Hollywood has seen its fair share of scandals, blacklists, and comebacks, but few stories are as remarkable as Lee Grant’s. Once one of the most promising young actresses of the 1950s, she was blacklisted from Hollywood for 12 years, forcing her career to come to a screeching halt. To reclaim her place in the industry, she underwent a facelift—a bold move at the time—and eventually made a triumphant comeback.
Now, in her 90s, Grant is happily married to a younger husband and continues to defy expectations. Her story is one of resilience, talent, and the fight for justice in an industry that tried to erase her. Let’s take a deep dive into the fascinating life of Lee Grant.
Lee Grant’s Rise to Stardom in 1950s Hollywood
Born Lyova Haskell Rosenthal in 1925, Lee Grant was destined for greatness. She trained at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and quickly established herself as a talented performer.
Her breakthrough came in 1951, when she starred in the critically acclaimed film Detective Story alongside Kirk Douglas. Her performance as a shoplifter earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her one of the most talked-about young actresses in Hollywood. It seemed like she had the world at her feet—but Hollywood had other plans.
The Hollywood Blacklist: A Career Destroyed Overnight
At the height of her career, Grant found herself caught in the anti-communist hysteria of the 1950s. The infamous Hollywood blacklist, fueled by Senator Joseph McCarthy’s “Red Scare,” targeted actors, writers, and directors suspected of having communist ties.
Grant’s downfall came when she publicly spoke out against the blacklisting of her husband, playwright Arnold Manoff, who had been accused of communist sympathies. As a result, she was branded a “dangerous leftist” and banned from working in Hollywood for 12 years.
For more than a decade, she was shut out of major films and television, forced to take on theater roles and occasional work under pseudonyms. The blacklist not only destroyed careers—it ruined lives, and Grant was one of its many victims.
The Facelift That Helped Her Make a Comeback
By the time the blacklist was lifted in the 1960s, Grant was eager to reclaim her career. However, she faced a harsh reality—Hollywood had moved on, and the industry was notoriously unforgiving to actresses over 30.
Determined to compete with younger stars, she made a bold decision to get a facelift. At the time, plastic surgery was taboo, especially in Hollywood. But for Grant, it was a necessary step to reinvent herself and prove she still had what it took.
Her transformation worked. She landed roles in hit films and TV shows, and her talent once again took center stage. The woman Hollywood had tried to erase was back—and stronger than ever.
Winning an Oscar and Rebuilding Her Legacy
In the 1970s, Grant made one of the greatest comebacks in Hollywood history. She starred in acclaimed films such as:
- In the Heat of the Night (1967)
- Plaza Suite (1971)
- The Landlord (1970)
Her performance in Shampoo (1975) won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, proving that she was not just a survivor—she was a star.
But Grant didn’t stop at acting. She became a successful director, focusing on documentary films that highlighted social issues, particularly those affecting women. Her work behind the camera further cemented her legacy as an artist with a powerful voice and vision.
Finding Love and Happiness with a Younger Husband
Grant’s personal life has been just as fascinating as her career. After divorcing Arnold Manoff, she found love again with Joseph Feury, a film and television producer who is several years younger than her.
Despite Hollywood’s obsession with youth, Grant never let age define her happiness. She and Feury have been together for decades, proving that love doesn’t follow societal expectations. Now in her 90s, Grant enjoys a life filled with passion, creativity, and the support of a loving partner.
Lee Grant’s Influence on Hollywood and Women in Film
Grant’s journey is more than just a Hollywood comeback story—it’s a testament to strength, resilience, and breaking barriers. She used her platform to:
- Fight against blacklisting and censorship in the entertainment industry.
- Advocate for women’s rights, both on and off the screen.
- Direct films that shed light on important social issues, including feminism and poverty.
Her willingness to speak out, reinvent herself, and never give up has inspired generations of actresses who followed in her footsteps.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten
Lee Grant’s life is a masterclass in perseverance, courage, and reinvention. From being blacklisted for 12 years to winning an Oscar and finding lasting love, she has proven that no obstacle is insurmountable.
Her story reminds us that Hollywood may be unforgiving, but true talent and determination always find a way back to the spotlight. Today, Grant stands as a living legend, a woman who refused to be silenced, and a star whose brilliance continues to shine.
