In this exclusive excerpt from Lois Banner's new biography of the silent star, we delve into Greta Garbo's intriguing romantic entanglements with both acting coach Salka Viertel and glamorous writer Mercedes de Acosta during the early 1930s.
Greta Garbo's Hollywood journey began in her native Sweden, catapulting her to stardom after her move in 1925. Initially, she was romantically involved with her frequent co-star and acting coach, John Gilbert. However, by the early 1930s, their relationship had ended, leaving Garbo to navigate her flourishing career without an acting coach.
In April 1930, at a gathering hosted by director Ernst Lubitsch, Garbo encountered Salka Viertel, a Berlin stage actress. Salka, sixteen years Garbo's senior, made a lasting impression with her sharp and objective opinions. A successful actress in Berlin, Salka had moved to Hollywood in 1928 with her husband and three sons. Despite her success in Berlin, Hollywood deemed her "too old" and "not beautiful enough" for leading roles.
Salka's sensual charm attracted attention, and her romantic involvements included affairs with Hollywood figures like Oliver Garrett and Gottfried Reinhardt. The Viertels had an open marriage, and Salka's connection with Gottfried extended beyond romance—he often lived in her home and assumed a husband-like role.
The friendship between Garbo and Salka deepened through Sunday get-togethers, hillside hikes, and nude morning swims. Their discussions spanned films, theater, literature, and personal lives. Both harbored a desire to return to Europe but felt constrained by career commitments and family dependencies.
Salka's influence on Garbo was profound. Fred Zinnemann, later a renowned Hollywood director, described Salka as generous and opinionated, asserting her dominance over Garbo. Garbo, in turn, provided Salka with a newfound career—writing screenplays and serving as an acting coach. Salka actively contributed to scripts for Garbo's films, solidifying her role in shaping the star's cinematic narrative.
Despite the close bond and Garbo's abiding love for Salka, the latter remained uncertain about her feelings towards the iconic actress. The complexities of their relationship unfolded against the backdrop of Hollywood's glittering landscape in the 1930s, weaving a tale of passion, friendship, and professional collaboration.
