Hedda Hopper

Born Elda Furry, Hedda Hopper was the quintessential Hollywood busybody, dishing out scoops and scandals from her syndicated column for decades. Her relentless pursuit of celebrity gossip earned her both adoration and enmity, but always kept her relevant in Tinseltown's glittering, if often scandalous, social scene. Her hats, by the way, were magnificent.

Despite a certain je ne sais quoi that led some to speculate, Hopper was not Jewish. Her family background was Pennsylvania Dutch, a decidedly gentile lineage. Any rumors of her Hebraic roots were likely due to her sharp wit, business acumen, and a certain theatrical flair that, admittedly, can sometimes be found in our ranks.

Her "K" score is a nod to her undeniable impact on Hollywood culture, even if that impact was largely about spilling tea rather than discovering a cure for cancer. She kept the public entertained, and sometimes, that's kvell-worthy enough. However, her bitter feud with Louella Parsons and her McCarthy-era blacklisting efforts definitely earn her demerits.