28. Perception vs Reality: Humphrey Bogart Was Not as Sour or Tough as He Seemed
Classical Hollywood icon Humphrey Bogart, full name Humphrey DeForest Bogart (1899 – 1957), was the living embodiment of the film noir tough guy. After a stint in the US Navy during WWI, he began acting in Broadway, then switched to motion pictures in 1930. For the next decade, he appeared in supporting roles, often as a hard-bitten gangster. By the time Bogart had his first breakout starring role in 1941’s High Sierra, he had already perfected his understated tough-guy persona.
He cemented that perception in the public’s mind with starring roles as a detective in iconic films such as 1941’s The Maltese Falcon and 1946’s The Big Sleep. He even buttressed his tough-guy cred while performing in romantic dramas, such as his starring role opposite Ingrid Bergman in 1942’s Casablanca, or in romantic adventures such as his role opposite Katherine Hepburn in 1951’s African Queen. In reality, as seen below, Bogart’s tough-guy persona was created and foisted upon him by his studio.