Hollywood has been around for a long while, so you’ll find many classic movies and icons that will amaze you. Women have consistently played a crucial role in Hollywood due to their contributions, including beauty, acting talent, and more. At that time, most films were not in color, meaning you can’t see them in their full splendor. However, some rare pictures 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, which often led to fame, and Sally Todd was one of them. She took part in a local contest in 1952, and from that point on, she had an impressive career in Hollywood. She is best remembered for her role in “Frankenstein’s Daughter” in 1958. The year before that, she was also named Playmate of the Month in Playboy. Audiences appreciated her contributions to cinema, from her striking appearance to her remarkable acting skills that can be seen on screen.
Jayne Mansfield Acts Like She’s Playing Pool
Jayne Mansfield was not only an actress but also a singer and a model. This diversity gave her a fulfilling career that she relished at every turn. During the fifties and sixties, she became one of Hollywood’s most famous sex symbols. Throughout her career, she frequently appeared in Playboy and notable productions such as Too Hot to Handle, The Wayward Bus, among others. Watching any of these works will show her thriving in her natural environment. She is primarily recognized for her striking blonde hair and alluring physique.
Diana Dors Aboard A Yacht
Nothing beats lounging on a yacht during a hot summer day. In this picture, Diana Dors is also on a yacht, but her career began when she was just fourteen. She later married Dennis Hamilton, but the marriage wasn’t very successful because he continually pressed her to take roles she wasn’t interested in. Nevertheless, she delivered outstanding performances in all her work. She was frequently in the news for her financial issues, yet she managed to do well for herself.
Uncommon Photograph of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe needs no introduction because she is already well-known for her significant contributions during her career. There are numerous images of her, and this one is a rare example that you might not have encountered before. She appeared in over twenty-five films, but her life ended tragically at the age of thirty-six. Despite her untimely passing, she is still remembered for her impact on Hollywood. Today, she remains a cultural icon that young women admire and aspire to emulate in the future.
Betty Brosmer Posing Confidently
Betty Brosmer was once a fitness expert and an American model renowned for her perfect figure, with many believing her eighteen-inch waist was unattainable. Her physique also made her a pinup model featured in various magazines throughout her career. However, she made a significant impact by advocating for fair compensation for models and ensuring they had control over their photographs. Later, she gained recognition for authoring fitness books and sharing her expertise. She also became a symbol of body positivity and a healthy lifestyle.
Anita Ekberg Coordinating with the Boat
Anita Ekberg gained fame when she won the title of Miss Sweden in 1950. Yet, she’s not only recognized for her modeling career, as she also starred in various productions. She is most well-known for her role in La Dolce Vita in the 1960s. She spent the majority of her career in Italy, where she worked and obtained permanent residency in 1964, after which she remained there. Her career was highly successful, and she is widely remembered for her stunning beauty, which captivated the attention of all who saw her in magazines, on TV, or in movies.
Suzanne Pleshette Displaying Styles
It can be difficult to find versatile actresses, but Suzanne Pleshette was one, having appeared in TV, movies, theatre, and more. If you’ve seen Rome Adventure and The Birds, you’re familiar with her work. However, her most notable role was as Emily Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show. She transformed the role with the intelligence, humor, and depth she brought to the character, changing how people viewed sitcom wives at the time. This performance helped her build a loyal fan base across the country.
Brigitte Bardot Taking a Break
There’s nothing quite like lying down and doing nothing, especially with the hectic lives we lead, and this is exactly what Brigitte Bardot seems to be enjoying. She revolutionized French cinema from the start of her career, swiftly landing iconic roles. Eventually, she moved on to Hollywood, although this phase was brief, as one of her films got banned due to exposed midriffs. Even when she’s doing nothing, she looks amazing, which is no surprise to us.
Joi Lansing Staying Cool
Joi Lansing made a significant impact on the entertainment industry in the 1950s and 1960s as a singer, actress, and model in America. However, she is often remembered for her role in the renowned crime drama “Touch of Evil.” Additionally, she was aware of her remarkable hourglass figure and leveraged it to her advantage. This is why many of her photos feature her in bikinis or outfits that highlight this figure. Many women at that time capitalized on their appearance because they understood their value to the entertainment industry.
Barbara Eden and the Truck
“I Dream of Jeannie” was one of the most popular sitcoms in the 1960s, featuring Barbara Eden in the role of Jeannie. Since then, her career flourished, and she appeared in over twenty films, TV shows, and many other projects. She also had a recurring role in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” as Aunt Irma. If you want to see Barbara Eden’s performances and her impressive roles that launched her career and sustained it over the years, you can watch any of these. The colorized photo is from 1951, and Eden looks happier than ever.
Marlene Dietrich Prepared To Ride
Marlene Dietrich was both a singer and an actress, with a career spanning over seventy years. She started with theater and silent movies, and eventually gained fame in Hollywood in the 1930s. During this period, she appeared in several classic films, earning recognition for her alluring voice, elegant style, and captivating presence in both television and theater. This picture of Marlene is iconic because, at that time, women rarely rode motorcycles, and she is challenging gender roles with just this single image.
Vikki Dougan Flaunting Her Curvy Figure
If you have it, show it off is a popular motto that many models and actresses adhere to because they are confident in their bodies and talents. Vikki Dougan had an outstanding modeling career before transitioning to Hollywood. During award shows, she often let her shawl slip, revealing the back of her dress, and these instances contributed to her fame. However, she always embraced her sexuality and beauty confidently. This self-assurance is what made her captivating to people, no matter where she was.
Jacqueline Bisset Filming
Jacqueline Bisset was born in the 1940s and is recognized for her acting talent and career. Initially, many believed she gained roles due to her beauty. While that was a factor, it wasn’t the sole reason she was cast in TV shows and movies. The image shown 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 for those looking to see her finest performances.
Mamie Van Doren on the Rooftop
It seems that Mamie Van Doren resorted to using this rooftop for her photoshoot. Like Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield, she was a leading sex symbol of her era. She starred in a variety of roles, including in “All-American” and “Teacher’s Pet,” among others, which contributed to her popularity and recognition. Her stunning looks and figure also made her a sought-after model for many magazines. She is one of those individuals who started modestly and achieved fame through perseverance and effort.
Claudia Cardinale Wearing a Light Blue Swimsuit
At the age of seventeen, Claudia Cardinale participated in a beauty pageant, after which she was discovered and became an actress. As a result, she landed small roles in various films, which occasionally gave her screen presence. However, her most significant role was in “Once Upon a Time in the West,” released in 1968. This film was one of the most prominent in which she starred during her career. If you want to see Claudia Cardinale delivering her best performance, you can watch this movie.
Bettie Page and the Eerie Doll
There were many pinup models in the past, but Bettie Page was regarded as the queen of pinups. She was one of the most renowned models in America following WWII. Her bangs, sensual personality, and jet-black hair captivated anyone who saw her. She can be compared to the beauty of Katy Perry, who shares a similar demeanor and appearance. However, this picture doesn’t quite capture her beauty, and the eerie toy beside her doesn’t enhance the image. Still, it’s a rare colorized picture of her.
Madeline Smith More Content Than Ever
Madeline Smith was a model in the late 1960s before transitioning to acting in various TV shows and films. One of her most notable roles was Miss Caruso in the 1973 film “Live and Let Die.” This role significantly boosted her fame. Now, at 73 years old, she is largely retired from acting, and only occasionally appears in the cinematic scene.
Playing cards featuring Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda remains one of the most captivating actresses on television, having recently starred in Grace and Frankie. She is an actress, fashion model, activist, and advocate for women worldwide. Fonda has won two Oscars, and there is a rare photo of her smiling with a deck of cards. In recent years, she has concentrated more on her role as a political activist than as an actress. She says she has discovered a new purpose in life and intends to pursue it with all her strength, regardless of any challenges she might encounter.
Elizabeth Montgomery Displaying Her Talents
Elizabeth Montgomery was born into a well-established family and had a privileged upbringing. Her acting and modeling career lasted for fifty years, during which she appeared in numerous sitcoms and movies that propelled her to fame. As a result, she received several Emmy nominations. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with colon cancer and succumbed to the illness. Despite this, she gave her all to her career and left a lasting legacy, particularly through her role in “Bewitched” in the 1960s, which is why she is still remembered today.
Charlotte Rampling and her intense allure.
Charlotte Rampling is highly regarded as one of the most versatile actresses, having worked in European arthouse films across Italian, French, and English. She is an actress, model, and singer, continuing to be active in her profession. Rampling is celebrated for her remarkable beauty, sharp wit, and sensitivity, which have established her as a leading actress of her era. This is a colorized photo of her from the sixties, and you can see she exudes allure and elegance. Even today, her beauty remains unparalleled, which is why she continues to remain active in her career, taking on a variety of roles in films.
Victoria Principal Enjoying Time at the Beach
Victoria Principal is an author, entrepreneur, producer, actress, and more. She has appeared in many successful films, starting her career in television. Currently, she has stepped back from acting to manage her own production company. The company produces various TV shows, allowing her to showcase her talents. In this colorized photo, Principal is simply relaxing on the beach in the seventies. That rock is fortunate to have such a beautiful woman lying on it and posing.
Grace Kelly Strolling Elegantly
The name says it all, as you can observe Grace Kelly walking with remarkable grace in this photo. She was an American actress who appeared in several films before marrying the Prince of Monaco and choosing to partake in royal responsibilities, temporarily setting aside her career. Sadly, she endured a traumatic brain injury in a car accident at the age of 52 and passed away. Nevertheless, her name is still remembered today, and she remains one of the leading female stars who transformed the classic cinema landscape during their lifetime.
Elaine Stewart Relishing the Breeze
Many women start their careers with modeling before trying their hand at acting, and Elaine Stewart did the same. She worked as a model and actress, featuring in several films, including Singin’ in the Rain, Stranger Beware, and many others. She was often seen as a dark-haired version of Marilyn Monroe, which led MGM to quickly sign her in order to keep their audience and draw in more viewers. As shown in this picture of her from the 1950s, she had an attractive figure and an even more stunning face that helped build a loyal fan following.
Lauren Bacall’s Summer Style
Lauren Bacall started her career early, starring in her first film at just nineteen, alongside Humphrey Bogart, whom she later married. She went on to appear in numerous films that cemented her status as a star. Additionally, she was nominated for an Oscar for her role in “The Mirror Has Two Faces.” If you want to witness her outstanding performance, you should definitely watch this movie.
Ann-Margaret in Casual Attire
Ann-Margaret appears cozy and at ease in this picture, wearing the most comfortable pajamas we’ve 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 remains an active actress, and Elvis Presley fell in love with her when he first saw her, understandably so. Simply watch one of the movies she has starred in to see why she is such a captivating actress. Some actresses will always be timeless classics.
Raquel Welch Understands What She Has
Confidence is key to becoming a successful model and actress. Raquel Welch has been in the industry since the 1960s, though she retired in 2017. If you’re familiar with her work, you’ll know she is renowned for portraying strong female characters who challenge gender norms, and deservedly so. This led to her also being a sex symbol of the 1960s, akin to Marilyn Monroe. However, her distinctive trait that set her apart as an icon was her natural hair color, instead of being a bleached blonde like others. This significantly altered public perceptions of such women.
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 due to her remarkable acting abilities. However, the actress revealed that she was chosen because she had a natural knack for swinging 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 clearly enjoying her time by the pool, relaxing and listening to her favorite music. This is also one of our preferred activities during the summer that keeps us entertained. In the 1940s, she was known for her roles as a femme fatale. Furthermore, during World War II, she became a popular pinup girl for soldiers. This is hardly surprising, given her beauty and the captivating persona that made her a favorite in these circles and earned her the fame she merited.
Tuesday Weld Capturing That Golden Glow
Nothing compares to basking in the sunlight because it feels amazingly refreshing, which is precisely what Tuesday Weld is doing in this photo. She started her career as a child model and actress at a young age. However, the role that brought her significant fame came in 1958. At that time, she was known for portraying characters who were promiscuous, impulsive, and reckless. You wouldn’t guess all of that when she’s peacefully enjoying the sunlight in the car and posing for a picture.
Sophia Loren Lying On The Ground
Sophia Loren, originally from Rome, is one of the leading actresses who transformed the realm of classic Hollywood cinema. If you’ve seen the Italian film “Two Women,” you’re aware that Loren portrayed the character Cesira. This performance was so legendary that Loren was awarded an Academy Award for it. She remains active, occasionally taking on roles, though her involvement isn’t as frequent as in the early stages of her career. She also stepped back in the early 1970s due to concerns over her children’s safety.
Ava Gardner Relaxing on the Beach
No one can appear as stunning relaxing on the sand as Ava Gardner does in this photograph. She had one of the most successful film careers, featuring in many leading roles. Her striking beauty made her relationships with men widely known, including those with John Kennedy, Sinatra, Steve McQueen, and others. Sadly, she passed away in 1990 due to bronchial pneumonia. Her health was already compromised as she had suffered a stroke in 1986, which left her paralyzed on her left side and extremely frail in her last years before her passing.
Julie Newmar Embracing Her Catwoman Persona
Julie Newmar is a singer, actress, and dancer who was also part of Batman, and even in this picture, she is posing as Catwoman in the Batman TV series. Since then, she has taken on numerous TV roles due to her acting skills and charming good looks. Many people also consider her the best Catwoman to date, as she was driven, intelligent, and perfect for the role. She was both deadly and mysterious, making her an ideal portrayal of Catwoman. As a result, most fans view her as the quintessential Catwoman.
Kim Novak in Her Zone
Kim Novak is a retired TV and film actress and painter, who was most prominent from the 1950s to the 1990s. Eventually, she chose to step away from the spotlight after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, deciding that such a lifestyle was not for her. She redirected her energies toward horses, painting, anti-bullying campaigns, and a variety of other pursuits. During her active years, she captivated audiences, as evidenced by this picture. Her beauty and intelligence remain 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. Additionally, she appeared in the Bond parody film. Over her career, she participated in more than forty TV shows and movies, which established her as one of the leading actresses. In this picture, her charisma is evident, and she clearly knows her worth. Such confidence is striking, particularly in the realm of Hollywood among other talented actresses and individuals.
Mara Corday Without Shoes Near The Lake
Throughout her career, Mara Corday starred in numerous exceptional films, such as Man Without a Star and Black Scorpions, among others. Even in the 50s, she gained fame for her natural beauty and remarkable figure. This led to many people wanting to photograph her, with her modeling career reaching its height. At one time, she was recognized as the world’s most photographed model. As evident from this picture, she was undeniably stunning. In this image, she stands barefoot by the lake, maintaining her effortlessly beautiful appearance with her lovely hair, outfit, and features.
Natalie Wood Is Surprised
In this picture, we don’t know what Natalie Wood is looking at, but she definitely appears more shocked than ever. Wood gained fame after starring in Miracle on 34th Street.
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Susan Walker portrayed the character in Street. Among her other roles, she delivered iconic performances that earned her Oscar nominations. Tragically, she passed away at the age of 43 due to drowning. At the time, she was working on the film Brainstorm, and the incident occurred during a production break. There continues to be much speculation surrounding her death, leaving the true circumstances uncertain.
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. Additionally, she was a ballet dancer and toured with the Ballet Russe de Monte when she wasn’t filming TV series. In this picture, she appears in an adorable outfit, and she herself knows how wonderful she looks. This photo, taken in 1961, has been colorized to show it in its full glory. She looks as if she’s ready to take on the world.
The Tragic Destiny of Sharon Tate
Sharon Tate was an exceptional American model and actress, yet unfortunately, some individuals are simply too beautiful for the harsh realities of this world. The 1960s marked her prime, as she was on the path to becoming one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. This was due to her roles in numerous productions, such as Don’t Make Waves, Valley of the Dolls, among others. Sadly, her career was abruptly cut short when she was murdered by the Manson family while she was eight months pregnant. She deserved a better fate and could have become an outstanding actress if she hadn’t met such an untimely demise.
Carolyn Jones Prepared for Departure
Carolyn Jones appears ready to set sail and conquer the ocean in this picture, much like she conquered Hollywood. Most people recognize her as Morticia Addams, associating her with haunting beauty. However, in this photo, she doesn’t appear haunted, but rather looks like she’s enjoying her day at sea. She was one of the most promising actresses and rightfully won both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. If you’re familiar with her work, you know how talented she is, and her beauty is just one facet of her remarkable personality.
Betty Grable and Her Famous Legs
This photograph of Betty Grable is from 1935, during a period when she was one of the leading actresses. This was due to her appearances in many successful films that dominated the box office. However, one of the most notable aspects of this actress was her legs, as can be seen. Even in this picture, she proudly displays her stunning legs, and no one can blame her for that. Her legs became Hollywood icons, and she was well aware of what she could offer. Such confidence and beauty were what initially brought her fame and landed her some remarkable roles.
Cleo Moore Prepared to Dive Into the Pool
If you can’t see it from the picture, Cleo Moore was well-known as a pinup girl due to her appearance. This includes her lovely smile, hourglass figure, blonde hair, and more. Her projects didn’t receive the recognition they deserved at the time, but she remains famous today. Many movies she starred in are now seen as cult classics. You can watch them and form your own opinion about them. Even if you don’t enjoy the movie itself, Moore’s performance is likely to impress you.
Stella Stevens Wearing a Floral Bikini
Yellow and red floral bikinis might not be in fashion 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, appearing in well-known films like The Poseidon Adventure and Nutty Professor. Audiences admired her physique, sparkling eyes, lovely hair, and all her other qualities. This photo is one of her most iconic because she looks fantastic and is showcasing the beautiful legs that many men admired.
Elke Sommer Looking Fabulous
Elke Sommer hailed from Berlin and was one of the most iconic actresses of the 1960s. She appeared in nearly a hundred films and continued appearing 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, as seen in this photo. Taken in 1968, Sommer clearly knows she looks fantastic and wants everyone to know it, as evidenced by the cheeky grin on her face.
June Wilkinson and Her Stunning Appearance
Throughout her career, Wilkinson has been known for her appearances in Playboy magazine and her roles in various films. Her figure, one of her most attractive features, has earned her multiple appearances in Playboy. Her modeling career includes over fifty newspapers and magazines. At one point, she was even recognized as the most photographed nude woman in the USA. Although this isn’t one of her nude pictures, she looks equally provocative in it, as her striking appearance is captivating.
The Glamour of Jill St. John
If you’ve watched various shows and movies from the 1970s, you’re likely familiar with Jill St. John, as she was a prominent figure during that era. She appeared in a wide range of productions, including TV shows and movies such as Diamonds Are Forever, Magnum, P.I., Hart to Hart, Fantasy Island, and many more. She is best known for her iconic role as a Bond girl in the 1971 film. Her performance in that film is unforgettable. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to watch it to understand her star quality and allure.
Janet Leigh Prepared for the Summer
Janet Leigh is sitting by the pool with her legs dipped in the water, wearing a red swimsuit and red lipstick that accentuates her attractiveness. Her outfit perfectly compliments her figure, and the pool appears inviting. If we were in her position, we might just dive into the pool to escape the heat. The image seems to be from a summer photoshoot since Leigh appears prepared to embrace the summer in the best way. We can’t fault her because she has the ideal summer body that we aspire to every year.
Yvonne De Carlo Relaxing On The Sofa
We all enjoy relaxing on the sofa when we have some free time, and Yvonne de Carlo is doing just that, but she looks far more impressive than we do in the same situation. Her beauty is unparalleled, and she looks stunning in her outfit. Additionally, her smile and eyes accentuate her beauty even more, and we can’t help but be captivated. She has appeared in countless productions, including Ten Commandments. So, if you’ve seen this movie, you’ll undoubtedly remember her, as she excels in that iconic role.
Sandra Dee and Her Voluminous Blonde Hair
You might recognize Sandra Dee from “Imitation of Life,” “Gidget,” “Come September,” and a popular song in “Grease.” This is an iconic image because her blonde hair is rarely seen due to the black-and-white format of these films. However, this colorized photograph highlights her hair, her radiant skin, and everything else she has to offer. Even the bikini is stunning and lucky to adorn Sandra Dee’s body in this iconic photo. This picture is from 1959, and it seems Dee is well aware of how fabulous she looks in it.
Blaze Starr and the Bongos
Blaze Starr was one of the most renowned stars, and this image from 1954 has been colorized to bring it to life. She was known as a famous dancer who showcased her talent to many men, including the governor of Louisiana and numerous others who wanted to watch her perform. Even in this picture, we can see that she possesses a seductive quality with her pose and striking appearance. It seems like she is ready to play those bongos and dance to their rhythm to deliver the best performance of your life.
Carroll Baker Is Aware Of What’s On Your Mind
This is one of Carroll Baker’s most iconic photos, where it seems like she is gazing into your soul and knows everything happening. Perhaps she does, or perhaps she doesn’t; we’ll never truly know. What we do know is that she looks stunning in this mint green gown. If you’re not familiar with her, she was an icon in the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play “Baby Doll.” In addition to that role, she has had other roles. Nevertheless, this is likely the most playful outfit we’ve seen her in.