”

This book painted Davis as a ruthless bully who faked suicide attempts for sympathy.

Hyman chose to release her book on Mother's Day, a few months after Davis had undergone a mastectomy and suffered a stroke that nearly took her life.

Sermak revealed that the publication of Hyman's book left Davis feeling humiliated and hopeless.

The betrayal deeply affected Davis, as Sermak stated, “Miss D never got over it.

Never…

But that doesn't mean you stop loving the person.

It was so horrible…

Even with all of that, Miss D said, ‘She's still my daughter.'

But it broke her heart forever.

You don't get over that.”

Sermak, who served as Davis' personal assistant until her death in 1989, recently released her own book called “Miss D and Me.”

In this book, Sermak explores the close friendship she developed with Davis over the years.

Davis, known for her extensive film career and numerous Oscar nominations, made over 100 films throughout her lifetime.

Sermak recalled the moment Davis learned of Hyman's accusations, stating that Davis had always believed she had a wonderful relationship with her daughter.

Sermak couldn't understand why Hyman chose to write such a damaging book, considering the love and devotion Davis had shown her.

According to Sermak, Davis' health began to deteriorate after her stroke.

Doctors believed she wouldn't survive past three weeks, and she was on medication that caused hallucinations.

During this challenging time, Hyman's husband, Jeremy, asked Davis' lawyer for financial assistance, but his request was denied.

However, prior to this incident, Davis had already been covering many of Hyman's bills through her lawyer.

Despite these difficulties, Davis persevered with the help of Sermak, who remained by her side every day while she was in the hospital.

Their bond grew so strong that Davis referred to Sermak as her “stepdaughter.”

Sermak shared how she would help Davis feel youthful and mischievous, often engaging in pranks together.

They once toilet-papered their friend's house and played tricks on guests at Davis' home, using fake ice cubes and dribble glasses.

Davis found happiness again, and when her cancer returned in 1989, she chose to live each day with joy, keeping her terminal illness a secret from the public.

She even attended the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain, where she was serenaded by a band and surrounded by adoring fans.

Eventually, Davis returned to Paris, but her condition worsened, and she was taken to a hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine, where she passed away.

Sermak fondly remembered Davis' words about her passing, saying, “Miss D told me she was born during a thunderstorm.

And when she passed, it was pouring.

She was at peace.

She'd just had the world serenade her.”

In a similar manner to Joan Crawford, who excluded her daughter Christina from her will, Davis also disinherited Hyman, who now runs a ministry in Virginia.

Sermak and Davis' adopted son, Michael Merrill, serve as the co-executors of the Bette Davis Estate.

Davis' story continues to captivate audiences, as Ryan Murphy's mini-series “Feud” has shed light on her collaboration with Crawford in the 1962 film “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?”

The series has been nominated for 18 Emmy awards and has introduced a new generation to the iconic Bette Davis.

Sermak expressed her gratitude to Ryan Murphy for bringing Davis' story to a younger audience, stating, “It has introduced Miss D to a whole new younger group, which is honestly what I was hoping for.”