“I think the main problem with my Hollywood marriages was the really overwhelming obligation I felt to my career. I was an actress first, a wife second; I worked almost constantly and even when I wasn’t working there was that image thing of looking like a star, conducting myself like a star. I don’t think it’s easy for any man to take a backseat to a situation like that, and I didn’t try to make it easier for them. I just went ahead like a bulldozer. I’m afraid I was a very selfish woman.
As for being a mother- I wish you’d ask my children. I’m aware that there were times when I didn’t pay enough attention to them, and times when I was too strict. I expected them to appreciate their advantages, the things they had as children that I hadn’t had, but in Hollywood that’s hard to do. If we, as adults couldn’t find reality, how could they? Anyway, despite certain problems we’ve had I loved them and do, and I think they loved me, and do. But you’ll have to ask them.”
Joan Crawford
