Hollywood has been around for a long time, which is why you’ll find many classic movies and iconic figures that are truly impressive. Women have always played a crucial role in Hollywood because they bring so much to the industry, including beauty, acting talent, and more. Back then, most films weren’t in color, so you can’t see them in their full splendor. However, some rare photos have been colorized so you can appreciate the beauty of these classic images. Here are fifty classic photos that have been colorized for your enjoyment.
Sally Todd Resting Against A Wall
Many women participated in beauty contests and pageants, which led to their fame, and Sally Todd was among them. She entered a local contest in 1952, and since then, she has had an amazing career in Hollywood. Most people remember her from her role in the 1958 film Frankenstein’s Daughter. Additionally, a year before this, she was Playmate of the Month in Playboy. People appreciated her contributions to cinema, from her striking appearance to her remarkable acting talent that you can see onscreen.
Jayne Mansfield Acts as if She is Playing Pool
Jayne Mansfield was not only an actress but also a singer and part-time model. This resulted in a diverse career that she thoroughly enjoyed. During the 1950s and 1960s, she became one of Hollywood’s most renowned sex symbols. She frequently appeared in Playboy and starred in notable productions such as “Too Hot to Handle,” “The Wayward Bus,” and many more. You can watch any of these to see her performing in her prime. She is best known for her striking blonde hair and alluring figure.
Diana Dors on a boat
There’s nothing quite like unwinding on a yacht during a hot summer day. In this photo, you can see Diana Dors on a yacht as well, but her career began when she was just fourteen years old. She eventually married Dennis Hamilton, but their marriage wasn’t very successful since he continually pressured her to take on roles she didn’t want. Nevertheless, she always delivered outstanding performances in all her work. She often made headlines due to her financial issues, yet she managed to do well for herself despite those challenges.
Uncommon Photo of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe is universally recognized, and her career is widely known. Although many photos of her exist, this is an uncommon one that you might not have encountered. She appeared in over twenty-five movies, but her life was tragically cut short at age thirty-six. Despite her premature death, she remains a memorable figure for her impact on Hollywood. To this day, she is a cultural icon that young women admire and aspire to emulate.
Betty Brosmer Striking a Confident Pose
Betty Brosmer was a fitness expert and an American model renowned for her ideal figure, with many believing her eighteen-inch waist to be unattainable. Her physique led her to become a pinup model and appear in various magazines throughout her career. She left a significant impact by advocating for fair pay for models and ensuring they have control over the photos taken of them. Later in her career, she gained recognition for writing fitness books and sharing her valuable knowledge. She was also a symbol of body positivity and healthy living.
Anita Ekberg Coordinating with the Boat
Anita Ekberg became well-known for being crowned Miss Sweden in 1950. Yet, it’s not just her modeling career for which she is remembered, as she also featured in numerous productions. She is mostly recognized for her performance in La Dolce Vita during the 1960s. Anita spent much of her career working in Italy, obtaining her permanent residency there in 1964, and chose to remain. Her career was hugely successful, with many remembering her for her captivating beauty, which drew the attention of anyone who saw her in magazines, on television, or in films.
Suzanne Pleshette Showcasing Her Style
Finding versatile actresses can be challenging, but Suzanne Pleshette was one such talent as she appeared on television, in films, theater, and more. If you’ve seen “Rome Adventure” and “The Birds,” then you’re familiar with her work. However, she is best known for her role as Emily Hartley on “The Bob Newhart Show.” She infused the character with intelligence, humor, and depth, redefining the portrayal of sitcom wives for that era. Her performance garnered her a dedicated following across the country.
Brigitte Bardot Resting Idle
There is nothing better than simply lying down and doing nothing, especially considering the hectic lives we live, and this is exactly what Brigitte Bardot appears to be doing. She revolutionized French cinema when she started her career by landing iconic roles right from the beginning. Later, she moved on to Hollywood, although that didn’t last long, as one of her films was banned for showing midriffs. Even in moments of idleness, she looks amazing, which doesn’t surprise us at all.
Joi Lansing Staying Cool
Joi Lansing made an impact on the entertainment industry during the 1950s and 1960s as a singer, actress, and model in the United States. However, many people remember her from her appearance in “Touch of Evil,” a well-known crime drama of the era. Additionally, she was aware of her remarkable hourglass figure and used it to her advantage. This is why most of her photos feature her in bikinis or outfits that highlight this figure. Many women of that time capitalized on this because they understood what they could bring to the entertainment industry.
Barbara Eden and the Truck
“I Dream of Jeannie” was one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1960s, with Barbara Eden starring as Jeannie. Her career soared from there, leading her to appear in more than twenty films and TV shows. She also had a recurring role as Aunt Irma in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” Watching any of these would let you see Barbara Eden in action and appreciate the incredible roles that launched and sustained her long-lasting career. The colorized photo is from 1951, showing Eden looking happier than ever.
Ready to Ride: Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich was a singer and actress whose career spanned over seventy years. She started with theater and silent films, and eventually rose to fame in Hollywood during the 1930s. During this era, she appeared in numerous classic films that cemented her celebrity status. She was widely praised for her alluring voice, striking style, and the charisma that captivated audiences in both film and theater. This image of Marlene is iconic because, at the time, women did not ride motorcycles, and she is challenging gender norms with this single photograph.
Vikki Dougan Displaying Her Curvy Shape
“If you have it, flaunt it” is a popular motto among many models and actresses who are confident in their bodies and skills. Vikki Dougan had an impressive modeling career before moving to Hollywood. At award shows, she often dropped her shawl, revealing her dress from the back, and these instances contributed to her fame. Despite this, she embraced her sexuality and beauty, which made her presence captivating to people wherever she went.
Jacqueline Bisset During Filming
Jacqueline Bisset was born in her forties, and she is recognized for her acting talents and career. However, at the beginning of her career, many people assumed she landed roles because of her beauty. While this was true, it wasn’t the only reason she was cast on TV and in movies. The image you see has been colorized from the set of “The Thief Who Came to Dinner.” The film was released in 1973 and is considered one of Jacqueline Bisset’s best works if you want to watch one of her finest performances.
Mamie Van Doren Atop The Roof
It seems that Mamie Van Doren couldn’t find anywhere else but this rooftop to take her picture. She was in the same league as Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield, being one of the leading sex symbols of her era. You can see her in several roles, including All-American, Teacher’s Pet, and many others. These roles contributed to her fame and reputation. Numerous magazines also selected her as a model due to her stunning figure and attractive appearance. She’s one of those individuals who started modestly and achieved fame through hard work.
Claudia Cardinale Wearing a Light Blue Swimsuit
At the age of seventeen, Claudia Cardinale participated in a beauty pageant, which led to her being discovered and becoming an actress. This resulted in her landing minor roles in various films, allowing audiences to occasionally see her on screen. However, her most significant role was in the 1968 film Once Upon a Time in the West, one of the major movies of her career. You can watch this film to witness Claudia Cardinale delivering her best performance.
Bettie Page and the Eerie Toy
There were many pinup models in the past, but Bettie Page was considered the queen of pinups. She became one of the most famous models in America after WWII. From her bangs to her captivating personality to her jet-black hair, she enchanted anyone who looked at her. You might also compare her to the beauty of Katy Perry, who shares a similar demeanor and appearance as Bettie Page. However, this photo does not truly capture her beauty, and the eerie toy next to her doesn’t provide the best image. Nevertheless, it is a rare colorized picture of her that you can find.
Madeline Smith More Joyful Than Ever
In the late 1960s, Madeline Smith was a model before transitioning to acting in numerous TV shows and movies. One of her most notable roles was as Miss Caruso in the 1973 film “Live and Let Die,” which brought her significant attention. Now seventy-three years old, she has mostly retired from acting, with only occasional appearances.
Playing cards featuring Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda remains one of the most delightful actresses on television, having recently starred in “Grace and Frankie.” She is an actress, fashion model, activist, and advocate for women worldwide. The actress has won two Oscars, and there is a rare photo of her smiling at a deck of cards. In recent years, Fonda has dedicated more attention to her role as a political activist than her acting career. She mentions finding a new purpose in life, which she intends to pursue with determination, regardless of any hurdles she may encounter.
Elizabeth Montgomery Displaying Her Talent
Elizabeth Montgomery came from a privileged background, as her family was already established in the industry. Nonetheless, she pursued a career in acting and modeling that lasted fifty years. She appeared in numerous sitcoms and films that earned her the fame she deserved. This success led to several Emmy nominations. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with colon cancer and passed away as a result. During her time in the industry, she gave her all, which is why her legacy from Bewitched in the 1960s is still remembered today.
Charlotte Rampling and Intensity
Charlotte Rampling is one of the most adaptable actresses, having appeared in European arthouse films in Italian, French, and English. She is an actress, model, and singer, and remains active in her career. Rampling is famous for her striking beauty, sharp humor, and sensitivity, which establish her as the leading actress of her era. This is a colorized photo of her from the sixties, and as you can see, she exudes allure with her captivating looks. Even today, her beauty remains unparalleled, which is why she continues to be very active in her career, taking on various roles in films.
Victoria Principal Enjoying the Beach
Victoria Principal is an author, entrepreneur, producer, actress, and more. She has been involved in many successful films and started her career with a TV show. However, she has now stepped back from acting as she runs her own production company. They occasionally produce different TV shows, allowing her talents to excel. In this colorized photo, Principal is simply lying on the beach and relaxing in the seventies. That is one fortunate rock to have such a beautiful woman reclining on it and posing.
Grace Kelly Moving with Elegance
As the name suggests, Grace Kelly exudes remarkable elegance in this image. She was an American actress who appeared in numerous films before marrying the Prince of Monaco and choosing to focus on her royal responsibilities, putting her career on pause. Sadly, at the age of 52, she sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident and passed away. Nonetheless, her name remains well-known, and she is remembered as one of the leading actresses who significantly influenced classic cinema during her lifetime.
Elaine Stewart Delighting in the Breeze
Many women start their careers in modeling before moving into acting, and Elaine Stewart followed this path as well. She was both a model and an actress, appearing in several films such as Singin’ in the Rain, Stranger Beware, and many others. She was often compared to a brunette version of Marilyn Monroe. As a result, MGM swiftly signed her to maintain their audience and draw in more fans. As evident from this photo of her from the 1950s, she possessed a stunning figure and an even lovelier face, which garnered her a devoted following.
Lauren Bacall in Her Summer Outfit
Lauren Bacall started her career early, appearing in her first film at just nineteen, where she co-starred with Humphrey Bogart, whom she later married. Following that, she featured in numerous films, achieving the stardom she deserved. In addition, she was nominated for an Oscar for her role in The Mirror Has Two Faces. To see her at her best, you should definitely watch this movie.
Ann-Margaret in Casual Wear
Ann-Margaret appears cozy and at ease in this picture, wearing some of the most comfortable pajamas we’ve seen. She’s a Swedish-American actress and singer who has won five Golden Globe Awards, making her one of the most respected actresses of her era. She continues to act, and Elvis Presley fell in love with her upon first sight, which is understandable. Watching any of her films reveals why she is such a captivating actress. Some actresses are timeless legends.
Raquel Welch Understands What She Has
Confidence is key to becoming a successful model and actress. Raquel Welch, who began her career in the sixties, retired in 2017. If you’re familiar with her work, you’ll know she’s famous for portraying strong female characters that challenge gender norms. This made her a sex symbol in the sixties, similar to Marilyn Monroe. However, what set her apart as an icon was that she wasn’t a bottle blonde, unlike many others, which shifted people’s perceptions of women like her.
Irish McCalla is the Jungle Queen
Iris McCalla was an American actress known for her role in the TV series “Sheena, Queen of the Jungle” from the 1950s. Many believe her discovery was due to her remarkable acting talent, but she mentioned that she was hired because of her innate ability to swing through trees. Throughout her career, she appeared in about five films over four years. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 73, but her legacy as Sheena continues to live on in people’s hearts.
Veronica Lake Listening to the Music
Veronica Lake is thoroughly enjoying herself by the poolside, listening to her favorite music. In summer, this is also one of our preferred pastimes that motivates us. In the 1940s, she starred in some of the most iconic femme fatale roles. Additionally, Lake was a well-known pinup girl for soldiers during World War II, which isn’t surprising given her beauty and famous persona that made her popular in such circles and earned her the recognition she deserved.
Tuesday Weld Capturing the Golden Light
There’s nothing quite like enjoying the sunlight, as it feels amazingly refreshing, and that’s exactly what Tuesday Weld is doing in this photo. She started her career early on as a child model and actress. However, her breakthrough role that brought her significant fame came in 1958. At that time, she was known for portraying characters that were promiscuous, impulsive, and reckless. You couldn’t guess all of that when she’s calmly sitting like this, basking in the sunlight inside a car, and posing for a picture.
Sophia Loren Lying on the Floor
Sophia Loren was born in Rome, and she is one of the leading actresses who transformed classic Hollywood cinema. If you’ve seen the Italian film “Two Women,” then you know Loren played the role of Cesira. Her performance was so iconic that she received an Academy Award for it. Even today, she occasionally acts, though she is not as active as she was earlier in her career. She also stepped back in the seventies due to concerns about her children’s safety.
Ava Gardner Relaxing On The Beach
No one can look as good relaxing on the sand as Ava Gardner does in this picture. She had one of the most successful careers in film, playing many leading roles. She was extremely attractive, which is why her relationships with men, including John Kennedy, Sinatra, Steve McQueen, and many others, were well-known. However, she passed away in 1990 due to bronchial pneumonia. Her health was already compromised because she also suffered a stroke in 1986, which left her paralyzed on her left side and extremely weak in her final years before she died.
Julie Newmar Embracing Her Catwoman Persona
Julie Newmar is a singer, actress, and dancer known for her role in Batman, where she famously portrayed Catwoman in the TV series. Following her performance, she continued to land numerous TV roles, thanks to her acting talent and captivating appearance. Many believe she was the best portrayal of Catwoman because she was driven, intelligent, and perfectly suited for the role. Her portrayal was both deadly and mysterious, making her an exemplary version of Catwoman. Thus, most fans consider her the quintessential Catwoman.
Kim Novak in Her Prime
Kim Novak is now a retired television and film actress as well as a painter, who was primarily active from the 1950s to the 1990s. Eventually, she chose to step away from the spotlight after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, realizing that such a lifestyle wasn’t for her anymore. She instead dedicated her time to pursuits like caring for horses, painting, participating in anti-bullying campaigns, and more. During her career, she captivated audiences, as evident from this image. Her beauty and intelligence will always be unmatched in Hollywood.
Ursula Andress and Her Iconic Bikini
Ursula Andress was a Swiss actress best known for her role in the James Bond series. In addition to that, she also appeared in a Bond parody film. However, that’s not all, as she appeared in over forty TV shows and movies throughout her career, making her one of the most renowned actresses. Even in this picture, you can see that her presence is captivating, and she is aware of what she brings to the table. Such confidence is appealing, particularly in the world of Hollywood and among other great actresses and people.
Mara Corday Without Shoes By The Lake
Throughout her career, Mara Corday starred in numerous amazing films, such as Man Without a Star and Black Scorpions, among others. Even in the 1950s, she gained fame for her natural beauty and remarkable figure. As a result, she was in high demand by photographers, and her modeling career reached its zenith. At one time, she was also regarded as the most photographed model in the world. This picture clearly shows her beauty. She is by the lake barefoot, yet she still radiates her best self with her stunning hair, outfit, and features.
Natalie Wood is Surprised
We can’t tell what Natalie Wood is looking at in this photo, but she certainly appears more surprised than ever. Wood gained fame after her role in Miracle on 14.
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Susan Walker starred in “Street,” and her other performances have been iconic, earning Oscar nominations. However, she died mysteriously at the age of 43 from drowning. At the time, she was filming “Brainstorm” and was on a break from production when the incident occurred. Many people still speculate about her death, which is why we will never know for certain what happened.
Yvonne Craig in an Adorable Outfit
If you watched the 60s TV series Batman, you’ll recognize Yvonne Craig, who was outstanding in that show. Additionally, she was a ballet dancer, touring with the Ballet Russe de Monte when she wasn’t filming TV series. In this picture, you can see her in a charming outfit, clearly confident in her appearance. The photo, originally taken in 1961, has been colorized for full effect. She seems ready to conquer the world.
Sharon Tate and Her Tragic Destiny
Sharon Tate was an exceptional American model and actress, yet some individuals are too beautiful for the cruelties of this world. The 1960s marked the period when she reached her prime, poised to become one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. This was due to her roles in multiple productions such as Don’t Make Waves, Valley of the Dolls, and others. Unfortunately, her career was cut short as she was murdered by the Manson family while eight months pregnant. She deserved more, and she likely would have become a remarkable actress if her life hadn’t been tragically ended.
Carolyn Jones Set to Embark
In this picture, Carolyn Jones appears prepared to set sail and tackle the ocean just as she did with Hollywood. Most recognize her as Morticia Addams, which is why she is often linked with being a captivating beauty. However, she doesn’t look haunting here; instead, she seems to be enjoying her time on the ocean. As one of the most promising actresses, she won both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, deservedly so. If you’re familiar with her work, you understand how talented she is, with her beauty being just one facet of her remarkable personality.
Betty Grable and Her Famous Legs
This 1935 picture of Betty Grable captures her as one of the leading actresses of the era. Her widespread recognition was due to her appearances in numerous blockbuster films. However, her legs were one of her most famous features. Even in this image, she proudly showcases her stunning legs, and it’s understandable. Her legs became iconic in Hollywood, and she was well aware of her appeal. It was this combination of confidence and beauty that contributed to her fame and led to her securing remarkable roles.
Cleo Moore Is Prepared To Dive Into The Pool
If you can’t already tell from the picture, Cleo Moore was a famous pinup girl due to her appearance, which included her beautiful smile, hourglass figure, blonde hair, and more. Although her productions never received the recognition they deserved at the time, she is still well-known because many of those movies are now considered cult classics. You can watch them and form your own opinion about them based on your tastes. Regardless of whether you enjoy the movie, you will likely appreciate Moore’s performance.
Stella Stevens Wearing a Floral Bikini
Yellow and red floral bikinis might not be in style right now, but they were popular in the 60s, as seen in this picture of Stella Stevens. Born in 1938, she was at the height of her career in her thirties. She starred in many notable productions like The Poseidon Adventure, Nutty Professor, and others. People admired her physique, sparkling eyes, gorgeous hair, and everything else she offered. This is one of her most iconic pictures because she looks stunning and showcases those beautiful legs that captivated many men.
Elke Sommer Looking Fabulous
Elke Sommer hailed from Berlin and was one of the most renowned actresses of the 1960s. She appeared in nearly a hundred films and continued to feature on television until 2005. If you’ve watched “The Art of Love” or “A Shot in the Dark,” you might recall her. This is because she exudes confidence in her talents, which is evident from her demeanor, as captured in this 1968 photo. In it, Sommer is aware of her stunning appearance and conveys this with a playful grin.
June Wilkinson and Her Stunning Appearance
Throughout her career, Wilkinson has been recognized for appearing in Playboy magazine and being involved in various films. This is due to her figure, which is one of her most appealing features that led to her frequent appearances in Playboy magazine. Her modeling career covered more than fifty newspapers and magazines throughout her life. At one point, she was even titled the most photographed nude woman in the USA. What you see is not one of her nude photos, but she looks just as provocative here, as her striking appearance is enough to captivate you.
The Glamour of Jill St. John
If you’ve watched various productions from the seventies, then you’re likely familiar with Jill St. John, who was an iconic figure of that era. She appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including “Diamonds Are Forever,” “Magnum PI,” “Hart to Hart,” “Fantasy Island,” among others. Many people remember her best from her 1971 performance as a Bond girl, which is unforgettable. If you haven’t seen it before, be sure to check it out now to understand who she is and why she’s considered so glamorous.
Janet Leigh Prepared for the Summer
Janet Leigh is sitting by the pool with her legs in the water, wearing a red swimsuit and red lipstick, fully aware of how attractive she appears in this outfit. Her whole ensemble accentuates her figure, and the pool looks inviting. If we were in her position, we would probably dive into the pool to cool off. The image seems to be from a summer photo shoot as Leigh looks prepared to embrace the summer in the most ideal way. We can’t blame her, as she has the perfect summer body that many of us aim for each year.
Yvonne De Carlo Relaxing On That Sofa
We all enjoy relaxing on the sofa when we have free time, and Yvonne de Carlo does the same, but she manages to look far better in the process. Her beauty is unparalleled, and she looks wonderful in her outfit. Additionally, her smile and eyes further highlight her beauty, capturing our attention. She has appeared in many productions, including The Ten Commandments. If you’ve seen that movie, you will undoubtedly remember her, as she excels in that iconic role.
Sandra Dee and Her Large Blonde Hair
You might recognize Sandra Dee from films like Imitation of Life, Gidget, Come September, and a beloved song in Grease. This image is iconic because we rarely get to see her blonde hair due to the black-and-white film era. However, this colorized photo showcases her hair, her radiant skin, and all her other attributes. Even the bikini is stunning, and one might say it’s fortunate to be worn by Sandra Dee in this memorable image. This photo is from 1959, and it seems Dee is aware of how fantastic she looks in it.
Blaze Starr and the Bongos
Blaze Starr was one of the most well-known performers, and this is a colorized photograph from 1954 that brings her to life. She was recognized as a famous dancer who showcased her talents to numerous men. These included the governor of Louisiana and many others who wanted to watch her perform. Even in this picture, we can see her enticing charm through her pose and striking appearance. It appears she is prepared to play those bongos and dance to their rhythm to deliver an unforgettable show.
Carroll Baker Understands What’s Happening in Your Thoughts
This photo of Carroll Baker is one of her most memorable, capturing a look that seems to peer right into your soul as if she knows all your secrets. Whether she truly does or doesn’t is anyone’s guess. What we can be certain of is how stunning she looks in this mint green gown. For those who may not recognize her, Carroll Baker was an icon in the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play “Baby Doll.” Although she took on various other roles, this outfit might just be the most delightful we’ve seen her wear.