40 years after Mommie Dearest, it’s time to reconsider the truth behind the actress’s complex legacy

Faye Dunaway, an Oscar-winning actress, has spent much of her career battling a powerful myth that has overshadowed her brilliance: the label of being “difficult.” Often associated with tales of feuds, tantrums, and eccentric demands, this narrative has lingered throughout her career, particularly linked to her notorious performance in Mommie Dearest (1981). Forty years after the film’s release, it remains polarising, with some seeing it as a committed and extreme portrayal of Joan Crawford, while others view it as an over-the-top misstep. Dunaway’s reputation has long been tangled with this myth, despite her undeniable contributions to cinema.

In her 1995 autobiography Looking for Gatsby, Dunaway opens up about her experiences in the film industry, writing with the same raw intensity that characterised her acting. “You’re damned lucky to ever get out alive,” she says about life in Hollywood, an industry rife with pressure, misogyny, and exploitation. Her personal and professional life has often been shaped by the clash of her ambition and the expectations placed upon women in the public eye. She reflects on how the label “difficult” is unfairly applied to women, while men are often praised for the same behaviours. “A label I dislike: ‘difficult,’” Dunaway writes, suggesting that “perfectionist” might be a more accurate term. As a woman who demanded excellence, she felt that her drive was often misinterpreted, especially when compared to the more acceptable behaviour of her male counterparts.

Dunaway’s early career was filled with iconic roles that showcased her immense talent and influence on cinema, particularly in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Chinatown (1974), and Network (1976). Her portrayal of Bonnie Parker, the ambitious bank robber, cemented her place in Hollywood history, while her intense performances in Chinatown and Network became benchmarks for dramatic roles in cinema. Her characters often blended glamour with wildness, creating unforgettable portrayals that still resonate today. Yet, behind this professional success, Dunaway’s personal reputation was being shaped by public incidents, some of which have since become infamous.

Her clash with directors such as Roman Polanski on Chinatown has been well-documented, with both parties offering conflicting accounts of the tensions on set. Dunaway has been accused of being difficult, while Polanski’s treatment of her has been described as cruel and manipulative. In her book, she recounts how she clashed with men who expected women to be passive and submissive, a trait she was unwilling to adopt. “He had a taste that ran to young, malleable girls,” Dunaway writes about Polanski, adding that her independence and strong opinions made her a target. The legend of Dunaway throwing a cup of urine at Polanski during the filming of Chinatown only added to her notorious image, although she has repeatedly dismissed this as a ridiculous urban myth.

Despite these controversies, there is another side to Dunaway that has often been overlooked: her professionalism and commitment to her craft. Producer Rik Hall and filmmaker David Howard, who worked with Dunaway on the 2007 film Flick, recall her as a dedicated and hardworking actress. In stark contrast to her diva reputation, Dunaway showed a deep respect for the filmmaking process, treating everyone on set with kindness and staying committed to her role. Hall recalls her being meticulous about the lighting and framing of shots, never asking for special treatment, but always pushing for the highest standards on screen. “She’s aware of her image and being a star and maintaining that image,” Hall says, “but she doesn’t have an ego about herself.”

The complex legacy of Faye Dunaway challenges us to reconsider the myths that have defined her career. While she may have had her moments of volatility, these stories shouldn’t overshadow her vast talent and the immense impact she had on Hollywood and popular culture. Rather than fixating on the drama that has often surrounded her, it’s time to recognise Dunaway for what she truly is: a brilliant, determined actor whose influence has shaped cinema in profound ways. Her story, like the best movie stars, is one of contradictions, but it’s these contradictions that have made her an unforgettable icon.