Susan Hayward, a name synonymous with classic Hollywood glamour, lived a life as dramatic as any of her films. Born Edythe Marrener in Brooklyn, she became one of the most celebrated actresses of her time. An Academy Award winner and multiple Oscar nominee, Hayward left an indelible mark on cinema history. Yet, her life was riddled with controversies, challenges, and triumphs that were often stranger than fiction.

One of the most bizarre chapters of her life came when she was allegedly considered for a gender-flipped James Bond role. But beyond that peculiar casting rumor lies a story of resilience, ambition, and survival in an unforgiving industry.

The Early Years: From Brooklyn to Hollywood Stardom

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1917 (although she often claimed it was 1919), Hayward’s humble beginnings were far removed from the glitz of Tinseltown. Her life took a dramatic turn at age eight when a car accident left her with a slight limp—a feature she later transformed into her signature hip-swivel on screen.

Adopting the stage name Susan Hayward, she began her career as a model before auditioning for the iconic role of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind. While she didn’t land the part, this marked the start of her Hollywood journey. By the 1940s, Hayward was transitioning from ingénue roles to more complex characters, such as her Oscar-nominated performance in Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman (1947).

Hollywood’s Golden Girl and an Unconventional “Bond” Idea

In the 1950s, Hayward became one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. She starred in everything from biblical epics like David and Bathsheba (1951) alongside Gregory Peck to musical dramas such as With a Song in My Heart (1952). Her ability to embody emotionally charged characters made her a darling of audiences and critics alike.

However, an unexpected twist in her career surfaced in the late 1950s when producer Gregory Ratoff, frustrated by the lack of suitable male actors for the role of James Bond, reportedly considered Hayward for a female version of the suave spy. Screenwriter Lorenzo Semple later revealed that Ratoff’s suggestion of a “Jane Bond” stemmed from his disdain for the material, viewing it as “unbelievable” and “stupid.”

While the idea never materialized—especially with Ian Fleming retaining veto power over casting—this bizarre anecdote highlights Hayward’s larger-than-life presence in Hollywood. Ultimately, Sean Connery’s casting in 1962’s Dr. No cemented the iconic portrayal of Bond.

A Career Marked by Triumphs and Scandals

Hayward’s professional success often paralleled intense personal struggles. In 1955, her high-profile divorce from actor Jess Barker became tabloid fodder. Accusations of abuse and violent behavior were aired in court as Hayward fought for custody of their twin sons. The stress of the divorce drove her to a suicide attempt via sleeping pills, an incident that made headlines when she was photographed being carried out of her home by police.

Despite her personal turmoil, Hayward’s resilience shone through. She won an Academy Award for her gripping portrayal of convicted murderer Barbara Graham in I Want to Live! (1958). Critics hailed her performance, with The New York Times declaring it a tour de force that left audiences “shivering and shuddering.”

Hollywood Feuds and Controversial Films

Hayward was no stranger to fiery on-set clashes. In 1964, while filming Where Love Has Gone, she famously ripped off Bette Davis’s wig during an argument, calling her a “disgusting old bitch.” This altercation became one of Hollywood’s most notorious feuds.

Her filmography also included the ill-fated The Conqueror (1956), a critical and commercial disaster starring John Wayne as Genghis Khan. Tragically, the film’s production site near nuclear testing grounds exposed the cast and crew to radioactive fallout, with Hayward and Wayne among many who later developed cancer.

Love, Loss, and Reinvention

After her tumultuous first marriage, Hayward found stability with lawyer Floyd Eaton Chalkley, whom she married in 1957. Their union brought her a sense of peace, and she began prioritizing her personal life over her career. However, Chalkley’s sudden death in 1966 devastated her, leading her to retreat further from the spotlight.

By the late 1960s, Hayward had largely stepped away from acting, save for a few roles like the camp classic Valley of the Dolls (1967), where she played the ruthless diva Helen Lawson. Her decision to embrace Catholicism and a quieter life marked a stark contrast to her earlier years of fame and scandal.

A Tragic End: The Legacy of Susan Hayward

Hayward was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1972, a condition many attribute to her exposure during the filming of The Conqueror. Despite undergoing treatment, she succumbed to the disease in 1975 at the age of 57.

Her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and fearless actresses endures. Whether playing a nightclub singer, a biblical queen, or a wrongly accused convict, Hayward brought authenticity and intensity to every role. Her life off-screen, filled with triumphs and tragedies, only added to her mystique.

Susan Hayward’s Remarkable Story: Beyond the Spotlight

Susan Hayward’s journey from a Brooklyn girl to an Academy Award-winning actress epitomizes resilience. Her story reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable challenges—tabloid scandals, feuds with legends, and battles with illness—it’s possible to rise above and leave an unforgettable legacy.

Though the idea of her as “Jane Bond” seems like a whimsical footnote, it underscores her undeniable star power. Hayward may never have played 007, but her life and career proved she was every bit as daring, complex, and unforgettable as any secret agent.