Stephen Bogart reveals feelings of neglect growing up without his father

In the United States, a new documentary explores the life of the iconic actor Humphrey Bogart, who passed away on January 14, 1957. The film features insights from his son, Stephen Bogart, who was only eight years old when his father died. Stephen recounts the emotional distance he felt from his father, describing how his father prioritized work and social engagements over family life. This absence led Stephen to feel neglected during his formative years, as he was often left in the care of nannies while his parents socialized. Stephen's reflections highlight a complex dynamic between him and his parents. His father, Humphrey Bogart, was a well-known actor, but Stephen argues that he didn't know him deeply as a person. The film divulges into the private struggles of the Bogart family, showing how the public persona of Humphrey Bogart often overshadowed the personal challenges they faced. Stephen also mentions that his mother, actress Lauren Bacall, expressed in her writings wanting children in part to maintain a connection to Bogart after his death. At the age of 75, Stephen reflects on the impact of losing both of his parents. He acknowledges the pain of his mother’s passing when he was 65; however, he expresses a level of acceptance regarding her fulfilled life, noting it was difficult to be sad for her as she accomplished what she wanted. The documentary paints a picture of Stephen's ongoing quest to understand his father's legacy and the emotional remnants it left on him. In revisiting the past, Stephen grapples with the lasting effects of his childhood experiences linked to the fame of his parents, especially the absence of a father figure. Despite these feelings of neglect, he also acknowledges a close connection to them, indicating a nuanced perspective shaped by both love and longing. The documentary acts as a reflection of how childhood experiences can shape one's identity and understanding of family dynamics, particularly in families that have experienced loss at a young age.