Hollywood Rivals

The creative forces behind Star Wars and Star Trek are each unique, building entirely different universes that could be explored for decades. Despite differences in story and competitive fandoms, the two sci-fi sagas have each contributed to the other's popularity and success.

Joan Crawford and Bette Davis fought for the spotlight in Hollywood on and off-screen. Both women worked at the same studio for some time, and they eventually teamed up for a gothic horror film that would revitalize their fading careers. Although they didn't get along, they had both achieved the highest possible stardom in Hollywood, rightfully becoming immortals of the silver screen.

James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart had drastically different upbringings, but, once they entered the world of Hollywood, their paths aligned similarly. Though willing to stretch the boundaries with acting, these men secured their legendary tough guy acts throughout their extensive careers.

Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton were two of the most well-known comedians of the silent film era, but their styles were drastically different. Chaplin's characters were often overly sentimental and had a ballet-like fluidity, while Keaton's style favored outright falling and the use of complex mechanics. Both men made a lasting impact on the motion picture industry.

Bruce Willis and Mel Gibson were similar in many ways, as both were class clowns in school, hit it big early in their careers, and headlined successful movie franchises that brought fresh concepts to action films. The popular male archetype portrayed on screen was revolutionized by Willis and Gibson, as they had no problems taking on roles that tapped into their sensitive sides.

Native New Yorkers Al Pacino and Robert De Niro independently garnered praise that dubbed them as two of the most talented actors of their time. However, their apparent similarities have created a Hollywood rivalry between these two masters of their craft.

While Schwarzenegger achieved renown as a bodybuilder, Stallone suffered rejection and homelessness as a struggling writer and actor. Though they lived worlds apart, both men would conquer the 80s action genre.

After gaining notoriety as the man who played Dracula, Bela Lugosi turned down the role of Frankenstein's Monster. But when the part is turned over to rising star Boris Karloff, it seems that he may have created his own biggest rival.

Both Reynolds and Eastwood received harsh criticism when they auditioned for the same role. Though they found individual opportunities to make their way in Hollywood, their rivalry would follow them for years.

As a kid, Sinatra aspired to follow in Crosby's footsteps, but as he emerged from his shadow, Crosby's career began to wane. Over the years, the two beloved crooners would both battle and collaborate as they vied for fame in the ever-fickle world of music, film, and television.

Frankie Avalon and Fabian had remarkably similar careers from the start. After Avalon's own producers signed Fabian, both Philadelphia natives struggled, not only for fame, but for their own individual creative voices.

Whereas Astaire made himself known for his unique approach to tap and ballroom dance, Kelly struggled on the sidelines with his more athletic approach to ballet. Comparisons from critics caused the men to respond to one another's steps in new and ground-breaking ways.

Hooded eyelids and a sensual air are both defining characteristics of Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich, and they became known as two of the most glamorous actresses of their time. But despite their shared history as foreign actresses, they often found themselves at odds with one another.

Silver screen stars Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine cultivated a toxic off-screen animosity that was well-known throughout Hollywood. But their rivalry began very early on in life, as the two actresses were real-life sisters.

With tremendous talent and on-camera sex appeal, both Rita Hayworth and Betty Grable thrived as triple threat stars and pinups during World War II. Their rivalry would become immortalized by their wartime photographs, as both women decked the walls of army barracks as the most popular pin-ups.