Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman starred together in one of the most iconic classic films of all time – Casablanca. Their on-screen chemistry and romance as Rick and Ilsa has gone down in cinematic history, with the ending scene of them standing on the airport tarmac engrained in the minds of film lovers for generations. But what was the relationship like between these two legendary actors off-screen? Did Bogart actually like his beautiful and talented co-star Ingrid Bergman in real life?
Bogart and Bergman’s Working Relationship
By all accounts, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman thoroughly enjoyed working with one another on the set of Casablanca. The film was shot between May and August 1942, primarily at the Warner Brothers studio in Burbank, California. At the time, Bogart was 42 years old and an established star, while Bergman was a 27-year old Swedish actress who was just beginning to make a name for herself in Hollywood. Their age difference did not seem to matter though – they got along well and had a playful rapport during filming.
In archival interviews, Bergman spoke fondly of Bogart’s professionalism and acting talent. She said he was always prepared for scenes and that his subtle, yet emotional acting inspired her own performance. Bogart also praised Bergman’s ability and commitment to the role. He admired her willingness to rehearse scenes meticulously until they achieved the tone that director Michael Curtiz was looking for. Off camera, the two often teased each other good-naturedly between takes which added to their chemistry when the cameras started rolling.
Their Off-Screen Friendship
In addition to working well together on set, Bogart and Bergman formed a close friendship during the months of filming Casablanca. They frequently went out for lunch or dinner together during breaks from shooting. Co-star Paul Henreid sometimes joined them. By all accounts, their conversations were engaging – they found common ground in their dedication to the craft of acting and also shared some similar interests outside of work.
Bergman appreciated Bogart’s wry sense of humor and his stories about working on Broadway plays and earlier Hollywood films. Bogart was intrigued by Bergman’s accounts of her childhood in Sweden and respected her thoughtful, independent nature. Their friendship was close but always professional – their spouses at the time accompanied them on their outings. Off the Casablanca set, Humphrey was still very much devoted to his wife Mayo Methot while Ingrid was married to her first husband, Dr. Petter Lindström, with whom she had a daughter.
Bogart’s Intense Admiration for Bergman
Though their friendship was proper, accounts suggest that Humphrey Bogart did develop an intense admiration for Ingrid Bergman during and after filming Casablanca. He considered her immensely talented and one of the most stunningly beautiful women he had encountered. Bogart never acted on these feelings or openly expressed them due to his marriage to Mayo Methot.
Still, Bogart thought highly of Bergman for the rest of his life. His feelings were probably complicated – he valued her not just for her looks but her skill, empathy, and kindness that came through when working together. Though some perceived Bogart as gruff, Bergman brought out his softer side. He maintained a respectful fondness for her that went beyond a typical co-star relationship, even after filming wrapped. This was likely the most intense affection that the emotionally guarded Bogart could permit himself to show anyone outside of his inner circle.
Their Post-Casablanca Careers and Relationship
After their great success with Casablanca, both Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman went on to even greater acclaim and fame in Hollywood. Bergman won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her very next role in 1944’s Gaslight. Bogart took on some of his most iconic parts in the late 1940s and early 1950s with films like The Big Sleep, Key Largo, and The African Queen for which he won his only Oscar.
Bogart and Bergman maintained their friendship over the years though they did not have the chance to work together again. They periodically exchanged letters and telegrams expressing admiration and affection. They ran into each other at industry events like the Academy Awards and were always gracious, though Bogart avoided outward displays of intimacy out of respect for his wife Lauren Bacall whom he married shortly after Casablanca. When Bogart’s health declined in the mid-1950s, Bergman loyally visited him in the hospital, demonstrating the depth of care she still felt for him.
Assessing the Evidence of Bogart’s Regard for Bergman
Determining Humphrey Bogart’s true feelings for Ingrid Bergman requires looking at both direct evidence from primary sources and reasonable inferences about his personality and actions. Here is an assessment of the evidence:
| Evidence Bogart liked Bergman | Evidence Bogart saw Bergman as just co-star |
|---|---|
| – Positive remarks about talent in interviews | – Stayed married to Mayo during Casablanca filming |
| – Shared laughter and jokes on set | – Later proposed to Bacall, not Bergman |
| – Had regular outings and meals together | – No overt declarations of affection |
| – Maintained friendship after filming ended | – Avoided scandal or rumors |
| – Letters expressing affection till his death | – Known as emotionally guarded person |
Bogart clearly valued Bergman enormously. He never crossed professional boundaries, so his true personal feelings remain ambiguous. Based on his reputation and actions though, Bogart very likely had a deep affection for Bergman that was greater than just co-stars, but less than lovers.
Their Lasting Legacies and Casablanca’s Enduring Romance
Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman are now considered two of the greatest actors from Hollywood’s golden age. Casablanca remains their most famous collaboration – the film routinely tops lists of the greatest cinema romances of all time. The depth of emotion that Bergman and Bogart were able to convey in their scenes together resonated with audiences during World War II and still affects viewers today.
Ultimately, perhaps Bogart’s actual relationship with Bergman matters less than the poignant cinematic romance they created in Casablanca. The longing, sacrifice, and nobility that Rick and Ilsa expressed captured something timeless about love. Viewers could sense the real respect and affection between Bogart and Bergman, even if it stayed within professional bounds. That may have been just the right chemistry to make movie magic together. More than just co-stars, and less than lovers, their nuanced performances as Rick and Ilsa created something enduring for generations to appreciate.
Conclusion
While Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman had great admiration and affection for one another, they maintained a friendship with proper professional boundaries during and after making Casablanca together. Bogart likely harbored an especially intense personal regard for Bergman that he kept private. Yet it never compromised his marriage or her relationship with her husband at the time. They achieved an unforgettable on-screen chemistry by channeling the emotions of the characters they portrayed, rather than their real-life connection. That combination made the romance between Rick and Ilsa in Casablanca cinematic legend, even if the nature of Bogart and Bergman’s off-screen relationship remains more ambiguous.
