10 70s Celebrity Feuds You Didn’t Know Existed

The 1970s were a colorful decade, not only for music, film, and fashion, but also for some unforgettable clashes between famous faces. While some feuds were headline-grabbing, others played out behind the scenes, revealing the tension, competition, and personality clashes that often simmer in Hollywood. Here are ten surprising celebrity feuds from the 70s that you might not have known about.

1. John Lennon vs. Paul McCartney

The Beatles’ breakup in 1970 was one of the most publicized splits in music history, and tensions between John Lennon and Paul McCartney quickly followed. After years of collaboration, the two iconic musicians began airing their grievances through interviews and even in their song lyrics.

Each blamed the other for the band’s split, and their public bickering played out in the media. Lennon’s song “How Do You Sleep?” is famously thought to target McCartney, showing the bitterness that had built up between the two former bandmates.

2. Bette Davis vs. Joan Crawford

Though their famous feud started in the 1960s, it simmered well into the 70s. Bette Davis and Joan Crawford’s rivalry was legendary, and their disdain for each other only grew with time. The two actresses reportedly clashed over roles, awards, and on-set behavior.

When Crawford died in 1977, Davis reportedly said she “wouldn’t say anything bad about the dead” but “only good. Joan Crawford is dead… good.” Their rivalry remains one of Hollywood’s most infamous, illustrating the lengths two stars might go to outshine each other.

3. Marlon Brando vs. Frank Sinatra

Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra’s feud began on the set of Guys and Dolls, and their dislike for each other lasted into the 70s. Brando, known for his method acting, clashed with Sinatra, who preferred a quick, no-nonsense approach to filming and acting.

The tension was so thick that their scenes were often tense and uncomfortable, capturing the underlying animosity. Their vastly different personalities and work styles clashed in a way that left a lasting impact on their relationship, with neither ever warming up to the other.

4. Debbie Reynolds vs. Elizabeth Taylor

Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor had a famously bitter feud that revolved around betrayal and heartbreak. Taylor married Reynolds’ husband, Eddie Fisher, just after Reynolds and Fisher’s split, turning a private conflict into a public scandal that dominated headlines.

Reynolds was understandably hurt, and it took years for her to reconcile with Taylor. By the 70s, they had patched things up, but their feud remains one of the most talked-about love triangles of the era, symbolizing the pressures and heartbreaks of celebrity relationships.

5. Diana Ross vs. Mary Wilson

Diana Ross and Mary Wilson were part of the Supremes, one of the most successful female groups of all time. However, behind the scenes, tension brewed as Ross was elevated to center stage, creating resentment within the group. Wilson reportedly felt sidelined as Ross’s fame overshadowed her.

The feud became so intense that Wilson later recounted the rivalry in her memoir, giving fans a glimpse into the discord within the group. The tension eventually led to the Supremes’ breakup, and both women pursued separate careers afterward, with Ross finding enormous solo success.

6. Chevy Chase vs. Bill Murray

Chevy Chase and Bill Murray’s feud started on the set of Saturday Night Live, where the two comedians had a tense confrontation during Chase’s guest appearance in 1978. Although both were known for their comedy, they reportedly clashed due to their different styles and personalities.

The feud escalated into a backstage brawl, and while they eventually worked together on Caddyshack, their rivalry was far from over. Chase and Murray’s tension marked one of SNL’s first major cast conflicts, setting the stage for future showdowns among the show’s comedians.

7. Lucille Ball vs. Desi Arnaz

While Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s marriage ended in the early 60s, their conflict extended into the 70s as they continued to work together professionally. Their love story was complex, with lingering tensions from their split and contrasting personalities making each interaction challenging.

Ball’s strong work ethic and Arnaz’s carefree lifestyle often clashed, leading to conflict even after their divorce. Despite their differences, they remained close, working together on The Lucy Show, though their on-and-off disagreements added strain to their professional lives.

8. Burt Reynolds vs. Clint Eastwood

Burt Reynolds and Clint Eastwood reportedly had a competitive feud in the 70s, stemming from their desire for top roles in Hollywood. Both actors had rugged personas, but when they auditioned for similar roles, the rivalry became apparent, as each wanted to be the leading man.

Their competition occasionally led to tense moments, with each trying to outshine the other. Eastwood’s steady rise to action stardom and Reynolds’ comedic charm often put them at odds, though each found lasting success in their own way.

9. Ali MacGraw vs. Steve McQueen

Ali MacGraw and Steve McQueen’s tumultuous relationship was marked by tension and clashes. After MacGraw left her husband, producer Robert Evans, to be with McQueen, the two stars’ passion quickly turned into frustration and friction. Their personalities often clashed, leading to a rocky marriage.

McQueen’s need for control reportedly conflicted with MacGraw’s independent spirit, resulting in a relationship filled with arguments and misunderstandings. Although their love was intense, the tensions ultimately proved too much, and they divorced in the late 70s, leaving fans surprised by the split.