Beautiful starlets have always graced the silver screen, and the audience of those films have always been enchanted by their beauty. While there are plenty of lovely ladies on the big screen nowadays, why not take a look back in time? Hollywood’s Golden Age (1915-1963) was filled with many talented actresses, and just as many were known for their great beauty.
Audrey Hepburn
A British actress and humanitarian, Audrey Hepburn had a profound effect on the world. For her amazing performances, she’s received a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and an Academy Award. The American Film Institute even ranked her the third most influential actress in Golden Age Hollywood. Unfortunately, she passed away from stomach cancer in 1993, but she will not be forgotten any time soon.
Rita Hayworth
Rita Hayworth was one of the most prominent sex symbols in the 50s and 60s. The press even dubbed her the “Love Goddess”. Her most famous role was in the 1964 film Gilda, wherein she played the titular character, and one of the first “femme fatales”. She passed away in the late 80s, having suffered from alcoholism and Alzheimer’s Disease. Even so, she is still remembered for her beauty, archival footage of her in Gilda even being used in films such as The Shawshank Redemption".
Marilyn Monroe
Probably the most famous actress on this list. Even if you haven’t seen any of Marilyn Monroe’s films, you’ve heard her name. You might even assume she’s gorgeous just based on reputation alone. While famous and influential, her life was ultimately short. She died at age 36, her life fraught with depression and addiction.
Brigitte Bardot
Often referred to as BB, Brigitte was a prominent actress, singer, and animal rights activist. Having a career that started in the 50s, she retired from Hollywood in 1973 after appearing in almost 50 films and recording 60 songs. She was offered Legion of Honor by the French government, but she refused to accept it.
Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly didn’t remain an actress for that long, marrying Prince Rainier III of Monaco and moving there as the new princess. She met a tragic end, suffering a stroke while driving back from her country home which caused her to lose control of her vehicle.
Ava Gardner
Ava Gardner initially struggled to find mainstream success due to her heavy, Southern accent, but she finally got her big break with The Killers . She became a legendary figure in Hollywood, even marrying fellow legends Mickey Rooney and Frank Sinatra for a time. Unfortunately, a life of smoking caused her to have two strokes, the latter of which paralyzed her for the rest of her life. She died of pneumonia at age 67.
Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren is well-remembered for her feminist actions (such as not shaving her armpits), but is just as remembered for her acting. She started her acting career at 14 and has continued well into her 80s. She’s won an Academy Award, a Grammy, five Special Golden Globes, and many other honors. She remains the only living classic film star.
