Bette Davis’ Favorite Things

I recently had the opportunity to hear one of Bette Davis’ longtime personal assistants speak at the DTLA city library — she had some fascinating stories about this icon of the Golden Age — or “Miss D” as she affectionately referred to her.

During the Q&A I asked her about a few of Ms. Davis’ favorite things, and I wanted to make sure to update an old post to reflect what I learned. So, as always, below are a few of her favorite things, along with a story or two about why she loved them. 

Enjoy!

A Few of Her Favorite Things: Bette Davis

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Givenchy Le De

Bette Davis fans on Amazon are known to buy this just to channel the iconic star via her favorite fragrance.

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QUEEN ELIZABETH

Bette Davis had an extensive library — and one of her subjects was the beloved Queen. Think you aren’t a historical fiction fan? Try Jean Plaidy.

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Yellow Roses

Her favorite color was yellow, and any potential courters knew to give her roses of the same color.

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Dark Victory

I feel that it is important to know what actresses and actors feel is their own best performance… what they liked themselves best in. And for Bette, this was it. If you haven't seen it already, be ready for a powerful tour-de-force.

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Spencer Tracy

At the San Sebastian Film Festival, Bette told an adoring audience that she wished she had been able to make a film with Spencer Tracy.

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Potatoes

About potatoes, she once said, "I've always adored them more than caviar! For years, I was called 'Spuds.'"

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Gardenias

Gardenias -- another of her favorite flowers -- covered her casket at her funeral.

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Greta Garbo

About Greta Garbo, Bette said, "Her instinct, her mastery over the machine [camera], was pure witchcraft."

Curious to know the favorite things of some of your other favorite actresses from the Golden Age of Hollywood? From Audrey Hepburn’s favorite food, to Grace Kelly’s favorite poem, or Marilyn Monroe’s iconic red lipstick, I’ve done the work for you and gathered it all in one place. So what are you waiting for? Channel a bit of Hollywood starlight for your next party or maybe just for your next night out on the town.

Enjoyed this story about Bette Davis? Continue your Classic Hollywood journey!

Several notes in the spirit of doing the right thing... Bette Davis didn't necessarily endorse any of the products listed here, but based upon my research I do believe she really loved these things. That said, if you buy from any of the links included above rather than going straight to the vendor site from Google or another search engine, I may get a portion of your purchase at no cost to you.