Hollywood has been around for a long time, which is why you can find many classic films and icons that are truly impressive. Women have always played a significant role in Hollywood because they bring a lot to the table, including beauty, acting talent, and more. At that time, most photos were not in color, so you can’t see them in their full splendor. Nevertheless, some rare photos have been colorized for you to appreciate the beauty of these classic images. Here are fifty classic photos colorized for your enjoyment.
Sally Todd Resting Against a Wall
Many women used to participate in beauty contests and pageants, gaining fame afterward, and Sally Todd was among them. She took part in a local contest in 1952 and has since had a remarkable career in Hollywood. Most people recall her role in the 1958 film Frankenstein’s Daughter. Additionally, the year before, she was Playmate of the Month in Playboy. People appreciated her contributions to the cinema, from her stunning appearance to her outstanding acting abilities seen onscreen.
Jayne Mansfield Feigns Playing Pool
Jayne Mansfield was not only an actress but also a singer and part-time model. This variety gave her a well-rounded career that she enjoyed at every stage. In the 1950s and 1960s, she became one of Hollywood’s most famous sex symbols. During her career, she frequently appeared in Playboy and starred in renowned productions such as “Too Hot to Handle,” “The Wayward Bus,” and many others. Watching these films allows you to see her performing in her prime. She is famously known for her striking blonde hair and alluring figure.
Diana Dors On A Boat
Nothing beats relaxing on a yacht during a hot summer day. As seen here, Diana Dors is also on a yacht in this picture, although her career began when she was just fourteen. She later married Dennis Hamilton, but the marriage was rocky as he pressured her into roles she wasn’t keen on. Nonetheless, she always delivered remarkable performances. She often made headlines for financial troubles, but despite that, she managed to do well for herself.
Uncommon Photograph of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe is a name that requires no explanation, as she is already recognized worldwide for her accomplishments in her career. Numerous images of her exist, but this is an uncommon one that you may not have encountered before. She appeared in over twenty-five films, yet her life ended tragically at the age of thirty-six. Despite this premature end, she remains memorable for her impact on Hollywood. Today, she continues to be a symbol of popular culture, admired and emulated by young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps.
Betty Brosmer Striking a Confident Pose
Betty Brosmer was once an American model and fitness expert renowned for having what was considered the ideal figure, with her eighteen-inch waist thought by many to be unattainable. Due to her physique, she became a pinup model and was featured in various magazines throughout her career. However, she distinguished herself by advocating for fair compensation for models and their control over photographs taken of them. Later on, she gained recognition for authoring fitness books and sharing her insights. She was also an emblem of body positivity and a healthy lifestyle.
Anita Ekberg Aligning with the Boat
Anita Ekberg gained fame as Miss Sweden in 1950. However, her modeling career isn’t the only reason she’s well-known, as she also acted in several productions. She is mostly recognized for her role in La Dolce Vita during the 1960s. Anita spent a significant part of her career in Italy, where she worked and received her PR status in 1964, after which she remained there. Her career was tremendously successful, and she is remembered for her stunning beauty that captivated audiences who saw her in magazines, on TV, or in films.
Suzanne Pleshette Showcasing Styles
Finding versatile actresses can be challenging, but Suzanne Pleshette was one such talent, gracing television, films, theater, and more. If you’ve seen “Rome Adventure” and “The Birds,” you know who she is. However, her most iconic role was as Emily Hartley on “The Bob Newhart Show.” She reinvented the role by infusing it with intelligence, humor, and depth, which transformed perceptions of sitcom wives during that era. Her performance earned her devoted fans nationwide.
Brigitte Bardot at Rest
There is nothing quite like simply lying down and relaxing, particularly in our hectic lives, and this seems to be exactly what Brigitte Bardot is doing. She revolutionized French cinema when she started her career, quickly landing iconic roles. Eventually, she moved on to Hollywood, although that phase of her career was brief, as one of her films was banned due to exposed midriffs. Even when doing nothing, she looks amazing, which doesn’t surprise us at all.
Joi Lansing Staying Cool
Joi Lansing made a significant impact on the entertainment industry during the 1950s and 1960s as a singer, actress, and model in America. Nevertheless, many people remember her from her role in “Touch of Evil,” a well-known crime drama of the era. Additionally, she was aware of her remarkable hourglass figure and leveraged it to her advantage. As a result, most of her photographs feature her in bikinis or outfits that highlight her figure. During that period, many women capitalized on their appearances because they understood what they could contribute to the entertainment industry.
Barbara Eden and the Truck
“I Dream of Jeannie” was one of the most popular sitcoms of the sixties, with Barbara Eden starring as Jeannie. Since then, her career has flourished, and she has appeared 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 in action and experience some of her amazing roles that launched her career and sustained it over the years. The colorized photo is from 1951, showing Eden looking happier than ever.
Marlene Dietrich Prepared To Ride
Marlene Dietrich was a singer and actress whose career spanned over seventy years. She started in theater and silent films, eventually rising to fame in Hollywood during the 1930s. During this period, she starred in numerous classic films that contributed to her fame. She was praised for her alluring voice, elegant style, and captivating presence that mesmerized audiences, whether on television or in theater. This particular picture of Marlene is iconic because, at that time, women rarely rode motorcycles, and with this single image, she is challenging gender roles.
Vikki Dougan Flaunting Her Hourglass Shape
One of the main mottos that many models and actresses adhere to is “if you’ve got it, flaunt it,” as they feel confident about their bodies and abilities. Vikki Dougan had an outstanding modeling career before she transitioned to Hollywood. At award shows, she frequently let her shawl drop to reveal the back of her dress, which were the moments that led to her gaining fame. Despite this, she remained unapologetic and embraced her sexuality and beauty. Her unwavering confidence drew people to her, no matter where she was.
Jacqueline Bisset on the set
Jacqueline Bisset was born in her forties, and she is recognized for her acting talent and career. However, at the beginning of her career, many people believed that she got these roles because of her beauty. While this is true, it was not the sole reason for her being cast in TV and film roles. The image you can see has been colorized from the set of The Thief Who Came to Dinner. The film was released in 1973, and it is one of Jacqueline Bisset’s best works if you want to see one of her finest performances.
Mamie Van Doren Atop The Roof
It seems that Mamie Van Doren had no other option but to use this rooftop for her photo shoot. Alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield, she was one of the leading sex symbols of the era. She can be seen in various roles, such as in “All-American” and “Teacher’s Pet,” among others, which contributed to her fame. Many magazines selected her as a model due to her remarkable figure and attractive appearance. She is one of those individuals who started modestly 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, which led to her being discovered and becoming an actress. This resulted in her getting small roles in various films, which allowed 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 biggest films she starred in during her career. You can watch this movie to see Claudia Cardinale delivering one of her best performances.
Bettie Page and the Eerie Toy
Back in the day, there were many pinup models, but Bettie Page was known as the queen of pinups. She was one of the most famous models in America after WWII. Everything from her bangs to her alluring personality to her jet-black hair captivated anyone who saw her. You could compare her beauty to that of Katy Perry, who shares a similar demeanor and look to Bettie Page. However, this picture doesn’t do her beauty justice, and the strange toy beside her doesn’t create the best impression. Yet, it is a rare colorized picture 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 various TV shows and movies. One of her most notable roles was playing Miss Caruso in the 1973 film Live and Let Die, which catapulted her to fame. Now at seventy-three, she is largely retired from acting, appearing only occasionally in the film industry.
Playing cards featuring Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda remains one of the most captivating actresses on television, recently starring in “Grace and Frankie.” She is a renowned actress, fashion model, activist, and a global spokesperson for women. The actress has received two Oscars, and there’s a rare image of her smiling with a deck of cards. In recent times, Fonda has been more involved in political activism than acting. She states she has discovered a new purpose in life and plans to pursue it wholeheartedly, regardless of the challenges she may encounter.
Elizabeth Montgomery Demonstrating Her Talent
Elizabeth Montgomery came from a privileged background, with her family already established in the industry. Her acting and modeling career, however, lasted fifty years. She appeared in numerous sitcoms and films, achieving the fame she deserved, and received multiple Emmy nominations. Sadly, she was diagnosed with colon cancer and succumbed to the disease. Nonetheless, during her time in the industry, she gave it her all, which is why her legacy from the show “Bewitched” in the 1960s is still remembered by many.
Charlotte Rampling and Intensity
Charlotte Rampling is one of the most versatile actresses due to her work in European arthouse films in Italian, French, and English. She is not only an actress but also a model and singer, and she remains active in her career. Known for her stunning beauty, sharp humor, and sensitivity, Rampling stands out as a leading actress of her generation. This is a colorized photo of her from the sixties, and as you can see, she exudes charisma and elegance. Her beauty remains unparalleled even today, which is why she continues to take on diverse roles in films.
Victoria Principal Enjoying Time on the Beach
Victoria Principal is a writer, businesswoman, producer, actress, and more. She has appeared in several successful films and started her career on a television show. However, she has now stepped back from acting to focus on managing her own production company. This company occasionally produces various TV shows, showcasing her skills. In this colorized photograph, Principal is simply lying on the beach and enjoying the seventies. That rock is fortunate to have such a beautiful woman reclining on it and posing.
Grace Kelly Strolling Gracefully
As the name suggests, you can observe Grace Kelly walking with remarkable grace in this photo. She was an American actress who appeared in numerous films before marrying the Prince of Monaco, choosing to engage in royal responsibilities and putting her career on pause. Sadly, she experienced a severe brain injury in a car accident at the age of 52 and died. Nevertheless, her name is still remembered today, and she remains one of the leading female stars who transformed the world of classic cinema during her lifetime.
Elaine Stewart Relishing The Breeze
Many women start their careers with modeling before moving into acting, and Elaine Stewart followed that path. She worked as both a model and an actress, appearing in various films such as Singin’ in the Rain, Stranger Beware, and several others. Many considered her to be a brunette counterpart to Marilyn Monroe. Because of this, MGM swiftly signed her in an effort to maintain their audience and draw in more viewers. In this picture from the 1950s, you can see her stunning figure and even more striking face, which helped her build a dedicated fan base.
Lauren Bacall in Her Summer Outfit
Lauren Bacall started her career early, starring in her first film at just nineteen years old. Her co-star in this movie was Humphrey Bogart, whom she later married. She went on to appear in numerous films, achieving the fame she deserved. Additionally, she was nominated for an Oscar for her role in “The Mirror Has Two Faces.” To see her outstanding performance, make sure to watch this movie.
Ann-Margaret in Relaxed Attire
Ann-Margaret appears snug and relaxed in this photo, as she is wearing the most comfortable pajamas we’ve seen. She is a Swedish-American actress and singer. She has already won five Golden Globe Awards, making her one of the most respected actresses of her era. She remains an active performer today, and Elvis Presley fell in love with her upon their first meeting, which is understandable. Watching one of her films will reveal why she is such an enchanting actress. Some actresses will always be timeless.
Raquel Welch Understands What She Has
Confidence is key to becoming a successful model and actress. Raquel Welch began her career in the 1960s and stepped away from it in 2017. If you are familiar with her work, you know she is recognized for portraying strong female characters that challenge gender norms, which is well-deserved. For this reason, she was considered a sex symbol in the 1960s, similar to Marilyn Monroe. However, what set her apart and made her iconic was that she wasn’t a bottle blonde, unlike many others at that time. This significantly altered the perception of women like her.
Irish McCalla Reigns Supreme As 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 remarkable acting abilities, but the actress revealed she was chosen for her natural skill in swinging through the trees. Throughout her career, she appeared in approximately five films over four years. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 73, yet her legacy as Sheena remains cherished by many.
Veronica Lake Enjoys The Music
As you can see, Veronica Lake is thoroughly enjoying herself by relaxing by the pool and listening to her favorite music. In the summer, this is one of our favorite activities as well. In the 1940s, she was known for playing some of the best femme fatale roles. Additionally, Lake was a well-known pinup girl for soldiers during World War II. This is no surprise given her good looks and charismatic personality, which made her popular in those circles and brought her the fame she deserved.
Tuesday Weld Capturing the Golden Light
Enjoying the sunlight feels remarkably refreshing, and that’s just what Tuesday Weld is doing in this photo. She started her career young as a child model and actress. However, her breakout role that brought her significant fame came in 1958. At that time, she was known for portraying women who were promiscuous, impulsive, and reckless. You wouldn’t guess any of that when she looks so calm, quietly soaking up the sun in the car while posing for a picture.
Sophia Loren Lying on the Ground
Sophia Loren was born in Rome and is considered one of the leading female actresses who transformed classic Hollywood cinema. Fans of the Italian film “Two Women” will recognize Loren for her role as Cesira, a performance that earned her an Academy Award. Although she continues to act occasionally, her level of activity has decreased compared to the early days of her career. Loren stepped back from acting in the seventies due to concerns about her children’s safety.
Ava Gardner Relaxing on the Beach
No one can appear as stunning while relaxing on the sand as Ava Gardner does in this photo. She enjoyed one of the most successful film careers, often starring in leading roles. Her remarkable good looks made her famous for her relationships with men, including John Kennedy, Sinatra, Steve McQueen, and many more. However, she passed away in 1990 from bronchial pneumonia. Her health had already been compromised, as she had a stroke in 1986, which left her paralyzed on her left side and very frail in her final years.
Julie Newmar Embracing Her Catwoman Persona
Julie Newmar is a singer, actress, and dancer who appeared in Batman, and in this picture, she is pictured as Catwoman from the Batman TV series. Since then, she has taken on numerous roles on TV, thanks to her acting skills and charismatic appearance. Many believe she was the best Catwoman because she was driven and intelligent, making her perfect for the role. Her combination of being deadly yet mysterious made her an ideal portrayal of Catwoman, leading most fans to consider her the definitive Catwoman.
Kim Novak in Her Natural Environment
Kim Novak is now a retired actress and painter, who was most active in television and film between the 1950s and 1990s. Eventually, she chose to step away from the spotlight after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, deciding that lifestyle was not for her. She redirected her efforts towards horses, painting, and anti-bullying initiatives, among other activities. During her active years, she captivated audiences, as evident from this photo. Her beauty and intellect are considered unmatched in the Hollywood scene.
Ursula Andress and Her Iconic Bikini
Ursula Andress was a Swiss actress best known for her role in the James Bond series. In addition, she appeared in a Bond parody film. Over her career, she participated in more than forty TV shows and movies, establishing herself as one of the leading actresses. The image captures her captivating presence, showcasing her confidence and the unique qualities she brought to Hollywood, standing out among other notable actresses and personalities.
Mara Corday Without Shoes By The Lake
Throughout her career, Mara Corday starred in numerous remarkable films, including “Man Without a Star,” “Black Scorpion,” and many more. Even in the 1950s, she gained fame for her natural beauty and striking figure. This led to a high demand for photographers wanting to capture her image, and her modeling career flourished. At one time, she was recognized as the most photographed model globally. As evident from this picture, she was undeniably beautiful. In this photograph, she is barefoot by the lake, maintaining her stunning appearance with her lovely hair, attire, and features.
Natalie Wood is surprised.
We’re not sure what Natalie Wood is looking at in this photo, but she certainly appears more shocked than ever. Wood rose to fame after her role in Miracle on 34th Street.
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Susan Walker’s portrayal on the street was notable. Her other roles were also iconic and received Oscar nominations. Nevertheless, she mysteriously passed away at 43 due to drowning. At the time, she was working on the film Brainstorm and was on a break from the production when the incident occurred. Many people continue to speculate about the circumstances of her death, which is why we may never truly understand what happened.
Yvonne Craig Looking Adorable in an Outfit
If you’ve watched the 60s TV series, Batman, then you’re familiar with Yvonne Craig, who played an amazing role on the show. In addition to that, she was a ballet dancer and toured with the Ballet Russe de Monte when she wasn’t filming TV series. In this picture, you can see her in a charming outfit, and she clearly knows she looks fantastic. This photo was taken in 1961 and has been colorized so that you can view it fully. She looks like she’s ready to conquer the world.
The Misfortunes of Sharon Tate
Sharon Tate was an amazing American model and actress, yet some individuals are simply too beautiful for the cruelty of this world. She reached her height in the sixties, on the verge of becoming a legendary Hollywood star. This was due to her roles in several productions, including Don’t Make Waves, Valley of the Dolls, and others. Unfortunately, her career was cut short because she was murdered by the Manson family while she was eight months pregnant. She deserved more, and she would have become an incredible actress had her life not been tragically cut short.
Carolyn Jones Prepared To Embark
In this picture, Carolyn Jones appears ready to set sail and conquer the ocean just as she took on Hollywood. Known to many as Morticia Addams, she’s often associated with being a captivating beauty. However, in this image, she doesn’t seem haunted; instead, she looks like she’s having a great day on the ocean. As one of the most promising actresses, she won both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, a testament to her talent. If you’re familiar with her work, you know how exceptional her acting is, with her beauty being just one part of her remarkable personality.
Betty Grable and Her Famous Legs
This photo of Betty Grable is from 1935, during which she was one of the leading actresses. This was due to her appearances in several blockbuster films. Nonetheless, one of the reasons she was particularly well-known was because of her legs, as evident in this image. She confidently showcases her stunning legs, which became Hollywood legends, and it’s no wonder. Her poise and allure were key factors in her rise to fame and the incredible roles she landed.
Cleo Moore Prepared to Dive Into the Pool
If you haven’t already gathered from the picture, Cleo Moore was a famous pinup girl due to her striking appearance, which included a beautiful smile, an hourglass figure, and blonde hair. While her productions did not receive the recognition they deserved at the time, she remains well-known. Many of the films she was in back then are now considered cult classics. You can watch them and form your own opinion. Even if you’re not fond of the movie itself, you’re likely to 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 was at the height of her career during her thirties, starring in well-known productions like The Poseidon Adventure and Nutty Professor, among others. People admired her figure, sparkling eyes, gorgeous hair, and all her other attributes. This is one of her most iconic photos because she looks amazing, showcasing those attractive legs that captivated many men.
Elke Sommer Looking Fabulous
Elke Sommer was from Berlin and was one of the most iconic actresses of the sixties. She starred in nearly a hundred films and appeared on TV until 2005. If you’ve seen The Art of Love or A Shot in the Dark, you might remember her. That’s because she knows how great she is, and you can tell from her demeanor, just like in this picture. It’s from 1968, and Sommer knows how great she looks and wants you to know that too, with that cheeky grin on her face.
June Wilkinson and Her Striking Appearance
Wilkinson has gained fame throughout her career for her appearances in Playboy magazine and various films. Her striking figure contributed significantly to her frequent features in Playboy. Her modeling career extended across more than fifty newspapers and magazines. At one stage, she was recognized as the most photographed nude woman in the USA. The image before you isn’t one of her nude photos, yet it is equally provocative, as her captivating appearance is enough to catch your attention.
The Glamour of Jill St. John
If you’ve seen multiple productions from the seventies, then you’re likely familiar with Jill St. John, as she was an icon of that era. She has appeared in a wide range of TV shows and films, including “Diamonds Are Forever,” “Magnum PI,” “Hart to Hart,” “Fantasy Island,” and many more. Most people remember her as a Bond girl in the 1971 movie, a role that is unforgettable. If you haven’t watched it yet, you should do so to understand who she is and her allure.
Janet Leigh Prepared for Summer
Janet Leigh sits by the pool in a red swimsuit and red lipstick, aware of how attractive she appears in this ensemble. Her outfit accentuates her figure, and the pool looks inviting. If we were her, we’d likely dive into the pool to escape the heat. The photo seems to be from a summer shoot, as Leigh appears prepared to embrace the season in the best way. We can’t fault her, as she has the ideal summer body we aspire to achieve each year.
Yvonne De Carlo Relaxing On That Sofa
We all enjoy relaxing on the couch when we have free time, and Yvonne de Carlo is doing just that, 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, capturing our attention. She has appeared in numerous productions, including The 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 in Grease. This image is iconic because, due to the black-and-white nature of those movies, we rarely got to see her blonde hair. However, this colorized photo showcases her hair, her gorgeous skin, and everything else she has to offer. Even the bikini looks stunning, and it must feel privileged to adorn Sandra Dee’s body in this legendary image. This picture is from 1959, and Dee seems well aware of how fantastic she looks in it.
Blaze Starr and the Bongos
Blaze Starr was one of the most renowned stars, and this is a colorized photo from 1954 that rejuvenates the image. She was a well-known dancer who showcased her talents to many men, including the governor of Louisiana and numerous others eager to witness her performance. Even in this photo, her pose and striking appearance suggest a seductive allure. It appears she’s poised to play those bongos and dance to their rhythm, promising an unforgettable performance.
Carroll Baker Understands What’s On Your Mind
This is one of Carroll Baker’s most notable photos, where it appears she is gazing deeply into your eyes with an understanding of everything happening. She might know, or she might not; we can never be sure. What is certain, however, is that she looks stunning in this mint green dress. If you’re not familiar with her, she was a star in the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play “Baby Doll.” She also had other roles, but this might be the most enjoyable outfit we’ve seen her in.
