8 Enduring Celebrity Myths ...

Lyndsie

Celebrity gossip has reached incredible, epic proportions over the last few years. It's tempting to think it was never as bad as it is now, but there have always been myths and misconceptions about the stars who shine the brightest. The cast of Bright Young Things changes, but even after a star isn't at the height of popularity anymore, their juiciest myths remain in the vaults of pulp culture. I've always been curious about the most enduring celebrity myths, where they come from … and if there's any truth to them.

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1. Richard Gere

Richard Gere Image source: imstars.aufeminin.com

Richard Gere is the butt – if you'll pardon the pun – of what is probably the most enduring celebrity myth ever. Richard and the gerbil. It's become an urban legend by now, and it's spawned I don't know how many jokes and spoofs by now. Is it true? While it's probably highly unlikely, nobody really knows. No interview has ever asked Richard, and he's never volunteered any information himself.

2. Marilyn Manson's Wonder Years

Marilyn Manson's Wonder Years Image source: i1100.photobucket.com

This one is so old, it's been dealt with a million times, and yet it still persists! I can kind of understand it, though. The irony of thinking that Marilyn Manson went from playing dorky, brainy, perfectly average Paul Pfeiffer, second banana to Kevin Arnold, grew up to become such a crazy shock rocker is perfect delicious – but it's also totally unfounded. I, for one, am glad. I don't really have anything against Manson, but don't mess with The Wonder Years.

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3. Marisa Tomei's Accidental Oscar

Marisa Tomei's Accidental Oscar Image source: 1.bp.blogspot.com

Marisa Tomei is actually more popular now than she's ever been, and once you hear about this enduring celebrity myth, you might be surprised. See, Marisa won an Oscar for her role in My Cousin Vinny – yeah, I know. I mean, it was great, but Oscar great? Nobody believed it. Some people say that presenter Jack Palance made a mistake because he couldn't read the actual winner's name (everyone believes Vanessa Redgrave deserved it that year), that he was maybe under the influence, and even that he had a crush.

4. Walt Disney is a Popsicle

Walt Disney is a Popsicle Image source: data.whicdn.com

The cryogenically frozen Disney pop! I've been hearing this one for years – and, in fact, it's been around since Walt passed on, back in 1966. Even Disney biographers have encouraged this myth. However, the fact is there doesn't seem to be any truth to it. I kind of hope there's not. I mean, you hear a lot of dirt about Walt's proclivities...

5. Mama Cass's Ham Sandwich

Mama Cass's Ham Sandwich Image source: userserve-ak.last.fm

Being a huge fan of Mama Cass, I've always abhorred the rumor that she died choking to death on a ham sandwich. It's like that final nose-thumb at someone, and for what? Weight? That's sad! In truth, Cass Elliott died of a heart attack. It was no doubt related to her weight, but it was also due to her years of drug abuse. The rumor comes from the fact that authorities found a partially eaten ham sandwich on the table beside the bed.

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6. Mr. Mojo Rising Lives

Mr. Mojo Rising Lives Image source: data.whicdn.com

The belief that Elvis is still alive is one prevailing celebrity rumor, but the alleged death of Jim Morrison is even more popular. The thing is, no one is really sure how Jim actually died, his death certificate is a little strange, and perhaps most compelling, he never really became tabloid fodder like Elvis. Hey, the Lizard King often talked about faking his own death, so it's possible that people will go on wondering – even after he could have conceivably died of old age.

7. Anna Wintour Loves Bob Marley

Anna Wintour Loves Bob Marley Image source: lgbtweekly.com

What makes Anna Wintour so surly? Why does she hardly ever smile? If you believe the endless rumor, it's because Bob Marley broke her heart. It's alleged that, once upon a time in the '70s, she spent a week holed up with Marley when he came to town. She's denied it ever since, but close friends still claim that when she met Mr. One Love, she acted as if she, like Justin Taylor, had seen the face of God.

8. Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn

Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn Photo Credit: captnyro

The last enduring celebrity myth is about two great people, who were arguably great for each other: Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. The myth itself? That Tracy was gay, Hepburn was a lesbian, and they played beards for one another. Uhm, what? Many biographers and interviewers – and family members and random people – have chimed in to say yea, nay, or maybe, but the most conclusive evidence so far seems to point to the fact that Katharine herself was kind of asexual … and Spencer was likely gay. And you know what? It doesn't matter either way, 'cause they were still the cat's pajamas.

I'm positive there are lots more enduring celebrity myths floating around out there, but these are some of the longest lasting and/or most popular. Some of them are so incredibly crazy, you have to wonder how they ever got started in the first place. Are there any big star related myths that you particularly remember?

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