William Haines Paintings

William Haines was born on January 2, 1900, in Staunton, Virginia, USA. He rose to fame as a silent film actor during the 1920s and became one of the biggest box-office stars of the era. Haines was known for his roles in films such as 'Little Annie Rooney' (1925) and 'Show People' (1928), which showcased his comedic talents and charismatic screen presence. Beyond his on-screen work, Haines was also noted for his personal life, particularly his relationship with his partner, Jimmie Shields, in a time when homosexuality was not publicly accepted. Despite his successful film career, Haines faced significant challenges due to his refusal to hide his homosexuality. In the early 1930s, MGM, the studio he was under contract with, presented him with an ultimatum to enter into a lavender marriage to mask his sexual orientation. Haines chose his relationship with Shields over his career, leading to the end of his acting career around 1933. Following his departure from Hollywood, Haines and Shields transitioned into a highly successful interior design business. Their clients included some of Hollywood's biggest names, and their work was known for its elegant and comfortable style. Haines' second career proved to be as influential in the design world as his film career had been in Hollywood. William Haines passed away on December 26, 1973, in Santa Monica, California, leaving behind a legacy that broke barriers both in cinema and in the acceptance of LGBTQ individuals in the public eye.