In the 1920s, Hollywood was a place of silent films, strict studio control, and the emerging Motion Picture Production Code.
Despite these constraints, one actor refused to be silenced or conform to societal pressures.
William Haines, an openly gay superstar and potentially the first openly gay movie star in Hollywood, paved the way for LGBTQ+ representation in the industry.
Born on January 2, 1900, in Staunton, Virginia, Haines moved to New York City as a young man.
He had never considered acting until an acquaintance convinced him to send his photo to a talent manager.
To his surprise, he won the New Faces of 1922 contest and was quickly signed to a contract in Hollywood.
Although it took some time for Haines’ career to take off, once it did, he became immensely popular.
His success began with the silent comedy film “Brown of Harvard” and continued with over 50 movies.
Haines was adored by the public, as well as his colleagues and directors.
In 1930, he was the top male box office star in the nation.
However, Haines eventually disappeared from the public eye.
The main reason behind this was his refusal to abandon his long-term partner, Jimmie Shields, and enter into a “lavender marriage” as suggested by Louis B. Mayer, the tyrannical head of MGM.
Mayer fired Haines, as his open and unashamed lifestyle clashed with the moral standards dictated by the Production Code.
Haines then pursued a successful career as an interior designer, which continues to this day under the name William Haines Designs.
So why did Haines choose to walk away from fame?
Love played a significant role.
He met Jimmie Shields in 1926, and their devoted relationship was known to all of Haines’ friends, co-workers, and clients.
When Mayer attempted to interfere in their relationship, Haines made the decision to leave Hollywood without hesitation.
Haines and Shields had a blissful partnership that lasted 47 years until Haines’ death from lung cancer in 1973.
Sadly, Shields took his own life less than a year later.
They are now buried side by side in Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery.
Haines had always possessed a keen eye for design, and his homes became showcases of his talent.
He hosted legendary parties and gained clientele who sought his redesigning services.
Recognizing the limitations imposed by the Production Code and the repetitive nature of Hollywood movies, Haines found more acceptance and fulfillment in the interior design business.
This allowed him to live life on his own terms, avoiding the pressure to conform.
The Hollywood of the roaring ’20s was far more liberal than subsequent decades.
Movie studios cared little about the personal lives of their actors, focusing instead on creating fictional personas.
When this changed and stars were expected to conform to fabricated lives, Haines lost interest in acting.
His initial attraction to Hollywood was its freedom and sense of fun, which disappeared as the industry became more regulated.
Despite his successful acting career, Haines never took it too seriously.
Acting was simply a way for him to have fun, surrounded by luxury and beautiful things.
He knew that the formulaic nature of his movies would eventually wear out its welcome with both the studio and the audience.
Thus, staying openly gay did not seem like a significant risk to Haines.
William Haines’ decision to stay out of the closet was driven by love, a desire for personal fulfillment, and a lack of interest in conforming to an increasingly restrictive Hollywood system.
His legacy as one of the industry’s first openly gay superstars is often overlooked, but his courage and refusal to compromise his true self deserve recognition.
