10 timeless bombshells from the golden age of Hollywood

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Hollywood golden age beauties

Ah, the Hollywood golden age – a time of glamour, elegance, and undeniable beauty. From the silver screen to the red carpet, actresses of this era captivated audiences with their stunning looks and magnetic personalities.

We combed through the movie archives pages and IMDB to gather some of the most stunning icons who defined an era and set the standard for beauty and elegance in Hollywood.

So join us for a stroll down memory lane to revisit some of the most iconic leading ladies of the golden age. From Audrey Hepburn’s timeless grace to Marilyn Monroe’s sultry charm, these actresses left an indelible mark on Hollywood and continue to inspire us today.

1. Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962)

Marilyn Monroe photographed by Sam Shaw

Known for her sultry voice, curvaceous figure, and bubbly personality, Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most iconic actresses of all time. With a career that spanned over a decade, Monroe starred in classic films such as “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “Some Like It Hot,” and “The Seven Year Itch.” Beyond her acting talent, Monroe was also a trailblazer for women in Hollywood, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. Despite her tragic death at a young age, Monroe’s legacy as a Hollywood icon continues to inspire new generations of actresses today.

2. Sophia Loren (1934-present)

Sophia Loren

Hailing from Italy, Sophia Loren made a name for herself in Hollywood as one of the most talented and beautiful actresses of her time. With a career spanning several decades, Loren starred in classic films such as “Two Women,” “Marriage Italian Style,” and “Grumpier Old Men.” Her talent and beauty captured the hearts of audiences around the world and earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actress. Today, Loren’s legacy as a Hollywood icon endures, inspiring new generations of actresses to follow in her footsteps.

3.Ava Gardner (1922-1990)

Ava Gardner

Ava Gardner was a Hollywood legend, known for her smoldering beauty and commanding presence on the silver screen. It was her striking good looks that first caught the eye of MGM, when her brother-in-law put a photo of her in his New York City studio. The studio quickly signed the 18-year-old on the strength of her beauty alone, despite her complete lack of acting experience.

But Gardner proved to be a natural in front of the camera and quickly gained popularity with her captivating performances in films like “Mogambo” (1953) and “Bhowani Junction” (1956). Her sultry screen presence and piercing gaze made her one of the most sought-after actresses of her time.

4. Grace Kelly (1929-1982)

Grace Kelly

Before she became a real-life princess, Grace Kelly was America’s sweetheart, captivating audiences with her beauty and talent. Her effortless charm and natural grace made her one of the most beloved actresses of her time, and her Academy Award-winning performance in “Country Girl” cemented her status as a Hollywood icon. Yet, it was her decision to leave Hollywood to marry Prince Rainier of Monaco that truly captured the public’s imagination, turning her into a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and romance that endures to this day.

5. Rita Hayworth (1918-1987)

Rita-Hayworth

Rita Hayworth was the ultimate dream girl of the World War II era, and her pin-up photos graced the walls of barracks and submarines across the globe. With her fiery red hair, a dazzling smile, and show-stopping dance moves, she was the embodiment of Hollywood glamour. Her performances in films like “Gilda” and “The Lady from Shanghai” left audiences spellbound, and her timeless beauty and effortless charm made her an icon for the ages.

6. Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993)

 

The elegant and timeless Audrey Hepburn remains an enduring Hollywood icon, renowned for her inimitable style and captivating screen presence. Hepburn’s talent and beauty graced some of the most iconic films in cinematic history, including “Roman Holiday,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and “My Fair Lady,” where her performances left indelible impressions on audiences worldwide.

But Hepburn’s influence extended beyond her silver screen work. With her svelte figure and sophisticated style, she became a trailblazer in the fashion world, defining what it meant to be a chic and confident woman in the 1950s and 1960s.

7. Lauren Bacall (1924-2014)

Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall was a legendary Hollywood icon, known for her sultry gaze, which became famously known as “The Look.” With her unique beauty, distinctive voice, and undeniable gravitas, Bacall captivated audiences both on and off-screen. She rose to fame in the 1940s with iconic roles in films such as “To Have and Have Not” and “The Big Sleep,” where she exuded a rare combination of sensuality and intelligence that left audiences spellbound. Bacall’s legacy as a Hollywood star continues to inspire new generations, and her iconic “Look” remains a timeless symbol of classic Hollywood glamour.

8.Brigitte Bardot (1934-present)

Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot

The French icon and international sex symbol captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world with her natural beauty and bold sensuality.

As one of the most recognizable faces of the 20th century, Bardot’s striking looks and carefree attitude embodied the essence of French femininity and made her an icon of the “New Wave” movement in French cinema.

Her career spanned over two decades, during which she starred in numerous acclaimed films, including “And God Created Woman” and “Contempt,” earning her critical acclaim and international fame.

9. Veronica Lake (1922-1973)

Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake was a Hollywood icon known for her sultry looks and signature hairstyle that inspired a generation of women. With her captivating performances in films such as “Sullivan’s Travels” and “This Gun for Hire,” Lake became one of the most popular actresses of the 1940s. However, her career was plagued by personal struggles, including a tumultuous marriage and battles with alcoholism. Despite these challenges, Lake remains an enduring symbol of Hollywood glamour and style.

10. Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011)

Elizabeth Taylor was one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of her generation. With her striking features, violet eyes, and magnetic personality, Taylor captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Her iconic roles in films such as “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Cleopatra,” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” have cemented her status as a Hollywood legend. Beyond her career on screen, Taylor was also known for her philanthropic work and advocacy for HIV/AIDS research. Her legacy as an actress and humanitarian continues to inspire new generations.

 

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Alex Andonovska

Alex Andonovska is a staff writer at Cheapism and MediaFeed, based in Porto, Portugal. With 12 years of writing and editing at places like TheVintageNews.com, she’s your go-to for all things travel, food, and lifestyle. Alex specializes in turning “shower thoughts” into well-researched articles and sharing fun facts that are mostly useless but sure to bring a smile to your face. When she's not working, you'll find her exploring second-hand shops, antique stores, and flea markets.