HEDDA HOPPER

May 2, 1885

Hedda Hopper was born Elda Furry in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She became one of Hollywood’s most powerful and influential columnists. She appeared on “I Love Lucy” and “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.” Among her hundreds of films as an actress, she did two with Lucille Ball: Bunker Bean (1936) and That’s Right – You’re Wrong (1939). Hopper was best known for her flamboyant hats. She was also a well known conservative, Republican, and staunch supporter of blacklisting suspected communists. 

In films and television, Hopper has been portrayed by such actors as (clockwise from top left): Helen Mirren (Trumbo), Tilda Swinton (Hail, Caesar!), Jane Alexander (Malice in Wonderland), Judy Davis (“Feud”), Fiona Shaw (RKO 281), Katherine Helmond (Liz: The Elizabeth Taylor Story), and (not pictured) Holly Kaplan (Netflix’s Hollywood).  

Hopper and Ball were friends, although her dedication to her profession often tested that friendship. 

Lucy knew it was best to keep the Hollywood press on her side – even against unlikely odds. Hopper, for example, named names during the hunt for communists in the 1950s. Lucille Ball was one of those who were named – although not specifically by Hopper – nearly ending her career. 

Talking About Hedda…

In 1952’s “The Gossip” (ILL S1;E24) Lucy calls Ricky and Fred “Hedda and Lolly” after hearing them indulge in gossip about the Tropicana hat check girl. Lolly refers to Hopper’s chief competition, gossip columnist Louella Parsons. 

Lucy reads in Hedda Hopper’s column that Rock Hudson is “In Palm Springs” (ILL S4;E26) resting up after a personal appearance tour for his latest film ‘Captain Lightfoot’ (1955).

In “Lucy Becomes a Reporter” (TLS S1;E17) Viv calls Lucy ‘Louella’, a reference to gossip columnist Louella Parsons. Later in the episode, Lucy  invokes the name of Parsons’ chief rival, Hedda Hopper.

Hedda On Camera…

Lucille Ball and Hedda Hopper both appeared in the 1936 motion picture Bunker Bean, also starring Owen Davis Jr. and Louise Lattimer.  

in 1939, Lucy and Hedda were both in That’s Right – Your’re Wrong starring Kay Kyser. Hedda played herself – something she would do for most of her subsequent screen appearances, despite her roots as an actress.

“The Hedda Hopper Story” (ILL S4;E21) ~ March 14, 1955

Lucy comes up with an elaborate plan to get into Hopper’s column and get some much-needed publicity for Ricky. Little do they know that Lucy’s mother has invited her over for tea.

Ricky:“Mother, darling.  Why didn’t you tell us it was Hedda Hooper?”
Mrs. McGillicuddy:“You didn’t ask me!”

“Lucy Takes a Cruise To Havana” part of “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour” ~ November 6, 1957 

Hopper visits the Ricardos in their Westport home to get a story on how they first met. This sets up the flashback to the cruise to Havana. Desi insisted the first installment be 75 minutes instead of an hour. Consequently, in syndication, Hopper’s opening scene was often cut to make the episode fit the time slot. 

Little Ricky: “How do you do, Miss Hepper!”

“The Desilu Revue” part of The Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse ~ December 25, 1959 

Sixteen of the Desilu Workshop actors join the “I Love Lucy” cast in creating a holiday special. The show aired on Christmas Day 1959 and featured Hedda Hopper as well as many other stars working on the Desilu lot. Hopper arrives at the Playhouse to do a story on the ‘kids’ in the show, and compliments their  Christmas tree: 

Hedda Hopper:“It would make a stunning hat!”

“Hedda Hopper’s Hollywood” ~ January 10, 1960

Throughout the hour-long special named after her newspaper column, Hopper is never in the same frame with the celebrities. Rather, she introduces ‘talking heads’ segments and uses voice-over narration to link them together.  Lucille Ball appears on the Desilu lot, talking about the Desilu Playhouse. 

Hedda Hopper died on February 1, 1966 at age 80.