Actresses You Didn’t Know Had FBI Files

For decades the Federal Bureau of Investigation maintained surveillance on various public figures including some of the most famous women in Hollywood. These files often contained details about political affiliations and personal relationships as well as travel histories. Many actresses were targeted during the era of the Red Scare while others were monitored for their civil rights activism. Examining these documents provides a unique look into the intersection of entertainment and government oversight during the twentieth century.

Marilyn Monroe

The federal government maintained a file on the iconic actress during the mid twentieth century due to her perceived political leanings. Investigators monitored her relationships with figures who were suspected of having ties to the communist party. The documents detail her travels and social connections including her marriage to playwright Arthur Miller. Bureau officials remained interested in her activities until her death in 1962.

Lucille Ball

Federal agents investigated the star of ‘I Love Lucy’ regarding her involvement with the communist party during the 1930s. The file contains records showing she registered to vote as a communist in 1936 to please her family. Although she eventually testified that she was never a member of the party the bureau kept a close eye on her professional life. This investigation caused significant stress for the actress during the height of her television career.

Jane Fonda

The actress and activist was the subject of an extensive investigation due to her vocal opposition to the Vietnam War. Federal agents monitored her travels and speeches as she participated in various protests across the country. Her file grew significantly during the 1970s and detailed her interactions with other anti war organizers. This surveillance was part of a broader effort to track individuals who were considered potential threats to national security.

Eartha Kitt

The multi talented star of ‘Batman’ found herself under federal scrutiny after she spoke out against the Vietnam War at a White House luncheon. Following her comments the government compiled a detailed dossier that included information about her personal life and social circles. This document described her as a woman with a difficult temperament and led to her being professionally blacklisted for several years. She eventually moved to Europe to continue her career away from the intense domestic surveillance.

Jean Seberg

The star of ‘Breathless’ was a major target of the counterintelligence program known as COINTELPRO during the 1960s. The bureau monitored her financial support for the Black Panther Party and other civil rights groups. Agents orchestrated a smear campaign against her by leaking false information to the press to discredit her public image. This harassment had a devastating impact on her mental health and career until her untimely death in 1979.

Judy Garland

The beloved star of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was mentioned in several federal reports throughout her career. Agents kept track of her personal struggles and her associations with individuals suspected of having ties to organized crime. While she was not a primary target of a political investigation her fame made her a person of interest during general surveillance operations. These records offer a glimpse into how the bureau monitored the private lives of major celebrities during that era.

Hedy Lamarr

The actress and inventor was monitored due to her foreign origins and her contributions to military technology. While she starred in films like ‘Samson and Delilah’ she also worked on frequency hopping technology for the navy. Federal officials maintained a file that tracked her communications and potential ties to foreign governments during World War II. Her dual identity as a glamorous movie star and a scientific innovator made her a unique subject for investigators.

Bette Davis

The legendary actress was the subject of federal interest because of her involvement in various anti fascist organizations. During the 1940s she helped found the Hollywood Canteen which agents monitored for potential leftist influences. Her file notes her participation in social causes and her support for the war effort through unconventional channels. Davis remained a prominent figure whose influence was carefully watched by government officials for several years.

Lena Horne

The acclaimed singer and actress was monitored by the bureau for her dedicated work in the civil rights movement. Agents documented her friendships with activists and her refusal to perform for segregated audiences. Her file contains details about her participation in rallies and her public statements regarding racial equality. This surveillance reflected the government’s broader interest in the activities of Black performers during the mid twentieth century.

Grace Kelly

Before she became the Princess of Monaco the actress was a person of interest for federal investigators. The bureau monitored her family in Philadelphia and her social circle as she rose to fame in ‘Rear Window’ and ‘To Catch a Thief’. Records indicate that agents were particularly interested in her high profile marriage to Prince Rainier. This surveillance continued even after she moved abroad to fulfill her royal duties in Europe.

Cicely Tyson

The star of ‘Sounder’ had an FBI file that detailed her involvement in the Black Arts Movement and various civil rights initiatives. Investigators tracked her public appearances and her association with prominent political figures of the 1960s. The documents highlight her commitment to portraying strong Black women and her influence on cultural politics. This monitoring was part of a widespread effort to track artists who used their platform for social change.

Ruby Dee

The actress and activist was heavily monitored due to her long history of involvement in civil rights and social justice causes. Alongside her husband Ossie Davis she participated in numerous protests and fundraisers that caught the attention of federal agents. Her file contains reports on her speeches and her participation in the March on Washington. The bureau remained interested in her activities as she continued to advocate for equality throughout her long career.

Josephine Baker

The international star was monitored by federal agents due to her work with the French Resistance and her later civil rights activism. While she performed in films like ‘Zouzou’ she also used her fame to speak out against segregation in the United States. Her file includes records of her travels and her interactions with world leaders across several continents. The bureau viewed her as a potential subversive figure because of her global influence and outspoken nature.

Marlene Dietrich

The German born actress was the subject of an investigation during World War II despite her strong support for the Allied forces. Federal agents monitored her because of her foreign background and her frequent visits to the front lines to entertain troops. Her file contains details about her family in Germany and her potential connections to foreign intelligence services. Despite the scrutiny she remained a loyal supporter of the American war effort and a major film star.

Lauren Bacall

The star of ‘To Have and Have Not’ was monitored for her political activism alongside her husband Humphrey Bogart. She was part of the Committee for the First Amendment which protested the investigation of the Hollywood Ten. The bureau tracked her participation in rallies and her public defense of her colleagues during the Red Scare. Her file reflects the government’s concern with high profile actors who challenged the authority of investigative committees.

Dorothy Dandridge

The first Black woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress was a person of interest for federal investigators. Her file details her professional achievements in ‘Carmen Jones’ as well as her social interactions with activists. Agents monitored her travels and the venues where she performed to check for potential political associations. This surveillance was common for Black celebrities who gained mainstream success during the 1950s.

Vanessa Redgrave

The British actress was subject to surveillance due to her radical political views and support for various international causes. Federal agents kept track of her entry into the United States and her participation in political demonstrations. Her file notes her public statements regarding global conflicts and her involvement with socialist organizations. The bureau viewed her as a controversial figure whose presence could spark domestic political unrest.

Phyllis Diller

The pioneering stand up comedian and actress had an FBI file that was surprisingly detailed for a performer in her field. Records indicate that she was monitored after her name appeared on a list of donors to an organization under investigation. The bureau tracked her professional appearances and her social circle during the 1960s. This file serves as an example of how the government monitored entertainers for even minor associations with political groups.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

The glamorous socialite and actress was the subject of a multi page file that tracked her numerous marriages and international travels. Investigators were interested in her potential ties to foreign dignitaries and the sources of her significant wealth. The documents detail her interactions with various high profile individuals across several decades. Her lifestyle and celebrity status made her a constant subject of curiosity for federal officials.

Elizabeth Taylor

The legendary star of ‘Cleopatra’ was monitored due to her high profile social life and her involvement in philanthropic causes. Agents kept records of her travels and her associations with other famous figures who were under surveillance. Her file also notes her later advocacy for medical research and her influence on public opinion. Taylor remained one of the most watched celebrities in Hollywood history due to her enduring fame.

Shelley Winters

The two time Academy Award winner was investigated for her involvement in progressive political circles during the Cold War. Her file contains details about her participation in civil rights rallies and her support for various social programs. Agents monitored her professional work and her social associations to look for evidence of communist sympathies. Winters was known for being outspoken and her file reflects her commitment to her beliefs despite government pressure.

Shirley MacLaine

The actress was monitored by federal agents due to her interest in international politics and her frequent travels to China. Her file details her interactions with foreign officials and her public statements regarding global affairs. Investigators were particularly interested in her written works and how she used her platform to discuss non traditional topics. This surveillance continued as she became more involved in domestic political campaigns during the 1970s.

Anna May Wong

The first Chinese American movie star was subject to federal monitoring during the early twentieth century. Her file tracked her international travels between Hollywood and Europe during a time of intense racial scrutiny. Agents documented her professional successes and her efforts to challenge stereotypes in the film industry. This early example of surveillance highlights the government’s focus on the activities of prominent minority performers.

Joan Crawford

The star of ‘Mildred Pierce’ was mentioned in several federal reports that tracked the activities of Hollywood celebrities. While she was not a primary target of a major investigation her social circles were carefully documented by agents. Her file notes her participation in industry events and her connections to other high profile figures. This monitoring was part of a broader effort to maintain a record of influential people in the entertainment world.

Katharine Hepburn

The acclaimed actress was monitored for her progressive political views and her refusal to conform to social norms. Her file details her support for various humanitarian causes and her associations with people considered to be on the political left. Federal agents tracked her speeches and her participation in organizations that promoted social change. Hepburn remained a figure of interest for the bureau throughout the middle of the twentieth century.

Tallulah Bankhead

The outspoken and unconventional actress was the subject of federal interest due to her flamboyant lifestyle and political connections. Her file contains reports on her social activities and her outspoken nature which often challenged public expectations. Agents monitored her friendships with various political figures and her public support for diverse causes. Her unique personality and celebrity status made her a person of interest for several decades.

Myrna Loy

The star of ‘The Thin Man’ was monitored for her dedicated work with the Red Cross and her involvement in anti fascist groups. During World War II she used her fame to support the war effort which caught the attention of federal investigators. Her file details her role in various government programs and her influence on the public during the war years. She was a prominent figure whose patriotism was balanced by a keen interest in social justice.

Greta Garbo

The reclusive Swedish actress was monitored by federal agents during her time in Hollywood due to her international status. Investigators were interested in her potential involvement in intelligence gathering during World War II. Her file contains details about her private life and her interactions with individuals from various European nations. The mystery surrounding her personal life only increased the government’s interest in her activities.

Lana Turner

The star of ‘The Postman Always Rings Twice’ became a subject of federal monitoring during a high profile investigation in the late 1950s. While her file contains some details about her career it focuses heavily on her personal associations and social circle. Agents tracked the events leading up to a famous legal case involving her daughter to ensure no wider criminal activity was present. Her celebrity status ensured that her private life remained a matter of public and federal record.

Ava Gardner

The actress was monitored for her international lifestyle and her associations with high profile figures in Europe and South America. Her file details her travels and her social life during her time living abroad in Spain and Italy. Agents were interested in her connections to various political and social leaders outside of the United States. Her fame and beauty made her a constant subject of interest for investigators tracking Americans overseas.

Olivia de Havilland

The star of ‘Gone with the Wind’ was monitored for her involvement in actor unions and her challenge to the studio system. Her file contains records of her participation in political groups that were active during the 1940s. Investigators tracked her efforts to gain more professional freedom for actors and her support for various social causes. This surveillance was common for performers who sought to change the power dynamics of the film industry.

Ingrid Bergman

The Swedish actress was the subject of federal interest following her controversial departure to Europe and her relationship with Roberto Rossellini. Agents monitored her international travels and her return to the United States after a period of professional exile. Her file details the public reaction to her personal life and how it affected her career in Hollywood. The bureau tracked her as a figure whose private decisions had a significant impact on her public standing.

Mia Farrow

The actress and humanitarian was monitored during her high profile marriage to Frank Sinatra and her later activism. Her file contains details about her travels to India and her involvement in various social justice movements. Investigators were interested in her associations with other activists and her public statements regarding political issues. Farrow remained a person of interest as she shifted her focus from acting to global humanitarian work.

Whoopi Goldberg

The award winning performer had her name appear in federal records related to her involvement in various social justice initiatives during the 1980s. Agents monitored her participation in protests and her support for groups that advocated for racial and economic equality. Her file reflects the bureau’s ongoing interest in celebrities who use their public platform for political purposes. These documents highlight her long history of engagement with community and national issues.

Paulette Goddard

The star of ‘Modern Times’ was investigated for her suspected leftist sympathies and her relationship with Charlie Chaplin. Her file details her participation in political rallies and her associations with individuals who were blacklisted. Agents monitored her career and her travels to see if she was involved in any organized political activity. She remained a person of interest during the height of the Red Scare in Hollywood.

Ruth Roman

The actress known for ‘Strangers on a Train’ was part of the group of performers investigated during the Cold War. Her file contains reports on her attendance at various meetings and her support for social causes. Investigators tracked her professional life and her associations with other actors who were under scrutiny. This monitoring was part of the widespread effort to identify potential communist influence in the film industry.

Gale Sondergaard

The first winner of the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress was a major target of the Hollywood blacklist. Her file is extensive and details her refusal to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Federal agents monitored her activities for years as she was unable to find work in the mainstream film industry. This documentation shows the significant impact that government surveillance could have on a successful acting career.

Florence Eldridge

The actress and wife of Fredric March was monitored for her involvement in various progressive organizations. Her file details her participation in civil rights and anti war activities during the middle of the twentieth century. Agents tracked her speeches and her associations with other artists who were critical of government policies. She and her husband remained figures of interest for federal investigators for several decades.

Dorothy Comingore

The star of ‘Citizen Kane’ saw her career derailed after she was targeted by federal investigators for her political beliefs. Her file contains detailed accounts of her involvement in labor organizing and her support for civil rights. Agents monitored her personal life and her professional opportunities during the height of the blacklist. This surveillance contributed to her being unable to secure major film roles for the remainder of her life.

Marsha Hunt

The actress was blacklisted after her name appeared in ‘Red Channels’ which led to a detailed FBI file on her activities. Investigators monitored her participation in the Committee for the First Amendment and her support for various social causes. Her file details her travels and her efforts to continue her career despite being professionally marginalized. Hunt remained an activist for many years while the government kept a record of her public appearances.

Uta Hagen

The legendary stage actress and teacher was monitored for her political views and her associations with other blacklisted artists. Her file contains reports on her participation in various groups that were considered to be on the political left. Federal agents tracked her career and her influence on the next generation of actors during the Cold War era. Despite the surveillance she remained a highly respected figure in the world of theater.

Kim Hunter

The Academy Award winning actress for ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ was monitored after being identified as a potential communist sympathizer. Her file details her participation in various political organizations and her social associations in New York and Hollywood. Investigators tracked her career closely during the 1950s when she faced professional difficulties due to her political reputation. Her records offer insight into how the bureau monitored successful performers during the Red Scare.

Lee Grant

The actress was blacklisted for over a decade and was the subject of a significant federal investigation. Her file details her refusal to testify against her husband and her continued involvement in social causes. Agents monitored her efforts to find work in theater while she was barred from television and film. This surveillance reflects the intense pressure that was placed on performers to cooperate with government committees during that period.

Anne Revere

The Academy Award winner for ‘National Velvet’ was a prominent figure who was blacklisted after refusing to testify about her political beliefs. Her file contains detailed reports on her involvement in the Screen Actors Guild and her support for various progressive initiatives. Federal agents monitored her for years as she transitioned from film to teaching and theater. Her records show the long term effects of government surveillance on some of the industry’s most talented stars.

Miriam Makeba

The singer and actress who appeared in several films was heavily monitored due to her activism against apartheid. Her file grew significantly following her marriage to Stokely Carmichael and her involvement in the civil rights movement. Agents tracked her international travels and her speeches at the United Nations. The bureau viewed her as a major political figure and monitored her activities across multiple continents for many years.

Tell us which of these secret government files surprised you the most in the comments.