Hedda Hopper was one of the most influential and controversial figures in Hollywood history. She was a gossip columnist who had a readership of 35 million people at the height of her fame. She was also a staunch supporter of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and the Hollywood blacklist, which ruined the careers of many actors, writers, and directors who were accused of being communists or sympathizers.
But how did Hedda Hopper die? What was the cause of death of the woman who had so much power and influence over the entertainment industry? Here is what we know.
Pneumonia: The Final Blow
According to NNDB, Hedda Hopper died of pneumonia on February 1, 1966, at the age of 80. She passed away in her home in Hollywood, California, surrounded by her family and friends. Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other organisms. Pneumonia can be fatal, especially for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, or people with chronic conditions.
A Long History of Illness
Hedda Hopper’s cause of death was not entirely unexpected. She had been suffering from various health problems for years before her demise. According to Turner Classic Movies, she had a heart attack in 1959, which forced her to slow down her work pace. She also had arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure. She underwent several surgeries, including a gallbladder removal and a mastectomy.
A Legacy of Scandal and Controversy
Hedda Hopper’s death marked the end of an era in Hollywood. She was one of the most powerful and feared gossip columnists in the industry, along with her rival Louella Parsons. She had a reputation for being ruthless, vindictive, and unscrupulous in her pursuit of scoops and scandals. She often used her column to promote her political views, which were conservative and anti-communist. She was a vocal supporter of the HUAC hearings and the Hollywood blacklist, which targeted many celebrities who were suspected of having communist ties or sympathies. She also exposed many personal secrets and affairs of stars, such as Charlie Chaplin, Ingrid Bergman, Orson Welles, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Hedda Hopper’s cause of death may have been pneumonia, but her legacy lives on in the history and culture of Hollywood. She was a woman who wielded immense power and influence over the entertainment industry, for better or for worse. She was loved by some, hated by many, but never ignored by anyone.
