Hollywood has been around for a long time, which is why you can find many classic movies and icons that are breathtaking. Women have always played a significant role in Hollywood because they bring so much to the table, including beauty and acting talent. Back then, most images were not 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 pictures colorized for your enjoyment.
Sally Todd Resting Against A Wall
Many women participated in beauty contests and pageants, becoming famous as a result, and Sally Todd was one of them. She entered a local contest in 1952 and consequently had an incredible career in Hollywood. Most people remember her for her role in Frankenstein’s Daughter in 1958. Additionally, a year prior, she was featured as Playmate of the Month in Playboy. People appreciated her contributions to cinema, from her stunning looks to her outstanding acting abilities that were evident onscreen.
Jayne Mansfield Feigns Playing Pool
Jayne Mansfield was not only an actress; she was also a singer and worked as a model. Because of these roles, she had a versatile career that she enjoyed throughout. In the fifties and sixties, she became one of Hollywood’s most renowned sex symbols. During her career, she frequently appeared in Playboy and well-known films such as Too Hot to Handle and The Wayward Bus, among others. Watching any of these films allows you to see her performing in her prime. She is primarily recognized for her striking blonde hair and alluring physique.
Diana Dors on a Boat
There’s nothing like unwinding on a yacht on a warm summer day. As you can see, Diana Dors is on a yacht in this photo, but her career began at just fourteen years old. Eventually, she married Dennis Hamilton, and the marriage wasn’t very successful because he continually pressured her to take on roles she wasn’t interested in. Nonetheless, she always delivered outstanding performances in everything she did. Most often, she was in the news for her financial troubles, but despite that, she managed to succeed.
Uncommon Photo of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe is widely recognized, and the world is familiar with her career achievements. She has numerous photographs taken, and this is an uncommon one that you might not have encountered previously. She appeared in over twenty-five movies, but her life tragically ended at the age of thirty-six. Even with such an early demise, she is still remembered for her significant impact on Hollywood. Today, she remains a cultural icon admired by young women who aspire to emulate her in the future.
Betty Brosmer Striking a Confident Pose
Betty Brosmer was previously a fitness expert and an American model renowned for having a perfect figure, with her 18-inch waist considered unattainable by many. Her physique made her a pinup model, and she appeared in various magazines throughout her career. However, she distinguished herself by advocating that models receive fair payment and have control over their photographs. Later in her career, she became recognized for writing fitness books and sharing her insights. She was also an emblem of body positivity and a healthy lifestyle.
Anita Ekberg Coordinating with the Boat
Anita Ekberg is well-known for being crowned Miss Sweden in 1950. However, her recognition extends beyond modeling due to her numerous appearances in various productions. She is most famously recognized for her role in “La Dolce Vita” during the sixties. The majority of her career unfolded in Italy, where she worked, and she obtained her permanent residency in 1964, choosing to remain there. Her career was highly successful, and she is remembered for her captivating beauty that enchanted audiences who saw her in magazines, television, or films.
Suzanne Pleshette Showcasing Style
Finding versatile actresses can be challenging, and Suzanne Pleshette was one of them, appearing in TV shows, movies, theater, and more. If you’ve watched “Rome Adventure” and “The Birds,” then you’re familiar with her work. However, her most renowned role was playing Emily Hartley on “The Bob Newhart Show.” She redefined the role with the intelligence, humor, and depth she brought to the character, transforming the perception of sitcom wives at the time. This performance earned her devoted fans nationwide.
Brigitte Bardot Lying Dormant
Nothing beats simply lying down and doing nothing, especially given our hectic lives, and that’s what Brigitte Bardot appears to be doing. She revolutionized French cinema when she started her career, quickly landing iconic roles. Eventually, she made her way to Hollywood, though her career there was cut short after one of her films was banned for exposing midriffs. Even in stillness, she looks impressive, which doesn’t surprise us.
Joi Lansing Staying Cool
Joi Lansing made an impact on the entertainment industry during the 1950s and 1960s as she was a singer, actress, and model in America. However, many people recall her from her appearance in “Touch of Evil,” a well-known crime drama of that era. In addition to that, she was aware of her exceptional hourglass figure and took advantage of it. This is why most of her photographs show her in bikinis or outfits that highlight this figure. Many women during that time capitalized on this because they understood what they had to offer to the entertainment industry.
The Truck and Barbara Eden
I Dream of Jeannie was among the most renowned sitcoms of the 1960s, with Barbara Eden playing the role of Jeannie. From there, her career flourished, leading her to appear in over twenty films, TV shows, and more. She also had a recurring role as Aunt Irma in Sabrina the Teenage Witch. You can watch any of these to see Barbara Eden’s performances and enjoy her amazing roles that propelled her career and contributed to its longevity. The colorized photo is from 1951, showing Eden looking happier than ever.
Ready to Ride: Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich was both a singer and actress, and her career spanned over seventy years. She started in theater and silent films, eventually making her mark in Hollywood in the 1930s. During this period, she starred in numerous classic films that established her fame. Her alluring voice, elegant style, and captivating presence were widely praised, whether she appeared on TV or in theater. This particular picture of Marlene is iconic because, at that time, it was uncommon for women to ride motorcycles, and with this single photograph, she challenges gender norms.
Vikki Dougan Flaunting Her Curvaceous Figure
“If you’ve got it, flaunt it” is a motto that many models and actresses follow because they are confident about their bodies and skills. Vikki Dougan had an impressive modeling career and eventually made her way to Hollywood. During award shows, she often dropped her shawl to reveal the back of her dress, and these moments contributed to her fame. Despite this, she never hesitated to embrace her sexuality and beauty. Her confidence drew people to her presence wherever she went.
Jacqueline Bisset During Filming
Jacqueline Bisset was born in the 1940s and is recognized for her acting talent and career. However, at the beginning of her career, many believed she got roles due to her beauty. While her looks were a factor, it wasn’t the sole reason she was cast in film and television roles. The image shown has been colorized from the set of “The Thief Who Came to Dinner.” This film, released in 1973, showcases one of Jacqueline Bisset’s finest performances, making it a must-watch for those interested in her best works.
Mamie Van Doren on the rooftop
It seems that Mamie Van Doren couldn’t find any other location besides this rooftop to take her photo. She was ranked alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield as one of the leading sex symbols of her era. She appeared in numerous roles such as All-American, Teacher’s Pet, and many others. These roles are what brought her fame and recognition. Additionally, many magazines selected her as a model due to her stunning figure and striking appearance. She is someone who started in modest beginnings and achieved fame through dedication and effort.
Claudia Cardinale Wearing a Light Blue Swimsuit
At the age of seventeen, Claudia Cardinale participated in a beauty pageant, where she was discovered and subsequently became an actress. This led to small roles in various films, allowing audiences to see her on screen occasionally. Her most significant role, however, was in “Once Upon a Time in the West,” released in 1968. This film was one of the major highlights of her career. If you wish to see Claudia Cardinale delivering her finest performance, you should watch this movie.
Bettie Page and the Eerie Toy
In the past, there were numerous pinup models, but Bettie Page stood out as the queen of pinups. She was among the most renowned models in America after WWII. Her iconic bangs, captivating personality, and jet-black hair enchanted everyone who saw her. She can even be compared to the beauty of Katy Perry, who shares a similar demeanor and appearance to Bettie Page. However, this photo doesn’t fully capture her beauty, and the eerie toy beside her isn’t flattering. Nonetheless, it is a rare colorized image of her that you might come across.
Madeline Smith More Joyful Than Ever
Madeline Smith was a model in the late 1960s before transitioning to acting in TV shows and movies. One of her most notable roles is Miss Caruso in Live and Let Die, filmed in 1973, which brought her significant attention. Now seventy-three years old, she has largely retired from acting, with only occasional appearances in film.
Playing cards featuring Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda remains one of the most captivating actresses on television, most recently starring in Grace and Frankie. She is an actress, fashion model, activist, and advocate for women globally. The actress has won two Oscars, and you can see an uncommon picture of her grinning at a deck of cards. In recent times, Fonda has concentrated more on her role as a political activist rather than focusing solely on acting. She mentions that she has discovered this new purpose in life and intends to pursue it vigorously, regardless of any challenges she may encounter.
Elizabeth Montgomery Showing Her Talent
Elizabeth Montgomery was born into a well-off family with connections to the entertainment industry. Despite this advantage, she carved out a successful career in acting and modeling that lasted fifty years. She starred in several sitcoms and films that earned her well-deserved fame. Her work led to multiple Emmy nominations. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with colon cancer and succumbed to the illness. Nonetheless, during her time in the industry, she dedicated herself fully to her craft, leaving behind a memorable legacy, especially for her role in “Bewitched” during the sixties.
Charlotte Rampling and Intensity
Charlotte Rampling is one of the most versatile actresses, having worked in European arthouse films in Italian, French, and English. She is an actress, model, and singer, and continues to be active in her career. Known for her remarkable beauty, sharp wit, and sensitivity, Rampling was considered a top actress of her era. This is a colorized picture of her from the sixties, where she exudes glamour and showcases captivating looks. Even today, her beauty remains unparalleled, which is why she remains active in her career, taking on various roles in films.
Victoria Principal Enjoying a Day at the Beach
Victoria Principal is an author, entrepreneur, producer, actress, and more. She has appeared in many successful films and started her career with a television show. However, she has since taken a step back from acting to focus on running her own production company. They produce various TV shows periodically, which allows her talents to stand out. In this colorized photo, Principal is simply relaxing on the beach in the 1970s. The rock is lucky to have such a beautiful woman lying on it and posing.
Grace Kelly Strolling Elegantly
As evident from the name, Grace Kelly is pictured here walking with remarkable grace. She was an American actress who appeared in numerous films before marrying the Prince of Monaco, opting to fulfill royal duties and pause her acting career. Sadly, she sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car crash at 52 and died. Despite this, her name is still remembered, and she remains one of the leading female figures who transformed classic cinema during her lifetime.
Elaine Stewart Relishing the Breeze
Most women start their careers with modeling before they venture into acting, and Elaine Stewart followed this path. She was both a model and an actress, appearing in various films such as Singin’ in the Rain, Stranger Beware, and many others. Many people considered her the dark-haired counterpart of Marilyn Monroe. Due to this, MGM swiftly signed her to keep their audience and draw in more viewers. As evident from this picture of her in the fifties, she had a stunning figure and an even more beautiful face, which helped her gain a loyal fan base.
Lauren Bacall in Her Summer Attire
Lauren Bacall started her career early, appearing in her first film at just nineteen. Her co-star in this film was Humphrey Bogart, whom she later married. Following that, she acted in numerous films that elevated her to the deserved level of stardom. Additionally, she was nominated for an Oscar for her role in The Mirror Has Two Faces. To witness her at her best, be sure to watch this movie to understand her brilliance.
Ann-Margaret Dressed in Casual Wear
In this picture, Ann-Margret looks snug and at ease, wearing the most comfortable pajamas we’ve ever seen. She is a Swedish-American actress and singer. Up to now, she 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 for her when he first laid eyes on her, and understandably so. Watching any of the films she has been in will show you why she is such a captivating actress. Some actresses are timeless classics.
Raquel Welch is aware of her qualities.
Confidence is key to excelling as a model and actress. Raquel Welch had been active since the 1960s and retired in 2017. If you’re familiar with her work, you’ll know she’s famous for portraying strong female characters that defy gender stereotypes, and deservedly so. Consequently, she became a sex symbol in the 1960s, similar to Marilyn Monroe. However, her distinctive trait that set her apart and made her an icon was that she wasn’t a bottle blonde, unlike many others. This significantly altered people’s perceptions of women like her.
Irish McCalla is the Jungle Queen
Iris McCalla was an American television and film actress best known for her role in “Sheena, Queen of the Jungle,” which aired in the 1950s. Many believe she was discovered for her exceptional acting abilities. However, the actress herself stated that she was chosen because of her innate talent for swinging through trees. Throughout her career, she also appeared in approximately five films over a four-year period. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 73, but her legacy as Sheena endures in people’s hearts.
Veronica Lake Listening to the Music
Veronica Lake is clearly enjoying herself, relaxing by the pool and listening to her favorite music. In the summer, this is also one of our preferred activities that keep us energized. In the 1940s, she was known for some of the top femme fatale roles. Additionally, Lake gained fame as a pinup girl for soldiers during World War II. Her beauty and well-known personality made her popular in such circles and earned her deserved recognition.
Tuesday Weld Capturing That Golden Glow
There is nothing quite like basking in the sunlight for a refreshing feeling, and that’s exactly what Tuesday Weld is doing in this photo. She started her career young as a child model and actress. However, the role that truly skyrocketed her to fame came in 1958. Back then, she became well-known for portraying women who were promiscuous, impulsive, and reckless. You wouldn’t know that from this serene moment, quietly soaking up the sunlight in the car and posing for a picture.
Sophia Loren Lying on the Floor
Sophia Loren was born in Rome and is one of the leading actresses who transformed the classic cinema scene in Hollywood. If you’ve seen Two Women, an Italian film, then you’re aware that Loren portrayed the character Cesira. Her performance was so iconic that she received an Academy Award for it. She remains active and occasionally takes on roles even now. However, she is not as involved as she was in the earlier days of 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 relax on the sand and look as good as Ava Gardner does in this photo. She had one of the most successful film careers, playing numerous leading roles. Her stunning looks made her famous for her relationships with men like John Kennedy, Sinatra, Steve McQueen, and many others. However, she passed away in 1990 due to bronchial pneumonia. Her health was already compromised as she had a stroke in 1986, which left her paralyzed on the left side and extremely weak in her final years before she passed away.
Julie Newmar Embracing Her Catwoman Role
Julie Newmar is a singer, actress, and dancer known for her role as Catwoman in the Batman TV series. Since then, she has appeared in numerous TV roles, owing to her acting talent and appealing looks. Many consider her the best Catwoman due to her intelligence, drive, and perfect fit for the role. Her portrayal as both deadly and mysterious made her an ideal representation of Catwoman, leading most fans to see her as the definitive Catwoman.
Kim Novak in Her Zone
Kim Novak is now a retired TV and film actress and painter who was most active from the 1950s to the 1990s. However, she eventually decided that fame wasn’t for her. This decision was influenced by her diagnosis of bipolar disorder, leading her to choose a different way of life. She dedicated her time to horses, painting, and anti-bullying campaigns, among other interests. During her career, she captivated everyone, as evident from this picture. Her beauty and intellect will always be unmatched in Hollywood.
Ursula Andress and Her Iconic Bikini
Ursula Andress was a Swiss actress well-known for her role in the James Bond series. In addition, she appeared in a Bond parody film. Beyond that, she featured in over forty TV shows and movies throughout her career, establishing herself as one of the most notable actresses. In this picture, it’s evident that her presence is captivating, and she is aware of the value she offers. Such confidence is enchanting, especially in the Hollywood scene alongside other talented actresses and individuals.
Mara Corday Without Shoes Beside The Lake
Throughout her career, Mara Corday featured in numerous remarkable films, including “Man Without a Star,” “Black Scorpions,” and others. In the 50s, she gained fame for her natural beauty and stunning figure, which led to a high demand for her photographs and a flourishing modeling career. At one time, she was recognized as the most photographed model globally. This photograph illustrates her beauty as she stands barefoot by the lake, showcasing her lovely hair, outfit, and features.
Natalie Wood Is Surprised
We don’t know what Natalie Wood is gazing at in this picture, but she is undoubtedly more shocked than ever. Wood gained fame after her role in Miracle on 34th Street.
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Susan Walker played in the street. Her other performances were also iconic and earned Oscar nominations. However, she mysteriously died at the age of 43 by drowning. At that time, she was filming Brainstorm, and the incident occurred during a break from production. Many people continue to speculate about her death, leaving us unsure about what truly happened.
Yvonne Craig in an adorable outfit
If you’ve watched the 60s TV series Batman, then you’ll recognize Yvonne Craig, who played a fantastic role in that show. In addition to acting, she was a ballet dancer and toured with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo when she wasn’t filming TV series. In this picture, she is seen in a charming outfit, and she knows how great she looks. The photo was taken in 1961 and has been colorized so that you can appreciate it in its full detail. She appears ready to take on the world.
Sharon Tate and Her Tragic Destiny
Sharon Tate was an exceptional American model and actress, but some individuals are simply too beautiful for the harsh realities of this world. The 1960s marked the height of her career as she was on the path to becoming one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. This was due to her roles in various productions such as “Don’t Make Waves,” “Valley of the Dolls,” and more. Unfortunately, her career was cut short when she was murdered by the Manson family while she was eight months pregnant. She deserved more, and she would have become an outstanding actress had her life not been untimely ended.
Carolyn Jones Prepared To Set Sail
Carolyn Jones appears ready to set sail in this picture and approach the ocean like she did Hollywood. Most recognize her as Morticia Addams, contributing to her reputation as a captivating beauty. However, here she seems at ease and enjoying her day at sea. She was a highly promising actress, having won both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, deservedly so. If you’re familiar with her performances, you know her acting skills are impressive, with her beauty being just one element of her remarkable persona.
Betty Grable and Her Famous Legs
This photo of Betty Grable is from 1935 when she was one of the leading actresses. This was due to her roles in numerous successful films that dominated the box office. However, one of the main reasons she was well-known was for her legs, as evident from the photo. She proudly displays her stunning legs, and who could blame her? They became symbols of Hollywood, and she knew the value of her assets. Her confidence and beauty were what initially brought her fame and landed her remarkable roles.
Cleo Moore is ready to dive into the pool.
If you can’t tell from the picture already, Cleo Moore was a renowned pinup girl due to her appearance, which included a beautiful smile, an hourglass figure, blonde hair, and more. Keep in mind that her work didn’t get the recognition it deserved, but she remains well-known. That’s because many of her films from that time are now seen as cult classics. You can watch them and decide what you think of them, based on your feelings. However, even if you don’t enjoy the movie, you’ll 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 photo of Stella Stevens. Born in 1938, she reached the height of her career in her thirties, starring in well-known films like The Poseidon Adventure, Nutty Professor, and many others. People admired her for her physique, sparkling eyes, gorgeous hair, and all her other attributes. This is one of her most iconic pictures, as it showcases her beauty and the stunning legs that many men were captivated by.
Elke Sommer Looking Fabulous
Elke Sommer hailed from Berlin and emerged as one of the most iconic actresses of the sixties. She appeared in nearly a hundred films and continued to make TV appearances up until 2005. If you’ve watched The Art of Love or A Shot in the Dark, you might recall her. Her self-awareness of her talent is evident in her demeanor, as seen in this picture from 1968. Sommer exudes confidence and wants you to notice her charm, showcased by the cheeky grin on her face.
June Wilkinson and Her Striking Appearance
During her career, Wilkinson has been recognized for her appearances in Playboy magazine and involvement in various films. Her figure is one of her most appealing attributes, which has earned her numerous features in Playboy. Her modeling career has included appearances in over fifty newspapers and magazines. At one stage, she was even deemed the most photographed nude woman in the USA. While this is not a nude photo of her, she appears just as provocative, as her striking looks are enough to captivate you.
Jill St. John and Her Charm
If you’re familiar with various productions from the 1970s, then you likely know Jill St. John, as she was a prominent figure during that era. She has appeared in a range of TV shows and films, including “Diamonds Are Forever,” “Magnum PI,” “Hart to Hart,” “Fantasy Island,” and many more. Most people remember her from the 1971 movie where she played a Bond girl. Her role in that film is iconic and unforgettable. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to watch it so you can understand who she is and why she is so glamorous.
Janet Leigh Prepares 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 her allure in this ensemble. Her outfit highlights her figure, and the pool appears very inviting. If we were in her position, we might just dive into the pool to cool off. The photo suggests a summer photoshoot, as Leigh seems prepared to embrace the season in the best way possible. We can’t fault her for that, as she has the ideal summer body we aim for each year.
Yvonne De Carlo Relaxing On That Sofa
We all enjoy lounging on the couch when we’re free, and Yvonne de Carlo is doing the same, but she looks much better than we do in the same situation. Her beauty is unparalleled, and she looks fantastic in her outfit. Additionally, her smile and eyes enhance her beauty even more, capturing our attention. She has appeared in numerous productions, including “Ten Commandments.” So, if you’ve seen this movie, you’ll undoubtedly remember her, as she excels in that iconic film role.
Sandra Dee and Her Large Blonde Hair
You may recognize Sandra Dee from films like Imitation of Life, Gidget, Come September, and a popular song from Grease. This is an iconic image because her blonde hair typically isn’t visible due to the black-and-white format of these movies. However, this colorized picture highlights her hair, her beautiful skin, and all her other attributes. Even the bikini looks stunning and must feel fortunate to adorn Sandra Dee in this legendary photo. The picture is from 1959, and it appears Dee is well aware of how fabulous she looks in it.
Blaze Starr and the Percussion Instruments
Blaze Starr was one of the most renowned performers, and this is a colorized photo from 1954 that brings her image to life. She was known for being a famous dancer who showcased her talents to many men, including the governor of Louisiana and others eager to see her perform. Even in this image, you can sense her seductive allure through her pose and striking appearance. It seems she is ready to play those bongos and dance to their rhythm to offer an unforgettable performance.
Carroll Baker Understands What You’re Thinking
This is one of Carroll Baker’s most iconic images, where it appears she is gazing deep into your soul, as if she knows everything that’s happening. Perhaps she does, or perhaps not; we may never know. What is certain, however, is that she looks stunning in this mint green gown. For those unfamiliar, she was an icon in the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play “Baby Doll.” In addition to that, she has also played several other roles. Nevertheless, this is likely the most playful outfit we have seen her in.