In the late 1920s, Key became romantically involved with silent film
star Buster Keaton, who was married. According to the Keaton biography
written by Marion Meade, Keaton attempted to call off the relationship
but Key flew into a rage and destroyed his MGM dressing room. A friend
of Keaton's heard about the tantrum and sent him a telegram saying,
"Congratulations. Hear you are off Key."