Not many Hollywood legends can compare to Bette Davis. She won an Academy Award 10 times, and her roles were those of strong-willed women who always got what they wanted, no matter what. The star was born in New England, and her real life is no less impressive. She learned some important lessons throughout her career, and she’s shared them with the world.
Trust Your Instincts & Be Ambitious
Kathryn Semar, the former assistant of Bette Davis, shared that the actress always went with her gut. Although Bette wasn’t as “psychic” as her mother and grandmother were, the celebrity had a radar that was not to be ignored.
From early childhood, Bette worked on being the best at everything she did. In her memoir, The Lonely Life, the star admitted that she was such a dedicated Girl Scout that she would have tripped an old lady only to pick her up.
Careful With Love & Dress for Success
Bette found the masculine ego to be outsized at birth and that it became huge in a male actor. Only one of her husbands was an actor, and she recommended to never fall in love with one.
When it came to clothes, Bette stated that she wanted to always look well put together when she was 80. The actor found it regrettable that the young people of that time didn’t pay much attention to how they dressed.
Be Open to Love & Nourish Creativity
Other than her precious family, Bette loved and was loved by many different people. The Hollywood celebrity was in love with life itself. When it came to work, Bette compared the chance to create with the meat and potatoes of life, whereas money she considered “gravy” only.
Stay True to Yourself
Bette Davis called herself a queen because she fought people who weighed her down and couldn’t match her driving force. She admitted this led to people calling her some not-so-nice names as well.
Bette Davis had a huge impact on the film industry, and while she’s no longer with us, having passed away at the age of 81 in 1989, her lessons continue to influence young women today.