Hollywood has been around for a long time, and that’s why you’ll find many classic movies and icons that are truly remarkable. Women have always been essential in Hollywood, lending their beauty, acting skill, and much more. In the past, most films were not in color, so you couldn’t see them in their full glory. However, some rare photos have been colorized so you can appreciate the beauty of these classic images. Here are fifty classic colorized pictures for you to enjoy.
Sally Todd Leaning Against a Wall
Many women took part in beauty contests and pageants, and subsequently gained fame, including Sally Todd. In 1952, she participated in a local contest, and from there, she built a remarkable career in Hollywood. She is best known for her role in Frankenstein’s Daughter in 1958. Furthermore, the year before that, she was featured as Playmate of the Month in Playboy. Audiences admired her contributions to cinema, from her captivating looks to her outstanding acting abilities shown on screen.
Jayne Mansfield Pretends to Play Pool
Jayne Mansfield was not just an actress but also a singer and sometimes worked as a model. This provided her with a varied career that she greatly enjoyed. In the 1950s and 1960s, she was one of Hollywood’s most famous sex symbols. During her career, she often appeared in Playboy and starred in notable productions like “Too Hot to Handle” and “The Wayward Bus,” among others. Watching any of these will show you her performing at her peak. She is particularly known for her striking blonde hair and captivating figure.
Diana Dors Aboard A Boat
There’s nothing quite like relaxing on a yacht during a hot summer day. In this picture, Diana Dors is also enjoying her time on a yacht. Her career started when she was only fourteen. She later married Dennis Hamilton, but the marriage wasn’t very successful because he pressured her into accepting roles she wasn’t interested in. Still, she consistently gave excellent performances in all her work. She often made headlines because of her financial troubles, but she still managed to succeed.
Rare Photograph of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe is a well-known figure because of her career and accomplishments, making an introduction almost unnecessary. Although there are many photos of her, this one is rare and may be unknown to you. She starred in more than twenty-five films, but her life tragically ended at thirty-six. Even with her early death, she made a significant impact on Hollywood and is still remembered. Today, she remains a cultural icon, admired by many young women who seek to emulate her.
Betty Brosmer Striking a Dominant Pose
Betty Brosmer was an American model and fitness expert known for her perfect figure, with her eighteen-inch waist considered by many to be an impossible standard. Her impressive physique led to her becoming a popular pinup model, featured in numerous magazines during her career. A major part of her legacy was promoting fair pay for models and ensuring they had rights over their images. She later gained fame for writing fitness books and sharing her knowledge. Betty Brosmer also stood as a symbol of body positivity and a healthy lifestyle.
Anita Ekberg Synchronizing with the Boat
Anita Ekberg became famous after being crowned Miss Sweden in 1950. However, her reputation goes beyond modeling because she also appeared in many productions. She is most famous for her role in the 1960s film La Dolce Vita. She spent the majority of her career in Italy, where she moved in 1964 after obtaining permanent residency. Her career thrived significantly, and she is well-known for her stunning beauty that mesmerized audiences who saw her in magazines, on television, or in films.
Suzanne Pleshette Exhibiting Fashion Trends
Finding versatile actresses can be difficult, but Suzanne Pleshette was among them, appearing in television, films, theater, and more. If you’ve watched Rome Adventure and The Birds, then you’re familiar with her work. However, her most famous role was as Emily Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show. She infused the character with intelligence, humor, and depth, redefining how sitcom wives were perceived at the time and earning her a devoted following across the country.
Brigitte Bardot Remains Inactive
There is no feeling quite like just lying down and taking a break, especially given our busy lives, which seems to be precisely what Brigitte Bardot is doing. She transformed the French film scene when she began her career, rapidly securing classic roles. She eventually reached Hollywood, but her career there was brief after one of her films was banned for showing midriffs. Even while relaxing, she looks gorgeous, and it’s no wonder.
Joi Lansing Keeping Cool Despite the Heat
Joi Lansing made a notable mark on the entertainment scene in the 1950s and 1960s as a singer, actress, and model in America. She is particularly remembered for her part in “Touch of Evil,” a famous crime drama from that period. She embraced her distinctive hourglass figure, often showcasing it in photos by wearing bikinis or clothes that accentuated her curves. At that time, many women capitalized on their physical appearance to establish themselves in the entertainment world.
Barbara Eden and the Vehicle
“I Dream of Jeannie” was among the most beloved sitcoms of the 1960s, starring Barbara Eden as Jeannie. Since then, her career took off, leading to appearances in over twenty films, TV shows, and more. She also had a recurring role in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” as Aunt Irma. You can watch any of these to see Barbara Eden in action and enjoy some outstanding roles that initiated and supported her lengthy career. The colorized photo is from 1951, and Eden looks happier than ever.
Prepared to Ride: Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich was a singer and actress with a career that stretched over seventy years. She began in theater and silent films and went on to achieve fame in Hollywood in the 1930s. During that time, she starred in many classic films that gained her widespread acclaim. She was admired for her captivating voice, striking style, and powerful presence that enthralled audiences both on screen and on stage. This iconic photo of Marlene is important because, at that time, it was unusual for women to ride motorcycles, and with this one image, she defied traditional gender roles.
Vikki Dougan Showing Off Her Curvaceous Figure
“Show it off if you have it” is a principle adhered to by numerous models and actresses who have self-assurance in their physical appearance and talents. Vikki Dougan had a distinguished modeling career prior to making her move to Hollywood. During award ceremonies, she would frequently allow her shawl to fall, exposing the back of her dress, and became noted for these instances. Nevertheless, she embraced her allure and attractiveness. Her self-confidence charmed people, no matter where she was.
Jacqueline Bisset at the set.
Jacqueline Bisset gained fame in her forties for her acting skills and career. While many initially thought she landed roles due to her looks, her appearance was not the only reason she was chosen for TV and film roles. The image displayed is a colorized still from the set of “The Thief Who Came to Dinner.” Released in 1973, this film is regarded as one of Jacqueline Bisset’s best performances.
Mamie Van Doren on the Roof
Apparently, Mamie Van Doren couldn’t find a better spot for her photo shoot than this rooftop. She was considered a top sex symbol of her time, alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. She appeared in various roles, such as in “All-American” and “Teacher’s Pet,” which contributed to her recognition and fame. Her striking figure and good looks also led many magazines to choose her as a model. She is one of those people who began modestly and gained fame through dedication and hard work.
Claudia Cardinale in a light blue swimsuit
At seventeen, Claudia Cardinale entered a beauty contest, which resulted in her being discovered and beginning a career in acting. This helped her land minor roles in different films, leading to sporadic screen appearances. However, her most notable role was in the film Once Upon a Time in the West, released in 1968. It was one of the key films she starred in during her career. If you want to witness Claudia Cardinale’s excellent performance, you should watch this movie.
Bettie Page and the Mysterious Toy
There were many pinup models in the past, but Bettie Page was known as the queen of pinups. She was a very popular model in the United States after World War II. Her bangs, alluring personality, and jet-black hair fascinated everyone who looked at her. She could be compared to Katy Perry, who has a comparable demeanor and look. However, this photo doesn’t completely show her beauty, and the strange toy next to her takes away from the overall effect. Nonetheless, it is a rare colorized photo of her that you might encounter.
Madeline Smith Provides More Content Than Ever
Madeline Smith began her career as a model in the late 1960s before moving into acting in television shows and films. One of her standout performances was as Miss Caruso in “Live and Let Die,” filmed in 1973, which gained her considerable recognition. Now at the age of 73, Madeline is mostly retired from acting, making only occasional appearances in the film industry.
A set of playing cards showcasing Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda is still one of the most fascinating actresses on television, recently featuring in “Grace and Frankie.” She is an actress, fashion model, activist, and women’s advocate globally. The actress has received two Oscars, and there is a unique photo of her smiling with a deck of cards. Lately, Fonda has focused more on her political activism than her acting career. She mentions finding this new purpose in life and intends to pursue it with determination, regardless of any obstacles she might face.
Elizabeth Montgomery Displaying Her Skills
Elizabeth Montgomery hailed from a privileged background, with her family already being part of the industry. Nonetheless, her acting and modeling career spanned fifty years. She starred in numerous sitcoms and films, garnering the fame she rightly deserved. As a result, she was nominated for several Emmys. Sadly, she was diagnosed with colon cancer and succumbed to it. However, throughout her time in the industry, she put forth her best effort, which is why her legacy from the 1960s show “Bewitched” endures today.
Charlotte Rampling and Her Intensity
Charlotte Rampling is a highly versatile actress, known for her roles in European arthouse films in Italian, French, and English. In addition to being an actress, she is also a model and singer, and remains active in her career. Rampling is celebrated for her extraordinary beauty, keen wit, and sensitivity, establishing her as a prominent actress of her time. Here is one of her colorized photos from the sixties, showing her in a captivating and fashionable light. Her beauty is unmatched, which is why she continues to pursue her career actively and takes on a variety of film roles.
Victoria Principal Enjoying the Beach
Victoria Principal is an author, entrepreneur, producer, actress, and more. She has appeared in several successful films and began her career in a television show. However, she has now stepped away from acting to concentrate on managing her own production company. Occasionally, her company produces various TV shows, highlighting her skills. In this colorized image, Principal is relaxing on the beach in the seventies. That is one lucky rock to have such a beautiful woman reclining on it and posing.
Grace Kelly Gliding Elegantly
The name itself emphasizes the grace with which Grace Kelly moves in this image. She was an American actress who starred in many films before marrying the Prince of Monaco and opting to focus on her royal duties, setting her career aside. Sadly, she suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car accident at 52 and passed away. Despite this, her name is still fondly recalled, and she is one of the prominent female stars who reshaped the world of classic cinema during her life.
Elaine Stewart Relishing the Breeze
Elaine Stewart began her professional journey in modeling and later ventured into acting, a path taken by many women in the industry. She was both a model and an actress, featuring in several films such as Singin’ in the Rain, Stranger Beware, and others. Many considered her the brunette counterpart to Marilyn Monroe. As a result, MGM quickly signed her on to retain their audience and attract more fans. Observing a photo of her from the 1950s, it’s evident that she had a remarkable figure and an even more captivating face, which helped her build a loyal fan following.
Lauren Bacall in Her Summer Attire
Lauren Bacall began her career early, making her film debut at the age of nineteen. Her co-star in this movie was Humphrey Bogart, whom she eventually married. She continued to act in a wide range of films, gaining the recognition she deserved. Furthermore, she was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in “The Mirror Has Two Faces.” To appreciate her talent, make sure to watch this film to see what we’re referring to.
Ann-Margaret Wearing Casual Clothing
In this photograph, Ann-Margaret looks relaxed and comfortable in some of the coziest pajamas we’ve ever seen. She is a Swedish-American actress and singer who has won five Golden Globe Awards, establishing her as one of the most esteemed actresses of her time. She remains active in the acting industry, and it’s not hard to understand why Elvis Presley was captivated by her when he first saw her. Watching any of the films she has appeared in will demonstrate why she is such a captivating actress. Some actresses will always remain timeless classics.
Raquel Welch Recognizes What She Possesses
Confidence is crucial for a successful career as a model and actress. Raquel Welch was active in the industry from the 1960s until her retirement in 2017. If you are familiar with her work, you’ll recognize that she gained fame by playing strong female characters that defied gender stereotypes. As a result, she became a sex symbol in the sixties, akin to Marilyn Monroe. Her uniqueness set her apart—she wasn’t a bottle blonde like many of her contemporaries. This greatly changed how people viewed such women.
Irish McCalla is known as the Queen of the Jungle.
Iris McCalla was an American television and film actress, most famous for her role in Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, which was broadcast in the 1950s. It is often thought she gained recognition for her exceptional acting talent. However, the actress disclosed that she was chosen for the role due to her innate ability to swing through the trees. Throughout her career, she acted in approximately five films over four years. She died in 2002 at the age of 73, yet her legacy as Sheena remains alive in the hearts of many.
Veronica Lake Enjoying the Music
Veronica Lake can be observed relaxing by the pool, indulging in her favorite music. During summer, this is an activity we also cherish as it revitalizes us. In the 1940s, she played some of the most iconic femme fatale characters. Furthermore, Lake was a famous pinup girl for soldiers in World War II. Her beauty and popularity warranted the recognition she attained in those circles.
Tuesday Weld Embracing That Radiant Light
Enjoying the sunlight has an unparalleled refreshing sensation, and that’s precisely what Tuesday Weld is doing in this picture. She began her career as a child model and actress, with her breakthrough role occurring in 1958. During that time, she was renowned for playing characters who were promiscuous, impulsive, and reckless. You wouldn’t guess any of that while seeing her calmly sitting in the car, basking in the sun and posing for the camera.
Sophia Loren Resting on the Floor
Sophia Loren, who was born in Rome, is one of the prominent actresses who reshaped classic Hollywood cinema. If you’ve watched the Italian film Two Women, you’ll remember Loren’s iconic performance as Cesira, which earned her an Academy Award. Although she is not as involved as she was at the start of her career, she still occasionally acts today. She also stepped back in the seventies because of worries about her children’s safety.
Ava Gardner Enjoying Herself at the Beach
No one can look as stunning relaxing on the sand as Ava Gardner does in this photo. She had a highly successful film career with many leading roles. Her remarkable beauty made her relationships with men such as John Kennedy, Sinatra, Steve McQueen, and others highly publicized. However, she died in 1990 due to bronchial pneumonia. Her health had been already deteriorating after a stroke in 1986, which left her paralyzed on the left side and very frail in the last years of her life.
Julie Newmar Embracing Her Role as Catwoman
Julie Newmar is a singer, actress, and dancer known for her role in Batman, where she portrayed Catwoman in the TV series. Her skill in acting and captivating looks have led her to many other television roles. Many consider her the best Catwoman due to her intelligence and determination, which perfectly suited the character. Her portrayal was both dangerous and enigmatic, making her an ideal Catwoman. Thus, she is frequently seen by fans as the ultimate Catwoman.
Kim Novak at Her Peak
Kim Novak is now a retired film and television actress, as well as a painter, who worked primarily from the 1950s to the 1990s. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she chose to leave the spotlight and the accompanying lifestyle. She dedicated herself to horses, painting, anti-bullying campaigns, and other pursuits. Nonetheless, during her active career, she mesmerized audiences, as this picture demonstrates. Her beauty and intelligence were unrivaled in Hollywood.
Ursula Andress and Her Famous Swimsuit
Ursula Andress was a Swiss actress famous for her role in the James Bond series. She also appeared in a Bond parody film. Furthermore, throughout her career, she acted in more than forty TV shows and movies, establishing herself as one of the most notable actresses. Even in this picture, her presence is striking, and she clearly understands the significance of her contributions. This kind of confidence is especially compelling in Hollywood, surrounded by many other talented actresses and personalities.
Mara Corday Standing Barefoot by the Lake
Over her career, Mara Corday appeared in a variety of thrilling films like Man Without a Star and Black Scorpions, among others. In the 1950s, she gained fame for her natural beauty and remarkable physique. This attracted many photographers eager to capture her likeness, and her modeling career soared to new heights. At one time, she was acknowledged as the most photographed model globally. As shown in this picture, she was indeed stunning. In the image, she stands barefoot by the lake, retaining her striking looks with her beautiful hair, outfit, and features.
Natalie Wood is astonished.
It’s unclear what has caught Natalie Wood’s eye in this picture, but she definitely appears more surprised than ever. Wood became famous after her role in Miracle on 34th Street.
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Susan Walker gained fame for her street performances. Her other roles have also been significant, earning her Oscar nominations. However, she mysteriously passed away at the age of 43 from drowning. She was working on the movie Brainstorm and was on a break from filming when the incident took place. Even now, there is a lot of speculation surrounding her death, leaving us unsure about the true events.
Yvonne Craig Appearing Charming in an Ensemble
If you watched the 1960s Batman TV series, you remember Yvonne Craig for her outstanding performance in the show. Beyond acting, she was a ballet dancer and toured with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo when she wasn’t working on TV series. In this photo, she is seen in a charming outfit and clearly knows how amazing she looks. The image, taken in 1961, has been colorized to allow you to see it in full detail. She looks prepared to conquer the world.
Sharon Tate and Her Tragic Fate
Sharon Tate was a remarkable American model and actress, but some people are just too beautiful for the harshness of the world. The 1960s was her peak period, and she was on the brink of becoming a legendary Hollywood star. This was thanks to her roles in several productions, like Don’t Make Waves and Valley of the Dolls. Sadly, her career was prematurely ended when she was murdered by the Manson family while eight months pregnant. She deserved more, and she would have become an outstanding actress if her life hadn’t been tragically cut short.
Carolyn Jones Ready To Embark
In the picture, Carolyn Jones seems prepared to set off on a sailing journey, confidently confronting the ocean as she once did Hollywood. Famous as Morticia Addams, she is linked in many minds with an eerie beauty. However, in this image, she doesn’t seem haunted; rather, she looks like she’s relishing her day on the water. As a highly talented actress, she earned both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, a well-earned recognition. Those who know her work understand her exceptional acting skills, with her beauty being just one aspect of her impressive personality.
Betty Grable’s Famous Legs
This photograph of Betty Grable dates back to 1935, a time when she was one of the top actresses. This was due to her many successful films that led the box office. However, one of the most remarkable aspects of her fame was her legs, which are prominently featured in this picture. She proudly showcases her beautiful legs, and understandably so. They became legendary in Hollywood, and she was fully aware of her advantages. Her self-assurance and beauty were crucial in her ascent to stardom and obtaining outstanding roles.
Cleo Moore Ready to Jump Into the Pool
If you can’t tell from the picture, Cleo Moore was a famous pin-up girl because of her looks, which include her captivating smile, hourglass figure, blonde hair, and other features. Keep in mind that her work never got the recognition it deserved, but she is still well-known. This is because many of the movies she took part in during that era are now seen as cult classics. So, you can watch them and form your own opinion. Even if the movie isn’t quite your style, you’ll still appreciate Moore’s performance.
Stella Stevens in a floral-patterned bikini
Yellow and red floral bikinis may not be fashionable currently, but they were a hit in the 60s, as shown in this picture of Stella Stevens. Born in 1938, she reached the peak of her career in her thirties, featuring in famous productions like The Poseidon Adventure, Nutty Professor, and more. People appreciated her figure, striking eyes, beautiful hair, and every aspect about her. This is one of her most iconic images because she looks amazing and is highlighting those lovely legs that many admired.
Elke Sommer Looking Stunning
Elke Sommer, hailing from Berlin, was one of the most iconic actresses of the 1960s. She starred in nearly a hundred films and continued to make television appearances until 2005. If you’ve watched “The Art of Love” or “A Shot in the Dark,” you might recall her. This is because she is confident in her own greatness, a quality reflected in her demeanor, as captured in this 1968 picture. Sommer is aware of how incredible she looks and wants you to notice it too, with that playful grin on her face.
June Wilkinson and Her Remarkable Looks
Throughout her career, Wilkinson has become well-known for her appearances in Playboy magazine and various films. Her physique is one of her most attractive features, leading to frequent appearances in Playboy. She has modeled for more than fifty newspapers and magazines over the years. At one time, she was even referred to as the most photographed nude woman in the USA. The picture you’re looking at is not one of her nude photos, but she appears just as provocative here, as her striking look is quite captivating.
The Elegance of Jill St. John
If you’ve seen various productions from the 1970s, you probably know Jill St. John, as she was a notable figure during that time. She featured in several 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 James Bond film where she portrayed a Bond girl, a role that left a lasting impact. If you haven’t watched it yet, make sure to do so to see who she is and why she is so captivating.
Janet Leigh Readied Herself for the Summer
Janet Leigh sits by the pool with her legs in the water, dressed in a red swimsuit and red lipstick, confidently aware of her attractive appearance. Her outfit highlights her figure, and the pool looks enticing. If we were in her place, we’d probably jump into the pool to cool off from the heat. The photo seems to be from a summer photoshoot, as Leigh appears ready to enjoy summer in the best way. It’s fitting, as she has the perfect summer figure we’re all eager to have every year.
Yvonne De Carlo Relaxing on the Couch
We all love relaxing on the couch when we have some free time, and Yvonne de Carlo is doing just that, but she appears far more stunning than we do in the same scenario. Her beauty is unmatched, and she looks amazing in her outfit. Moreover, her smile and eyes further amplify her allure, completely captivating us. She has featured in numerous projects, including “The Ten Commandments.” If you’ve watched this movie, you will surely remember her because she shines in that iconic film role.
Sandra Dee and Her Voluminous Blonde Hair
You might recognize Sandra Dee from movies such as Imitation of Life, Gidget, and Come September, as well as from the popular song in Grease. This photo is iconic because, considering the black-and-white format of those films, we rarely see her blonde hair. However, this colorized image emphasizes her hair, her beautiful skin, and everything else she offers. Even the bikini looks amazing, and it must feel lucky to be worn by Sandra Dee in this unforgettable picture. The photo is from 1959, and it seems Dee knows how fantastic she looks in it.
Blaze Starr and the Bongos
Blaze Starr, a famous star, is depicted in this colorized 1954 photo to enhance its vibrancy. She was a celebrated dancer, captivating many men, including the governor of Louisiana and others eager to watch her perform. Her alluring charm is apparent in this image through her pose and striking appearance. It appears she’s ready to play the bongos and dance to their rhythm for a memorable show.
Carroll Baker Knows What You’re Thinking
This is one of Carroll Baker’s most iconic images, where she seems to be looking into your soul, as if she comprehends everything going on. Well, perhaps she does, or maybe she doesn’t; we may never know. What we do know is that she looks exquisite in this mint green dress. If you’re not acquainted with her, she was a star in the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play Baby Doll. Moreover, she took on several other roles. However, this is likely the most charming outfit we’ve seen her in.