Hollywood has been around for quite a while, which is why you can find numerous classic movies and legendary figures that will amaze you. Women have consistently played a significant role in Hollywood life, offering beauty, acting talent, and much more. Back then, most films were not in color, so their full splendor is not always visible. However, some rare pictures have been colorized so you can appreciate the beauty of these classic images. Here are fifty classic colorized pictures for your enjoyment.
Sally Todd Resting Against A Wall
Many women participated in beauty contests and pageants, which led to their fame, and Sally Todd was one of them. She entered a local contest in 1952, and since then, she has had an impressive career in Hollywood. She is best remembered for her role in “Frankenstein’s Daughter” in 1958. Additionally, a year prior, she was named Playmate of the Month in Playboy. Audiences appreciated her contributions to cinema, from her stunning beauty to her remarkable acting talents that could be seen onscreen.
Jayne Mansfield Fakes Playing Pool
Jayne Mansfield was more than just an actress; she was also a singer and a part-time model. This variety gave her a well-rounded and fulfilling career. During the 1950s and 1960s, she became one of Hollywood’s most famous sex symbols. She frequently appeared in Playboy and starred in well-known productions such as Too Hot to Handle and The Wayward Bus, among others. Watching these films will show her in her prime. She is best recognized for her stunning blonde hair and alluring physique.
Diana Dors aboard a yacht
There’s nothing quite like relaxing on a yacht on a warm summer day. As shown, Diana Dors is also on a yacht in this image, but her career began at the age of fourteen. She later married Dennis Hamilton, and although the marriage was not very successful due to him pressuring her into roles she didn’t care for, she delivered remarkable performances in all her work. Often, she was in the news for financial issues, but she still managed to do well for herself.
A Rare Photo of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe requires no introduction as she is already well-known worldwide for her career achievements. Numerous photos of her exist, and here’s a rare one you might not have seen before. She appeared in over twenty-five films, yet her life ended tragically at just thirty-six years old. Despite her premature death, she remains memorable for her impact on Hollywood. Today, she continues to be a cultural icon that young women admire and aspire to emulate.
Betty Brosmer Striking a Confident Pose
Betty Brosmer was once a fitness expert and American model famed for having what was considered the perfect figure, with many believing her eighteen-inch waist was unattainable. Her physique also made her a pinup model, and she appeared in various magazines throughout her career. However, she left a lasting impression by advocating for fair compensation for models and ensuring they have control over the photographs taken of them. Later in her career, she became recognized for writing fitness books and sharing her knowledge. She was also an icon for body positivity and a healthy lifestyle.
Anita Ekberg Aligning with The Boat
Anita Ekberg is well-known for holding the title of Miss Sweden in 1950. However, her modeling career isn’t her only claim to fame, as she also acted in various productions. She is mostly recognized for her role in La Dolce Vita in the 1960s. She spent the majority of her career in Italy, where she worked and gained her PR in 1964, after which she remained there. Her career was highly successful, and she is remembered for her stunning beauty that enchanted audiences who saw her in magazines, on TV, or in films.
Suzanne Pleshette Showing Off Fashion Styles
It can be challenging to find versatile actresses, and Suzanne Pleshette was one such talent, appearing in television, films, theater, and more. If you’ve seen Rome Adventure and The Birds, you’re familiar with her work. However, her most renowned role was as Emily Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show. She reinvented the part with her intelligence, humor, and depth, transforming how sitcom wives were perceived at the time. This performance earned her a devoted national following.
Brigitte Bardot Lying Dormant
There’s nothing better than simply lying down and relaxing, especially with the hectic lives we live, and that’s what Brigitte Bardot seems to be doing. She revolutionized French cinema when she started her career, quickly landing iconic roles. Eventually, she ventured into Hollywood, but that career was short-lived after one of her films was banned due to exposed midriffs. Even while doing nothing, she looks fantastic, which doesn’t surprise us at all.
Joi Lansing Staying Cool in the Heat
During the 1950s and 1960s, Joi Lansing had a significant impact on the entertainment industry as an American singer, actress, and model. However, many remember her best for her role in “Touch of Evil,” a well-known crime drama of that era. Additionally, she was aware of her exceptional hourglass figure and used it to her advantage. Consequently, most of her photographs feature her in bikinis or outfits that highlight this figure. Many women of that time capitalized on this aspect, knowing it was something they could bring to the entertainment industry.
Barbara Eden and the Truck
“I Dream of Jeannie” was one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1960s, featuring Barbara Eden in the role of Jeannie. Following the show’s success, her career flourished, leading to appearances in over twenty films and TV shows. She also had a recurring role as Aunt Irma in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” You can watch any of these performances if you want to see Barbara Eden’s talent in action and appreciate the roles that jump-started her enduring career. The colorized photo from 1951 shows 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 with theater and silent films and eventually made a name for herself in Hollywood in the 1930s. During this period, she starred in many classic films that contributed to her fame. She was praised for her alluring voice, elegant style, and the captivating presence she had, whether on TV or in theater. This image of Marlene is iconic because, at that time, women did not typically ride motorcycles, and she is challenging gender roles with just this one picture.
Vikki Dougan Flaunting Her Curvy Figure
“If you have it, flaunt it” is a popular motto among many models and actresses who are confident in their bodies and talents. Vikki Dougan enjoyed a remarkable modeling career before making her way to Hollywood. At award shows, she would often drop her shawl, revealing the back of her dress, and these moments contributed to her fame. Despite this, she never shied away and embraced her sexuality and beauty. Her confidence drew people in, no matter where she was.
Jacqueline Bisset During Filming
Jacqueline Bisset was born in the 1940s and is known for her acting skills and career. At the beginning of her career, many believed she got roles due to her beauty. While this was true, it wasn’t the only reason she was cast on TV and in 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 finest works if you want to see one of her best performances.
Mamie Van Doren Atop The Roof
It seems that Mamie Van Doren could only find this rooftop as the spot for her photo shoot. Alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield, she was one of the leading sex symbols of her era. Mamie starred in various roles such as in “All-American” and “Teacher’s Pet,” which contributed to her fame and defined her career. Numerous magazines selected her as a model due to her stunning figure and striking beauty. Her journey to stardom started modestly, but through dedication, she rose to prominence.
Claudia Cardinale Wearing a Light Blue Swimsuit
At seventeen, Claudia Cardinale took part in a beauty pageant, which led to her discovery and subsequent career as an actress. As a result, she landed minor roles in various films, gaining occasional screen visibility. Her most significant role came in the 1968 film “Once Upon a Time in the West.” This was one of the major films in which she starred during her career. To witness Claudia Cardinale’s top performance, you can watch this movie.
Bettie Page and the Eerie Doll
There were many pinup models in the past, but Bettie Page was famously known as the queen of pinups. She became one of the most renowned models in America after WWII. Her bangs, captivating personality, and dark black hair enchanted anyone who saw her. Similar beauty and demeanor can be found in Katy Perry, who resembles Bettie Page. However, this picture doesn’t truly capture her beauty, and the eerie toy beside her doesn’t contribute positively. Nonetheless, it is a rare colorized photo 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 famous roles was as Miss Caruso in the 1973 film “Live and Let Die,” which brought her significant recognition. Now 73 years old, she is largely retired from acting and only occasionally appears in films.
Playing Cards Featuring Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda remains one of the most captivating actresses on television, recently starring in Grace and Frankie. Alongside being an actress, she is a fashion model, activist, and advocate for women globally. She has won two Oscars, and there is a rare photo of her smiling at a deck of cards. In recent years, Fonda has concentrated more on her role as a political activist than as an actress. She states she has discovered this new purpose in life and will dedicate herself to it wholeheartedly, regardless of any challenges she may encounter.
Elizabeth Montgomery Displaying Her Talents
Elizabeth Montgomery came from a privileged background, as her family was already involved in the industry. Nonetheless, her acting and modeling career lasted fifty years. She appeared in numerous sitcoms and films that brought her the fame she earned. As a result, she received multiple Emmy award nominations. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with colon cancer, which led to her passing. Despite this, during her time in the business, she devoted herself fully and gave her best effort, which is why her legacy, particularly from Bewitched in the Sixties, is still remembered.
Charlotte Rampling and Intensity
Charlotte Rampling is one of the most adaptable actresses due to her work in European arthouse films in Italian, French, and English. She is an actress, model, and singer and continues to be active in her career. Rampling is renowned for her striking beauty, sharp wit, and sensitivity, which make her a leading actress of her generation. This is one of her colorized photos from the sixties, and as you can see, she exudes allure and showcases some stunning looks. Even today, her beauty is unparalleled, which is why she remains very active in her career and continues to take on various roles in movies.
Victoria Principal Enjoying Time On 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 TV show. However, she now plays a more behind-the-scenes role in acting, as she runs her own production company. They produce various TV shows occasionally, showcasing her talent. In this colorized picture, Principal is simply lying on the beach and relaxing in the seventies. That rock is fortunate to have such a beautiful woman lying on it and posing.
Grace Kelly Walking Gracefully
The name says it all, as you can witness 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 engage in royal responsibilities, temporarily pausing her career. Tragically, she sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident at the age of 52 and died. Nonetheless, her name is still remembered today, and she is regarded as 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 in modeling before venturing into acting, and Elaine Stewart followed this path as well. She worked as a model and an actress, featuring in several films such as Singin’ in the Rain, Stranger Beware, and more. Many people compared her to a dark-haired version of Marilyn Monroe. For this reason, MGM promptly signed her to keep their audience and draw in more viewers. As shown in this photo of her from the fifties, she had a stunning figure and an even more captivating face, which garnered her a dedicated fan base.
Lauren Bacall’s Summer Style
Lauren Bacall started her career early, appearing in her first film at just nineteen. Her co-star in this movie was Humphrey Bogart, whom she eventually married. Following that, she appeared in numerous films that earned her well-deserved stardom. Additionally, she was nominated for an Oscar for her role in “The Mirror Has Two Faces.” To witness her at her best, you should definitely watch this movie.
Ann-Margaret in Relaxed Outfit
Ann-Margaret appears snug and at ease in this photo, as she’s wearing some of the most comfortable pajamas we’ve ever seen. She is a Swedish-American actress and singer. She has won five Golden Globe Awards to date, making her one of the most respected actresses of her era. She remains active in her acting career, and Elvis Presley fell in love with her at first sight—and for good reason. Simply watch one of her films to see why she is such a captivating actress. Some actresses will always be considered timeless.
Raquel Welch Is Aware of What She Possesses
Confidence is key to becoming a successful model and actress. Raquel Welch was active from the sixties until she retired in 2017. If you’re familiar with her work, you’ll know she’s famous for portraying daring female characters who defy gender stereotypes. This role also made her a sex symbol during the sixties, much like Marilyn Monroe. What set her apart was her distinctive feature of not being a bottle blonde, unlike many others, which transformed 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 because of her impressive acting abilities. However, the actress revealed that she was recruited due to her natural talent for 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, but her legacy as Sheena remains cherished 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. This is one of our top summer pastimes as well. In the 1940s, she appeared in some iconic femme fatale roles. Additionally, she was a renowned pinup girl for soldiers during World War II. Given her striking looks and magnetic personality, it’s no wonder she gained such popularity and attained the fame she deserved in those circles.
Tuesday Weld in the Glowing Light
There is nothing quite like basking in the sunlight, as it feels incredibly invigorating, and that’s exactly what Tuesday Weld is doing in this image. She started her career early as a child model and actress. However, her big break that led to immense fame came in 1958. During that period, she was renowned for portraying female characters who were promiscuous, impulsive, and reckless. You wouldn’t know any of that when you see her looking so calm and quietly soaking up the sunlight in the car, posing for a photo.
Sophia Loren Lying On The Ground
Sophia Loren, born in Rome, is a leading actress who transformed classic Hollywood cinema. In the Italian movie “Two Women,” she famously portrayed Cesira, a role that earned her an Academy Award. While she remains occasionally active in acting, her presence is not as frequent as it was during her early career. She stepped back in the seventies out of concern for her children’s safety.
Ava Gardner Relaxing On The Beach
No one can look as good relaxing on the sand as Ava Gardner does in this picture. She had one of the most successful film careers, playing many leading roles. She was extremely attractive, making her relationships with men like John Kennedy, Sinatra, Steve McQueen, and many others well-known. However, she passed away in 1990 due to bronchial pneumonia. Her health had already been compromised after she suffered a stroke in 1986, which left her paralyzed on her left side, and she was extremely weak in her final years before her passing.
Julie Newmar Embracing Her Catwoman Persona
Julie Newmar is a singer, actress, and dancer known for her role in Batman. In this picture, she is posing as Catwoman in the Batman TV series. Since then, her acting skills and charming good looks have led her to numerous TV roles. Many believe she was the best Catwoman because she was driven, intelligent, and perfect for the role, exuding a deadly yet mysterious aura. Consequently, most fans consider her the definitive Catwoman.
Kim Novak at Her Best
Kim Novak is now a retired television and film actress and painter, whose career was most prominent from the 1950s to the 1990s. However, she later chose to step away from the spotlight. This decision came after she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and decided she no longer wanted to live that kind of lifestyle. Instead, she dedicated her time to horses, painting, anti-bullying campaigns, and other pursuits. Despite this, while she was working in the industry, she captivated everyone, as evident from this picture. Her beauty and intelligence are unmatched in the Hollywood realm.
Ursula Andress and Her Iconic Bikini
Ursula Andress was a Swiss actress well-known for her role in the James Bond series. Additionally, she appeared in the Bond parody film. Moreover, she acted in over forty TV shows and movies throughout her career, establishing herself as one of the most notable actresses. Even in this image, her captivating presence and awareness of her strengths are evident. Such confidence is attractive, particularly in Hollywood among other talented actresses and individuals.
“By the Lake, Barefoot” by Mara Corday
Throughout her career, Mara Corday starred in numerous notable films, such as Man Without a Star and Black Scorpions, among others. Even in the 1950s, she became renowned for her natural beauty and stunning figure. This allure made her a sought-after subject for photographers, leading to a thriving modeling career. At one point, she was recognized as the world’s most photographed model. This picture highlights her beauty, showing her barefoot by the lake, looking her best with 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 certainly looks more astonished than ever. Wood gained fame after her performance in Miracle on 14.
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Susan Walker was known for her role in “Street” and had other iconic performances that earned her Oscar nominations. Tragically, she mysteriously died at age 43 due to drowning. At that time, she was working on the film “Brainstorm” and was on a production break when the incident occurred. Many people continue to speculate about her death, leaving the true circumstances uncertain.
Yvonne Craig Wearing a Cute Outfit
If you’ve watched the 60s TV series Batman, 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, you can see her in an adorable outfit, and she knows how amazing she looks. This photo was taken in 1961 and has been colorized so you can see it in full detail. She appears ready to take on the world.
Sharon Tate and Her Tragic Destiny
Sharon Tate was an outstanding American model and actress, though some individuals seem too beautiful for the harsh realities of this world. During the sixties, she was in her prime, on the brink of becoming one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. This was due to her roles in several productions, including Don’t Make Waves, Valley of the Dolls, among others. However, her career was tragically cut short when she was murdered by the Manson family while she was eight months pregnant. She deserved more, and she could have become an exceptional actress if not for her untimely death.
Carolyn Jones Prepared to Set Sail
In this picture, Carolyn Jones seems prepared to set sail and conquer the sea just as she did Hollywood. Most know her as Morticia Addams, which is why she is often linked with being an enchanting beauty. However, she doesn’t appear haunted here; instead, she looks like she’s enjoying her day at sea. She was one of the most promising actresses, winning both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, and deservedly so. If you’ve seen her work, you understand the extent of her acting talent, with her beauty being just one element of her captivating personality.
The Famous Legs of Betty Grable
This photo of Betty Grable dates back to 1935, during which she was one of the leading actresses. This was due to her performances in numerous successful films that dominated the box office. Nevertheless, one of the main reasons for her fame was her legs, as is evident. Even in this image, she is flaunting her stunning legs, and it’s understandable. Her legs became Hollywood icons, and she was well aware of her attributes. It was this blend of confidence and beauty that catapulted her to fame and secured her some remarkable roles.
Cleo Moore Prepared to Dive Into the Pool
If you can’t tell from the picture, Cleo Moore was a famous pinup girl known for her stunning looks. These features include her beautiful smile, hourglass figure, blonde hair, and more. Her work often didn’t receive the recognition it deserved, but she remains well-known. Many of the films she starred in have become cult classics over time. You can watch them and form your own opinion about them. However, even if you don’t like the movie, you will appreciate Moore’s performance.
Stella Stevens Wearing A Flower-Patterned Bikini
Yellow and red floral bikinis may not be in style right now, but they were popular in the 60s, as shown in this picture of Stella Stevens. Born in 1938, she was at the height of her career in her thirties, starring in well-known films like The Poseidon Adventure and Nutty Professor. She was admired for her captivating appearance, enchanting eyes, and lovely hair. This picture is iconic because she looks fantastic, highlighting the beautiful legs that many men admired.
Elke Sommer Looks Fabulous
Elke Sommer was from Berlin and became one of the most iconic actresses of the sixties. She appeared in nearly a hundred films and continued to appear on TV until 2005. If you’ve watched “The Art of Love” or “A Shot in the Dark,” you might recall her. It’s because she exudes confidence in her talent, as evident in this picture. This image is from 1968, and Sommer knows she looks fantastic and wants you to acknowledge it, too, with that playful grin on her face.
June Wilkinson and Her Striking Appearance
Throughout her career, Wilkinson has gained recognition for her appearances in Playboy magazine and involvement in various films. Her physique is a significant attribute that resulted in her frequent features in Playboy magazine. Her modeling career includes appearances in over fifty newspapers and magazines. At one time, she was even honored with the title of being the most photographed nude woman in the USA. What you are viewing is not one of her nude photos, but she appears equally provocative here, as her striking appearance is captivating.
The Glamour of Jill St. John
If you’re familiar with various productions from the seventies, you likely know who Jill St. John is, as she was an icon of that era. She appeared in everything from TV shows to films, including “Diamonds Are Forever,” “Magnum PI,” “Hart to Hart,” “Fantasy Island,” and many others. Most people remember her from the 1971 movie where she played a Bond girl, a role that has become iconic and unforgettable. If you haven’t seen this yet, be sure to watch it to understand who she is and why she’s so glamorous.
Janet Leigh Prepared for the Summer
Janet Leigh is sitting by the pool with her legs in the water, wearing a red swimsuit and red lipstick, fully aware of how attractive she appears. Her whole outfit accentuates her form, and the pool looks invitingly cool. If we were in her position, we’d likely dive into the pool to escape the heat. The image seems to be from a summer photo shoot, with Leigh looking prepared to embrace the summer in the finest way. We understand her confidence because she has the ideal summer physique that we aspire to every year.
Yvonne De Carlo Relaxing On The Sofa
We all enjoy relaxing on the sofa when we have free time, and Yvonne de Carlo is doing just that, but she looks far better than we do in the same situation. Her beauty is unparalleled, and she looks fantastic in her outfit. Moreover, her smile and eyes accentuate her charm even more, captivating us. She has appeared in numerous productions, including Ten Commandments. So, if you’ve seen that movie, you’ll surely remember her, as she gives her best performance in that iconic film role.
Sandra Dee and Her Large Blonde Hair
You may recognize Sandra Dee from “Imitation of Life,” “Gidget,” “Come September,” and a beloved song from “Grease.” This is an iconic image because we rarely see her blonde hair due to the black-and-white nature of her films. However, this colorized photo highlights her hair, radiant skin, and everything else she has to offer. Even the bikini looks stunning, and it must feel lucky to be on Sandra Dee in this iconic picture. This photo 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 well-known performers, and this photo from 1954 has been colorized to add vibrancy. She was recognized as a renowned dancer who showcased her talents to many admirers, including the governor of Louisiana and many others eager to witness her performances. Even in this picture, it is evident she possesses a captivating allure in her pose and striking appearance. It seems she’s poised to beat those bongos and dance to their rhythm, ready to deliver an unforgettable performance.
Carroll Baker Understands What’s Happening in Your Mind
This is one of Carroll Baker’s most iconic photos, where it appears she’s gazing deeply as if she knows everything happening with you. Maybe she does, or perhaps she doesn’t; we can’t be sure. What we do know is that she looks stunning in this mint green gown. If you’re not familiar with her, she was a star in the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play “Baby Doll.” Besides that, she played various other roles. However, this might be the most fun outfit we’ve seen her in.