Hollywood has been around for a long time, which is why you’ll find many classic movies and icons that are truly impressive. Women have always played a crucial role in Hollywood, contributing with their beauty, acting talent, and much more. Back then, most films weren’t in color, so you couldn’t see them in their full splendor. However, some rare photos have been colorized so you can enjoy the beauty of these classic images. Here are fifty classic colorized pictures for your enjoyment.
Sally Todd Resting Against A Wall
Numerous women participated in beauty contests and pageants, and afterward, they gained fame, with Sally Todd being one of them. In 1952, she entered a local contest, and since then, she has enjoyed an impressive career in Hollywood. Most people recognize her for her role in Frankenstein’s Daughter in 1958. Additionally, a year prior to this, she was Playmate of the Month in Playboy. Audiences appreciated her contributions to cinema, from her striking appearance to her exceptional acting talents that you can see on screen.
Jayne Mansfield Acts As If She Is Playing Pool
Jayne Mansfield was not only an actress but also a singer and occasionally pursued modeling. This gave her a diverse career that she thoroughly enjoyed. During the 1950s and 1960s, she was one of Hollywood’s most renowned sex symbols. Throughout her career, she frequently appeared in Playboy and starred in well-known productions like “Too Hot to Handle,” “The Wayward Bus,” among others. Watching any of these will allow you to see her performing at her best. She is especially recognized for her stunning blonde hair and alluring physique.
Diana Dors On A Boat
There’s nothing quite like unwinding on a yacht during a scorching summer day. As shown in this picture, Diana Dors is also enjoying time on a yacht, but her career began when she was just fourteen. Eventually, she married Dennis Hamilton, although the marriage wasn’t particularly successful since he pressured her into taking roles she wasn’t keen on. Nevertheless, she consistently delivered outstanding performances in all her work. Often, she made headlines due to her financial difficulties, but she still managed to do well for herself.
Uncommon Photograph Of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe hardly requires an introduction since she is widely recognized for her career and achievements. While numerous photos of her exist, this one is rare and possibly unfamiliar to you. She appeared in over twenty-five movies, yet her life was cut short tragically at just thirty-six. Despite her premature death, she left a lasting impression on Hollywood, and she continues to be remembered. Even today, she remains a cultural icon, admired by many young women who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
Betty Brosmer Striking a Commanding Pose
Betty Brosmer was a fitness expert and American model famous for her ideal figure, with many considering her eighteen-inch waist as an unattainable standard. Her remarkable physique also made her a sought-after pinup model, gracing the pages of various magazines throughout her career. Her significant contribution was advocating for fair compensation for models and ensuring they had control over their images. Eventually, she became renowned for authoring fitness books and sharing her insights. Betty Brosmer was also a symbol of body positivity and a healthy lifestyle.
Anita Ekberg Coordinating with the Boat
Anita Ekberg gained fame for being crowned Miss Sweden in 1950. Yet, her reputation extends beyond modeling, as she also starred in numerous productions. She is best known for her role in the 1960s film La Dolce Vita. She spent most of her career in Italy, where she settled in 1964, having acquired permanent residency. Her career flourished remarkably, and she is renowned for her dazzling beauty, which captivated audiences who saw her in magazines, on television, or in films.
Suzanne Pleshette Showcasing Fashion Styles
Finding versatile actresses can be challenging, but Suzanne Pleshette was one of them, appearing in TV, movies, theater, and more. If you’ve seen Rome Adventure and The Birds, then you know who she is. However, her most renowned role was on The Bob Newhart Show as Emily Hartley. She transformed the role with the intellect, humor, and depth she brought to the character. Her performance completely changed how people viewed sitcom wives at the time, gaining her loyal fans nationwide.
Brigitte Bardot Staying Inactive
There is nothing quite like simply lying down and relaxing, particularly in our hectic lives, which seems to be exactly what Brigitte Bardot is doing. She revolutionized the French film industry when she started her career, quickly landing iconic roles. Eventually, she made her way to Hollywood, but her career there was short-lived after one of her films was banned due to exposed midriffs. Even while resting, she looks stunning, and we’re not surprised at all.
Joi Lansing Staying Cool in the Heat
Joi Lansing had a significant impact on the entertainment industry in the 1950s and 1960s as a singer, actress, and model in America. However, she is often recognized for her role in “Touch of Evil,” which was a well-known crime drama of the era. Additionally, she was aware of her striking hourglass figure and used it to her advantage. This is why most of her pictures feature her in bikinis or outfits that highlight this figure. During that time, many women leveraged their physical attributes to make a name for themselves in 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. Since then, her career soared, leading her to appear 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 experience her in some remarkable roles that launched and sustained her long career. The colorized picture is from 1951, and Eden appears happier than ever.
Ready to Ride: Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich was a singer and actress whose career spanned over seventy years. She started out in theater and silent films, eventually gaining fame in Hollywood during the 1930s. During this period, she starred in numerous classic films that brought her widespread recognition. She was praised for her alluring voice, stunning style, and commanding presence that captivated audiences on both screen and stage. This iconic photo of Marlene is significant because, at that time, women did not typically ride motorcycles, and with this single image, she challenged traditional gender roles.
Vikki Dougan Flaunting Her Curvy Figure
“If you’ve got it, flaunt it” is a motto followed by many models and actresses who are confident in their bodies and skills. Vikki Dougan enjoyed a remarkable modeling career before transitioning to Hollywood. At award shows, she often let her shawl slip, revealing the back of her dress, gaining recognition for those moments. Despite this, she embraced her sexuality and beauty. Her confidence captivated people, regardless of her location.
Jacqueline Bisset at the filming location.
Jacqueline Bisset rose to fame in her forties, renowned for her acting abilities and career. Initially, many believed she secured roles due to her beauty. While her appearance did play a part, it wasn’t the sole reason she was cast in TV shows and films. The image shown is a colorized still from the set of The Thief Who Came to Dinner. Released in 1973, this film is considered one of Jacqueline Bisset’s finest performances.
Mamie Van Doren On The Rooftop
It seems that Mamie Van Doren found no other location for her photo shoot than this rooftop. She was on par with Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield as a leading sex symbol of her era. You’ll see her in a variety of roles, such as in “All-American” and “Teacher’s Pet,” among others. These roles contributed to her fame and are part of what she’s recognized for. Numerous magazines also selected her as a model due to her stunning figure and attractive looks. She is one of those individuals who started humbly and achieved fame through dedication and hard work.
Claudia Cardinale Wearing A Light Blue Swimsuit
At the age of seventeen, Claudia Cardinale participated in a beauty pageant, which led to her discovery and eventual career as an actress. As a result, she secured small roles in various films, which led to occasional screen appearances. Nevertheless, her most significant role came in the film Once Upon a Time in the West, released in 1968. It was one of the major films in which she starred during her career. If you’re interested in seeing Claudia Cardinale deliver an outstanding performance, you should watch this movie.
Bettie Page and the Eerie Toy
Many pinup models existed in the past, but Bettie Page was considered the queen of pinups. She was a highly famous model in America after World War II. Her bangs, sensual personality, and jet-black hair captivated everyone who saw her. You might compare her to Katy Perry, who shares a similar demeanor and appearance. However, this picture does not fully capture her beauty, and the eerie toy beside her detracts from the overall impression. Still, it is a rare colorized picture of her that you will come across.
Madeline Smith More Content Than Ever
Madeline Smith was a model in the late 1960s before transitioning to acting in TV shows and movies. One of her most memorable roles was playing Miss Caruso in “Live and Let Die,” filmed in 1973, which brought her significant attention. Now at 73, Madeline is largely retired from acting, making only occasional appearances in the film industry.
Deck of Playing Cards featuring Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda remains one of the most captivating actresses on television, recently starring in “Grace and Frankie.” She is an actress, fashion model, activist, and advocate for women worldwide. The actress has earned 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 political activism than her acting career. She says she has discovered this new purpose in life and will follow it with determination, despite any challenges she may encounter.
Elizabeth Montgomery Showcasing Her Talents
Elizabeth Montgomery came from a privileged background, with her family already involved in the industry. Still, her acting and modeling career lasted for fifty years. She appeared in numerous sitcoms and films that earned her the fame she deserved. Consequently, she received several Emmy nominations. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with colon cancer and died from it. However, during her time in the industry, she gave her best effort, which is why her legacy from the 1960s show “Bewitched” is still remembered today.
Charlotte Rampling and Intensity
Charlotte Rampling is one of the most versatile actresses, having appeared 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 remarkable beauty, sharp humor, and sensitivity, making her a leading actress of her era. Presented here is one of her colorized pictures from the sixties, where she exudes a captivating and stylish presence. Her beauty remains unparalleled, which is why she continues to actively engage in her career and takes on diverse roles in films.
Victoria Principal Relaxing at the Beach
Victoria Principal is an author, entrepreneur, producer, actress, and more. She has appeared in many successful films and started her career with a television show. However, she has now stepped back from acting to focus on running her own production company. They occasionally produce different TV shows, showcasing her talents. In this colorized picture, Principal is relaxing on the beach in the seventies. That is one fortunate rock to have such a beautiful woman lying on it and posing.
Grace Kelly Moving Gracefully
The name itself highlights the elegance with which Grace Kelly moves in this image. She was an American actress who appeared in numerous films before marrying the Prince of Monaco and choosing to focus on royal responsibilities, putting her career aside. Tragically, she sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident at the age of 52 and passed away. Nevertheless, her name remains well-remembered, and she is one of the leading female stars who transformed the landscape of classic cinema during her lifetime.
Elaine Stewart Enjoying the Breeze
Many women start their careers in modeling before trying their hand at acting, and Elaine Stewart followed this path. She was both a model and an actress who appeared in various films, including Singin’ in the Rain, Stranger Beware, and several others. Many believed she was the brunette equivalent of Marilyn Monroe. Because of this, MGM promptly signed her to maintain their audience and draw in more fans. Looking at this picture of her from the fifties, you can see she had a stunning figure and an even more beautiful face, which garnered her 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. In this movie, her co-star was Humphrey Bogart, whom she later married. She went on to star in numerous films that earned her the fame she deserved. Additionally, she received an Oscar nomination for her role in “The Mirror Has Two Faces.” To see her at her best, be sure to watch this film to understand what we’re talking about.
Ann-Margaret Dressed in Casual Attire
In this photo, Ann-Margaret appears cozy and at ease, as she is dressed in some of the most comfortable pajamas we’ve come across. She is a Swedish-American actress and singer who has received five Golden Globe Awards, making her one of the most respected actresses of her era. She continues to be active in acting, and Elvis Presley was smitten with her when he first laid eyes on her—and it’s easy to see why. Watching any of the movies she’s been in will reveal why she is such an enchanting 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 but retired in 2017. If you’ve seen her work, you’ll know she’s famous for portraying strong female roles that challenge gender norms. Consequently, she was a sex symbol in the sixties, similar to Marilyn Monroe. However, what made her iconic was her distinctiveness—she wasn’t a bottle blonde like many others at the time. This significantly altered perceptions of such women.
Irish McCalla is considered the Queen of the Jungle.
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 cast because she had a natural skill for swinging through the trees. Over 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 Relishing the Tunes
You can see Veronica Lake enjoying herself by lounging by the pool while listening to her favorite music. In the summer, this is a pastime we also love that keeps us energized. In the 1940s, she starred in some of the finest femme fatale roles. Additionally, Lake was a well-known pinup girl for soldiers during World War II. Her fame and good looks made her popular in those circles, deserving the recognition she received.
Tuesday Weld Capturing That Golden Light
Basking in the sunlight is unmatched for its refreshing feel, and that’s exactly what Tuesday Weld is doing in this photo. She started her career early as a child model and actress, but her breakthrough role came in 1958. In that era, she was well-known for portraying women who were promiscuous, impulsive, and reckless. You wouldn’t guess any of that when seeing her peacefully sitting in the car, soaking up the sun and posing for the camera.
Sophia Loren Lying on the Ground
Sophia Loren was born in Rome and is among the leading female actresses who transformed the landscape of classic cinema in Hollywood. If you’ve seen Two Women, an Italian film, you’ll recognize Loren’s portrayal of Cesira. This role was so iconic that Loren received an Academy Award for it. Even today, she remains active and occasionally takes on roles, though she isn’t as engaged as she was during the early stages of her career. She also withdrew in the seventies due to concerns about her children’s safety.
Ava Gardner Relaxing On The Beach
Nobody can look as good relaxing on the sand as Ava Gardner does in this photo. She had one of the most successful film careers, playing numerous lead roles. Her incredible beauty made her relationships with men like John Kennedy, Sinatra, Steve McQueen, and others widely talked about. However, she passed away in 1990 due to bronchial pneumonia. Her health had already been compromised as she had suffered a stroke in 1986, which left her paralyzed on her left side and extremely weak in her final years before her passing.
Julie Newmar Embracing Her Catwoman Persona
Julie Newmar is a singer, actress, and dancer who appeared in Batman, and in this picture, she is posing as Catwoman in the Batman TV series. Since then, she has taken on numerous roles on TV thanks to her acting talent and charming appearance. Many believe she was the best Catwoman because of her intelligence and determination, which made her ideal for the role. She was also both deadly and mysterious, creating a perfect portrayal of Catwoman. As a result, she is often regarded by fans as the definitive Catwoman.
Kim Novak in Her Prime
Kim Novak is now a retired TV and film actress and painter who was most active from the fifties to the nineties. Later, she decided the spotlight wasn’t for her after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and chose to leave that lifestyle. She devoted her time to horses, painting, anti-bullying campaigns, and more. However, during her active years, she captivated everyone, as evident in this picture. Her beauty and intellect were unmatched in Hollywood.
Ursula Andress and Her Iconic Bikini
Ursula Andress was a Swiss actress well-known for her role in the James Bond series. Additionally, she appeared in the Bond parody film. Moreover, she acted in over forty TV shows and movies throughout her career, making her one of the most prominent actresses. Even in this picture, you can see that her presence is captivating, and she is well aware of her contributions. Such confidence is captivating, especially in the world of Hollywood among many other talented actresses and personalities.
Mara Corday with Bare Feet Beside the Lake
Throughout her career, Mara Corday starred in numerous exciting films, such as Man Without a Star and Black Scorpions, among others. Even in the 1950s, she became well-known for her natural beauty and stunning figure. This led to many photographers wanting to capture her image, and her modeling career reached its peak. At one point, she was recognized as the most photographed model in the world. As illustrated by this photo, she was truly beautiful. In this image, she is barefoot by the lake, maintaining her striking appearance with her lovely hair, outfit, and features.
Natalie Wood Is Surprised
We don’t know what has caught Natalie Wood’s attention in this picture, but she certainly looks more shocked than ever. Wood gained fame after her role in Miracle on 34th Street.
th
Susan Walker is known for her street performance. Her other roles have also been notable and have received Oscar nominations. However, she mysteriously died at the age of 43 due to drowning. At the time, she was working on the film Brainstorm and was taking a break from filming when the incident occurred. To this day, there is much speculation about her death, leaving us uncertain about what truly happened.
Yvonne Craig Looking Adorable in an Outfit
If you watched the 60s TV series, Batman, you know Yvonne Craig for her excellent role in the show. Besides acting, she was a ballet dancer and toured with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo when she wasn’t filming TV series. In this picture, she appears in a charming outfit and is aware of how great she looks. The photo, taken in 1961, has been colorized so that you can see it in full detail. She looks ready to take on the world.
Sharon Tate and Her Tragic Destiny
Sharon Tate was an amazing American model and actress, but some individuals are simply too beautiful for the harsh realities of the world. The 1960s was her prime era, and she was on the verge of becoming an iconic Hollywood star. This was due to her roles in several productions, including Don’t Make Waves and Valley of the Dolls. Unfortunately, her career was cut short because she was murdered by the Manson family while eight months pregnant. She deserved more, and she would have become an incredible actress if her life hadn’t been tragically ended.
Carolyn Jones Prepared To Set Sail
Carolyn Jones appears ready to embark on a sailing adventure in this picture, confidently facing the ocean much like she did Hollywood. Known to many as Morticia Addams, she carries an association with haunting beauty for many. Yet in this image, she doesn’t appear haunted; instead, she seems to be enjoying her day at sea. As a highly promising actress, she earned both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, and deservedly so. Those familiar with her work are well aware of her acting prowess, with her beauty being just one facet of her remarkable personality.
The Legendary Legs of Betty Grable
This photo of Betty Grable dates back to 1935, during which she was among the leading actresses. This was due to her numerous successful films that dominated the box office. However, one of the most notable aspects of her fame was her legs, which are highlighted in this picture. She confidently displays her stunning legs, and it’s understandable why. They became iconic in Hollywood, and she was well aware of her assets. Her confidence and beauty were key factors in her rise to fame and securing remarkable roles.
Cleo Moore Prepared To Dive Into The Pool
If you can’t discern from the picture already, Cleo Moore was a renowned pinup girl due to her appearance. This includes her captivating smile, hourglass shape, blonde hair, among other attributes. Remember that her works never received the recognition they warranted, yet she remains famous. This is because many of the films she participated in at that time are now considered cult classics. Therefore, you can also watch them and develop your own opinion based on your perspective. However, even if the movie isn’t to your taste, you’ll appreciate Moore’s performance.
Stella Stevens Wearing a Floral Bikini
Yellow and red floral bikinis might not be trendy now, but they were popular in the 60s, as evident in this picture of Stella Stevens. Born in 1938, she was at the height of her career in her thirties, starring in well-known productions like The Poseidon Adventure, Nutty Professor, and others. People admired her physique, radiant eyes, gorgeous hair, and everything else about her. This is one of her most iconic pictures because she looks fantastic and is showcasing those beautiful legs that many admired.
Elke Sommer Looking Fabulous
Elke Sommer was from Berlin and was 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 seen The Art of Love or A Shot in the Dark, you might remember her. This is because she is aware of her own greatness, which is evident in her demeanor, as shown in this picture from 1968. Sommer knows how great she looks and wants you to know it too, with that cheeky grin on her face.
June Wilkinson and Her Striking Appearance
During her career, Wilkinson has gained recognition for her appearances in Playboy magazine and various films. Her figure is one of her most appealing attributes, which resulted in numerous features in Playboy. Her modeling career includes appearances in over fifty newspapers and magazines throughout her life. At one point, she was even dubbed the most photographed nude woman in the USA. The image you’re viewing is not one of her nude photos, but she looks equally provocative here, as her striking appearance is captivating enough.
The Glamour of Jill St. John
If you have watched various productions from the 1970s, you likely recognize Jill St. John as she was a prominent figure during that era. She appeared in a range of TV shows and films, including “Diamonds Are Forever,” “Magnum PI,” “Hart to Hart,” “Fantasy Island,” and many others. Most people recall her from the 1971 James Bond film in which she played a Bond girl, a role that has left a lasting impression. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to watch it to understand who she is and why she is so captivating.
Janet Leigh Prepared for the Summer
Janet Leigh is sitting with her legs in the pool, wearing a red swimsuit and red lipstick, confidently aware of how attractive she looks in this ensemble. Her entire outfit accentuates her figure, and the pool appears inviting. If we were in her shoes, we’d likely dive into the pool to escape the heat. The photo seems to be from a summer photoshoot because Leigh looks prepared to embrace the summer in the best possible way. It’s understandable since she has the ideal summer figure that we aspire to achieve 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 much more impressive than we do in the same situation. Her beauty is unparalleled, and she looks fantastic in her outfit. Additionally, her smile and eyes enhance her beauty even more, captivating us completely. She has appeared in numerous projects, including “The Ten Commandments.” 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, and Come September, as well as a popular song in Grease. This is an iconic photo because, given the black-and-white format of these films, we rarely get to see her blonde hair. However, this colorized image highlights her hair, her lovely skin, and everything else she has to offer. Even the bikini looks wonderful, and it must feel fortunate to be worn by Sandra Dee in this memorable picture. The photo is from 1959, and it appears Dee is aware of how fantastic she looks in it.
Blaze Starr and the Bongos
Blaze Starr was one of the most renowned stars, and this 1954 picture has been colorized to add vibrancy. She was a well-known dancer who showcased her talent to many men, including the governor of Louisiana and others who wanted to see her perform. Even in this picture, her seductive charm is evident through her pose and striking appearance. It seems she is poised to play those bongos and dance to their rhythm to deliver an unforgettable performance.
Carroll Baker Understands What You’re Thinking
This is one of the most famous images of Carroll Baker, where she appears to be gazing into your soul, as though she understands everything happening. Well, perhaps she does, or maybe she doesn’t; we may never know. What we do know 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. In addition to that, she played several other roles. However, this is likely the most delightful outfit we’ve seen her in.