Harry Belafonte (1927-2023)

As a stage talent Harry Belafonte was a tremendously gifted artist, arguably one of the greatest actors of his generation. But as we celebrate his entertainment career and civil rights advocacy, we should remember, at least on a page devoted to the life of Inger Stevens, that the icon was also an imperfect man capable of poor decision-making and hurtful actions. It was the imperfect man that Inger fell in love with on the set of The World, The Flesh, and The Devil in the spring and fall of 1958. During their romance, Harry even met Inger’s mother Lisbet in Sweden, inviting Lisbet backstage where he kissed her hand and bowed to her after a concert. At the time, Inger was a young, single woman isolated in New York City, a city that held traumatic memories for her. Harry had recently married (his second, to Julie Robinson in 1957) and had a new baby at home. 

Inger told friends that Harry promised to leave his wife and marry her. She was devastated when Harry suddenly withdrew from her and his promise following the end of filming in November. In December, a shattered Inger embarked on a busy, multi-city tour to promote The Buccaneer. Though she put on a brave face and a big smile during the contractually-obligated promotion, a photo taken in frigid Minnesota on December 6 captures Inger’s sadness. 

Inger on December 6, 1958

Less than a month later, as others celebrated a new year of new opportunities, Inger attempted to take her own life. Though she didn’t publicly divulge his name, Inger, after recovering from the attempt, did tell the press that hopelessness and loneliness following a failed romance were to blame. Privately, Inger confirmed that the failed romance was with Harry. How disappointing it was then, in 2011, to read Harry’s autobiography and find that he wrote nothing about his romance or even a close friendship with Inger after all these years. A paragraph or two naming Inger as his costar with a few details about the frustrations he had with the movie’s script was all that he shared. 

As a blog dedicated to sharing the truth of Inger’s life, we would be remiss to exclude her personal connection to Harry. Inger was the first person to admit her own flaws and mistakes. She also knew that being labeled a star could be a tricky thing. In 1964, Inger said, “What is a movie star? I have never really known what a movie star is. I know what a star in the heavens is, but not a movie star. The star I think of is the one who has a lot of french poodles that surround her and keep her from functioning as a human being. The work is what should count.” 

Let’s count Harry’s talented work and many contributions, but burying the reality that he functioned as a flawed human being (hurting Inger and others along the way) benefits no one. This week also marks the 53rd anniversary of Inger’s tragic passing, on April 30. As you remember Harry this week, we hope you’ll also remember the often unremembered Inger and the considerable life she lived in her brief years on earth.