Peggy Fears: contrary to her surname, a confident stalwart of the stage and a fearless lover

Peggy Fears as Gaby Aimee in ‘Lottery Lover’ 1935. Photo: Fox Film Corporation

Born on 1 June 1903, Peggy Fears left her native New Orleans around 1916 and swiftly made her mark as a renowned Ziegfeld showgirl and Broadway luminary. Whilst tangible evidence of her work is scant, she did notably appear in the 1935 Hollywood production 'Lottery Lover' alongside Lew Ayers and Pat Paterson. She is widely surmised to have partook in various lesbian dalliances, notably with fellow actresses Tedi Thurman and Louise Brooks. This facet of her life found voice in an interview with Ms. Brooks herself in the year 1971. Let it be known, the discussion of this lady's proclivities is not intended for censure or scorn; nay, to the contrary.

Acknowledging the risk of appearing pedantic or condescending, as an unorthodox straight white man largely unimpressed with and holding little tolerance for other men and their various idiocies, I find myself compelled to laud those throughout history who dared to stray from the beaten path and spurn the petty expectations of society. Verily, I hold in high regard those who carve their own courses, think freely, and pursue their passions sans yielding to the dictates of the masses, even if in subtle and subversive manners. Peggy Fears, Louise Brooks, and their ilk from days of yore epitomize this ethos of personal autonomy and defiance against societal norms. Peggy Fears did indeed live a long life, being granted merciful release from this rotten planet at the age of 91 on 24 August 1994.

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