When Lee Grant was placed on the notorious McCarthy-era blacklist in the 1950s due to her affiliation with her first husband, Arnold Manoff, her ascent in Hollywood came to a sudden end. The young actress, who had just received praise from critics for Detective Story (1951), had her promising career ruined—not because of anything she did, but because she refused to tell investigators about other people. Despite being prohibited from movies and television for a full twelve years, Grant remained steadfast in her beliefs, later declaring, “I certainly was not going to give names in order to work.”
Professionally, Grant was silenced, but he refused to disappear. She eventually regained her independence and career after leaving a repressive marriage. She made a spectacular return in 1965 with Peyton Place, a performance that won her an Emmy and paved the way for other well-known parts. Her impressive performances in movies like Shampoo (1975), for which she received an Academy Award, cemented her position in Hollywood over the years, and her award-winning documentaries further entrenched her reputation as a potent storyteller.
During her return, Grant’s personal life also flourished. In sharp contrast to her first husband, she found lasting love with Joe Feury, a guy twelve years her junior who regarded her as an equal partner. Grant reportedly remarked, “Joey wakes up and takes my hand,” demonstrating how their relationship has endured throughout time. He’s afraid of losing me. Grant’s confidence and durability, both emotionally and professionally, were greatly influenced by the steadiness and support that Feury offered.
Grant, who is in her late 90s, never ceases to astound her admirers with her eternal beauty and energy. Speaking candidly about her choice to have a facelift in her 30s, she acknowledged that it gave her more self-assurance in a field that is known for being ageist. Fans continue to be awed by her radiant beauty, praising her grace and youthful vitality. One enthusiast remarked, “I’ve never seen a 90+ year old look so great.”
