Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford The Fan Who Infected a Movie Star
May 7, 2021
Discover the heartbreaking tale of actress Gene Tierney, whose life was affected by a chance encounter with a sick marine during a rubella outbreak. This meeting not only shaped her personal struggles but also highlighted the dire consequences of thoughtless actions. The podcast explores the intertwining of public health, mental health, and historical lessons on societal responsibility. Delve into how individual choices impact collective well-being, along with a poignant critique of workplace habits surrounding health.
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Gene Tierney's Breakdown
- Gene Tierney, a famous Hollywood actress, suffered a mental breakdown.
- This was later linked to a fan's decision to break rubella quarantine.
Rubella Discovery
- In 1941, an Australian eye surgeon, Norman McAllister Gregg, noticed a surge in newborn cataracts.
- He linked these cases to a rubella outbreak during the mothers' pregnancies.
The Marine's Mistake
- During WWII, a marine broke quarantine to meet Gene Tierney.
- Unknowingly, the marine had rubella and Tierney was pregnant.
