Why Humphrey Bogart Dreaded One Part of His Hollywood Career
Humphrey Bogart, a legendary figure in classic cinema, once confessed his deep dislike for a particular aspect of his acting career, revealing a surprising vulnerability behind his tough on-screen persona.
Even the most glamorous jobs have their downsides, and for some, those little annoyances can really get under your skin. While many dream of the perks that come with being a movie star—traveling the world, wearing designer clothes, and enjoying the spotlight—there are still parts of the job that can make even the biggest names in Hollywood grumble. Humphrey Bogart, known for his unforgettable roles in films like Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon, was no exception.
Behind the Silver Screen: The Realities of Stardom
Bogart’s reputation as a cool, unflappable anti-hero made him a household name, but off-camera, he wasn’t always thrilled with the demands of his profession. It wasn’t the long hours spent memorizing lines or the pressure of living up to his iconic status that bothered him most. Instead, it was something much more relatable: the early mornings. In a candid moment with Photoplay back in 1942, Bogart admitted,
“I hate myself for choosing a profession that gets me up at dawn. I hate myself all the way to the studio and into the make-up room, ‘Boys Town,’ I call it. There we sit, the glamour boys waiting to be made beautiful and feeling like a snail’s grandmother.”
He painted a vivid picture of the less-than-glamorous side of acting, describing the hours spent in the makeup chair before the sun had even risen. For Bogart, the idea of waking up before daylight just to have his hair and face fussed over was far from appealing. He longed for a more reasonable start to his day, wishing he could simply show up, do his job, and head home without all the extra fuss.
The Struggle with Early Mornings
Bogart didn’t hold back when it came to expressing his feelings about this part of his work.
“Frankly, I don’t like this work too much, so put me down on the wrong side of the ledger on that one,”
he said.
“This awful morning rising business kills me. Mayo [Methot; his then-wife] has to prop me up or I’d curl up after my tea and go to sleep. Come to think of it, that’s what I do. I should like my work more. So put that down as my own black mark against me.”
Despite the fame and fortune, Bogart’s struggle with early call times was a constant source of frustration. He openly acknowledged that, while there were certainly worse things to complain about, this particular aspect of his job was something he truly disliked. Still, he recognized that he had chosen this path and, in the end, accepted the trade-offs that came with it.
Legacy Beyond the Alarm Clock
While many might envy the life of a Hollywood legend, Bogart’s honest admission serves as a reminder that every career—even those that seem perfect from the outside—has its own set of challenges. His willingness to share his personal struggles only adds to the depth of his legacy, showing that even icons have their off days. Thankfully, his early morning sacrifices paid off, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.