Photo bybureauofinteriors.com
He was born Charles William Haines on January 2, 1900, in Staunton, Virginia, and died from lung cancer on December 26, 1973. In between those decades, he dropped his first name and became a movie star and interior decorator. He was also one of Hollywood’s first gay stars. This is his story.
A Closer Look
The Gay Rights Movement gained ground after the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Although gay relationships were not presented on the mainstream big screens or small, the behind-the-scenes lives of actors of any persuasion were not mandated by studio or network executives as before.
In that sense, William Haines was a trailblazer. After being named one of New York’s “New Faces of 1922,” he took his first Hollywood meeting with MGM studio executives, and said, “I’m your new prize beauty.”
Four years later, he met Jimmie Shields back in New York, during a press tour. After the Great Depression and a Hollywood implementation of rigid rules for its stars, MGM mogul Louis B. Mayer insisted Haines break up with Shields and wed a woman. But Haines rejected that order and was fired.
Switched Gears
In 1932, Haines proposed to platonic friend and frequent co-star Anita Page during production of their film, Are You Listening? She rejected his offer but remained his friend.
In 1930, Haines was the top male box-office star beside Joan Crawford, who was the top female box-office star. But that same year, he left Hollywood and opened an interior decoration boutique located at 1522 La Brea Avenue in Hollywood.
In the End
William Haines’ relationship with longtime lover Jimmie Shields lasted for more than five decades. They remained together until Haines’ demise in December 1973. Three months later, a devastated Shields killed himself with an overdose of sleeping pills.
It was a tragic ending to a triumphant life and relationship.
