Hollywood has been around for a long time, which is why you will find many classic movies and icons that are truly impressive. Women have always played a significant role in Hollywood because they contribute beauty, acting talent, and much more. Back then, most films were not in color, so you can’t see them in their full splendor. However, there are some rare images that have been colorized for you to appreciate the beauty of these classic images. Here are fifty colorized classic pictures for your enjoyment.
Sally Todd Resting Against A Wall
Many women participated in beauty contests and pageants and gained fame, and Sally Todd was one of them. She entered a local contest in 1952, and from then on, she pursued an impressive career in Hollywood. She is mostly remembered for her role in “Frankenstein’s Daughter” in 1958. Additionally, the previous year, she was named Playmate of the Month in Playboy. Audiences appreciated her contributions to cinema, from her striking appearance to her remarkable acting skills seen on screen.
Jayne Mansfield Feigns Playing Billiards
Jayne Mansfield was more than just an actress; she was also a singer and did some modeling. This gave her a diverse career, which she enjoyed thoroughly. During the fifties and sixties, she was one of the most well-known sex symbols in Hollywood. Over her career, she frequently appeared in Playboy and renowned productions such as Too Hot to Handle, The Wayward Bus, and many others. Watching any of these can give you a glimpse of her in her prime. She is best recognized for her stunning blonde hair and alluring figure.
Diana Dors aboard a yacht
Nothing beats relaxing on a yacht on a warm summer day. As you can see in this picture, Diana Dors is also on a yacht, but she began her career at the age of fourteen. Later, she married Dennis Hamilton, and their marriage wasn’t very successful because he pressured her into roles she wasn’t interested in. Despite this, she always delivered outstanding performances. She was often in the news due to financial issues, but she still managed to do well for herself.
Uncommon Photo of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe is widely recognized, and there’s no need for an introduction because her career is well-known worldwide. Numerous images of her exist, yet this one is uncommon and might be unfamiliar to you. She appeared in over twenty-five movies, but her life was cut short tragically at the age of thirty-six. In spite of her early demise, she remains memorable for her impact on Hollywood. Today, she continues to be a cultural icon that young women admire and aspire to emulate in the future.
Betty Brosmer Striking a Confident Pose
Betty Brosmer was once a fitness expert and an American model renowned for her ideal figure, with her eighteen-inch waist considered unattainable by many. Her physique led her to become a pinup model, appearing in various magazines throughout her career. She left her mark by advocating for models’ fair compensation and control over their images. Later in her career, she gained recognition for writing fitness books and sharing her knowledge. She also became an icon of body positivity and a healthy lifestyle.
Anita Ekberg Aligning with The Boat
Anita Ekberg gained fame as Miss Sweden in 1950, but her recognition extends beyond modeling, as she also appeared in numerous productions. She is best remembered for her role in La Dolce Vita during the 1960s. She worked primarily in Italy, where she settled after gaining permanent residency in 1964. Her career was highly successful, and she is widely recognized for her enchanting beauty that captured the attention of audiences in magazines, on TV, and in films.
Suzanne Pleshette Displaying Fashion
Finding versatile actresses can be challenging, and Suzanne Pleshette was one such talent, appearing on television, in movies, on stage, and more. If you’ve seen Rome Adventure and The Birds, then you’re familiar with her work. However, her most well-known role was as Emily Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show. She transformed this character with her intelligence, humor, and depth, altering perceptions of sitcom wives at the time. Her performance earned her devoted fans across the country.
Brigitte Bardot Lying Low
There is nothing more enjoyable than simply lying down and relaxing, especially given the hectic lives we lead, and this is exactly what Brigitte Bardot seems to be doing. She revolutionized French cinema from the moment she started her career by landing iconic roles right away. Eventually, she ventured into Hollywood, but her career there was brief, as one of her films was banned due to exposed midriffs. Even in relaxation, she looks fantastic, which doesn’t surprise us at all.
Joi Lansing Staying Cool
Joi Lansing had a significant impact on the entertainment industry during the 1950s and 1960s as a singer, actress, and model in America. Many people remember her for her role in the well-known crime drama, Touch of Evil. In addition, she recognized her remarkable hourglass figure and took advantage of it. As a result, most of her photos feature her in bikinis or outfits that highlight this figure. Many women of that era capitalized on this because they understood what they could contribute to the entertainment industry.
Barbara Eden and the Truck
“I Dream of Jeannie” was one of the most popular sitcoms in the 1960s, with Barbara Eden starring as Jeannie. This role launched her career, leading her to appear in over twenty films, TV shows, and more. She also had a recurring role as Aunt Irma in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” You can watch any of these to see Barbara Eden showcasing her talent in remarkable roles that helped her career endure. The colorized photo is from 1951, depicting 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 theatre and silent films and eventually gained fame in Hollywood in the 1930s. During that period, she appeared in numerous classic films, which contributed to her renown. She was widely praised for her alluring voice, stunning style, and captivating presence, whether on TV or in theatre. This picture of Marlene is iconic because, at that time, it was unusual for women to ride motorcycles, and with this one picture, she is challenging traditional gender roles.
Vikki Dougan Flaunting Her Curvy Physique
“If you’ve got it, flaunt it” is a popular motto among many models and actresses, as they are confident in their bodies and talents. 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, which contributed to her fame. Nonetheless, she never shied away from embracing her sexuality and beauty at that time. Her confidence mesmerized people wherever she went.
Jacqueline Bisset Filming
Jacqueline Bisset was born in the 1940s and is renowned for her acting talent and career. However, early in her career, many assumed she got roles mostly due to her beauty. While her looks did play a part, they weren’t the sole reason for her being cast in TV shows and movies. The image shown is colorized from the set of “The Thief Who Came to Dinner.” Released in 1973, this film is among Jacqueline Bisset’s standout works and a great example of her exceptional performances.
Mamie Van Doren on the rooftop
It seems that Mamie Van Doren chose this roof as the location for her shoot. She was considered among the leading sex symbols of her era, alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. Her prominence was due to numerous roles, including All-American and Teacher’s Pet. These roles contributed to her fame and recognition. Her striking figure and attractive looks led to her modeling for many magazines. She started modestly and became famous through her dedication and effort.
Claudia Cardinale Wearing A Light Blue Swimsuit
At seventeen, Claudia Cardinale participated in a beauty pageant, which led to her being discovered and starting a career as an actress. This resulted in her securing small roles in multiple films, which contributed to her presence on screen at various times. Her most significant role, however, was in the film Once Upon a Time in the West, released in 1968. It was one of the major films she featured in during her career. To see Claudia Cardinale at her best, you can watch this movie.
Bettie Page and the Eerie Toy
There were numerous pinup models in the past, but Bettie Page was regarded as the queen of pinups. She was one of America’s most renowned models after World War II. From her distinctive bangs to her captivating personality and jet-black hair, she fascinated anyone who saw her. You might compare her beauty with that of Katy Perry, who also shares a similar demeanor and appearance to Bettie Page. However, this picture doesn’t fully capture her beauty, and the strange toy beside her detracts from the overall image. Nonetheless, it is a rare colorized photograph of her.
Madeline Smith More Joyful 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 memorable roles was Miss Caruso in the 1973 film “Live and Let Die,” which brought her significant recognition. Now aged seventy-three, she is largely retired from acting and rarely appears in films.
Playing cards featuring Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda remains one of the most enchanting actresses on television, having recently starred in Grace and Frankie. She is an actress, fashion model, activist, and advocate for women globally. The actress has earned two Oscars, and you can find a unique photo of her smiling at a deck of cards. In recent years, Fonda has shifted her focus more towards her role as a political activist than as an actress. She states that she has discovered this new purpose in life and intends to follow it with determination, despite any challenges she may encounter.
Elizabeth Montgomery showcasing her talents
Elizabeth Montgomery was born into a wealthy family that was already established in the industry. Her acting and modeling career lasted fifty years, during which she starred in numerous sitcoms and films that brought her the fame she rightfully earned. Consequently, she received several Emmy nominations. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with colon cancer and succumbed to the illness. Nevertheless, during her time in the industry, she dedicated herself fully, which is why her legacy from Bewitched in the Sixties remains memorable.
Charlotte Rampling and Intensity
Charlotte Rampling is among the most adaptable actresses, having worked in European arthouse films in Italian, French, and English. She has pursued a career as an actress, model, and singer, and remains active in her field. Rampling is celebrated for her striking beauty, sharp wit, and sensitivity, making her one of the leading actresses of her era. This is one of her colorized photos from the sixties, and as you can see, she exudes sultry charisma and showcases stunning looks. Even today, her beauty is unparalleled, which is why she continues to be very active in her career, taking on various movie roles.
Victoria Principal Enjoying Time on the Beach
Victoria Principal is an author, entrepreneur, producer, actress, and more. She has been involved in many successful films and started her career with a TV show. However, she has now stepped back from acting to manage her own production company. They produce various TV shows periodically, showcasing her talent. In this colorized photo, Principal is simply relaxing on the beach in the seventies. That rock is lucky to have such a beautiful woman reclining on it and posing.
Grace Kelly Walking Gracefully
As the name suggests, Grace Kelly is depicted with remarkable poise in this photograph. She was an American actress who appeared in several films before marrying the Prince of Monaco, at which point she chose to pause her acting career to fulfill royal responsibilities. Tragically, she sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident at the age of 52 and passed away. Despite this, she remains a revered figure and is considered one of the leading female stars who significantly influenced classic cinema during her lifetime.
Elaine Stewart Relishing the Breeze
Many women start their careers with modeling before trying acting, and Elaine Stewart followed this path as well. She was both a model and an actress who appeared in several films, including Singin’ in the Rain, Stranger Beware, and many more. Many also considered her to be the dark-haired equivalent of Marilyn Monroe. Due to this resemblance, MGM promptly signed her to maintain their audience and draw in more viewers. As seen in this photo of her from the fifties, she had a stunning figure and an even more beautiful face, which helped her develop a dedicated fan base.
Lauren Bacall in Her Summer Outfit
Lauren Bacall embarked on her career at an early age, starring in her debut film at nineteen. In this film, her co-star was Humphrey Bogart, whom she later married. She subsequently appeared in numerous films that earned her well-deserved fame. Additionally, she was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in The Mirror Has Two Faces. Therefore, to witness her brilliance in an outstanding performance, you should watch this movie to understand what we mean.
Ann-Margaret Dressed in Casual Wear
Ann-Margaret looks snug and at ease in this photo, as she is wearing the most comfortable pajamas we’ve ever seen. She is a Swedish-American actress and singer. To date, she has won five Golden Globe Awards, making her one of the most respected actresses of her era. She continues to work as an actress, and Elvis Presley was captivated by her the first time he saw her, and understandably so. Watching any of her films will show you why she is such an enchanting actress. Some actresses will always be timeless.
Raquel Welch Understands Her Worth
Confidence is key to becoming a great model and actress. Raquel Welch, who has been in the industry since the 1960s, retired from her career in 2017. If you’re familiar with her work, you’ll know she is recognized for portraying strong female characters that defy gender stereotypes, and deservedly so. Consequently, she was also a sex symbol in the 1960s, similar to Marilyn Monroe. However, what set her apart and made her an icon was that she wasn’t a blonde like many others at the time. This perspective shift fundamentally changed public views about 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, but she stated that she was chosen for her natural talent in tree swinging. Throughout her career, she also appeared in approximately five films over four years. She died in 2002 at the age of 73, but her legacy as Sheena remains alive in the hearts of many.
Veronica Lake Listening to Music
As you can observe, Veronica Lake is thoroughly enjoying herself relaxing by the pool while listening to her favorite tunes. This is also one of our go-to activities during the summer that keeps us entertained. In the 1940s, she was depicted in some of the most iconic femme fatale roles. Additionally, Lake was a well-known pinup girl for soldiers during World War II. This is unsurprising due to her attractiveness and the renowned persona that made her popular in those circles and earned her the fame she deserved.
Tuesday Weld Capturing That Radiant Light
Nothing beats soaking up the sunlight because it feels so refreshing, and that’s exactly what Tuesday Weld is doing in this picture. She started her career young as a child model and actress. However, the role that skyrocketed her to fame came in 1958. At that time, she was known for portraying women who were promiscuous, impulsive, and reckless. It’s hard to imagine all that when she’s sitting calmly, basking in the sunlight quietly in the car, and posing for a photo.
Sophia Loren Lying On The Ground
Sophia Loren was born in Rome and is one of the leading actresses who transformed the landscape of classic cinema in Hollywood. If you’ve seen the Italian film “Two Women,” you’re aware that Loren portrayed the character Cesira. Her performance was so iconic that she won an Academy Award for it. Even today, she remains active and takes on a few roles occasionally. Nonetheless, she is not as active as she was at the beginning of her career. She also stepped back in the seventies because she was concerned about her children’s safety.
Ava Gardner Relaxing on the Beach
No one can appear as good relaxing on the sand as Ava Gardner does in this picture. She had one of the most successful film careers, playing numerous leading roles. She was extremely attractive, which made her relationships with men quite famous, including those with John Kennedy, Sinatra, Steve McQueen, and many others. However, she passed away in 1990 due to bronchial pneumonia. Her health was already not in great shape because she had also suffered a stroke in 1986. After that, she was paralyzed on her left side and was very weak in her final years before her death.
Julie Newmar Embracing Her Catwoman Persona
Julie Newmar is a singer, actress, and dancer known for her role in Batman, where she portrayed Catwoman in the TV series. Since then, she has taken on numerous TV roles due to her acting talent and stunning appearance. Many believe she was the best Catwoman, as she was driven, intelligent, and ideally suited for the part. Her portrayal was both deadly and mysterious, making her an excellent embodiment of Catwoman. As a result, most fans consider her the quintessential Catwoman.
Kim Novak in Her Natural Surroundings
Kim Novak, now a retired actress and painter, was most active in TV and film from the fifties to the nineties. Later, she chose to step away from the spotlight after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and deciding that such a lifestyle was not for her. She redirected her focus to horses, painting, anti-bullying initiatives, and other interests. During her active years, she captivated everyone, as evident from this picture. Her beauty and intellect will always be unmatched in Hollywood.
Ursula Andress and Her Iconic Bikini
Ursula Andress, a Swiss actress, is widely recognized for her role in the James Bond series. Beyond that, she also appeared in a Bond parody film. In addition, throughout her life, she appeared in over forty TV shows and movies, making her one of the most prominent actresses. Even in this picture, you can see that her presence is captivating, and she is aware of her strengths. Such confidence is attractive, especially in Hollywood, surrounded by other talented actresses and notable figures.
Mara Corday Without Shoes Beside The Lake
Throughout her career, Mara Corday starred in numerous notable films, including “Man Without a Star” and “The Black Scorpion,” among others. Even in the 1950s, she became renowned for her natural beauty and impressive figure. This led to a high demand for her photographs, propelling her modeling career to its zenith. At one time, she was recognized as the most photographed model globally. As evidenced by this photo, she exuded remarkable beauty. In this image, she stands barefoot by the lake, maintaining her stunning appearance with her lovely hair, attire, and features.
Natalie Wood Is Surprised
We don’t know what Natalie Wood is gazing at in this picture, but she is certainly more astonished than ever. Wood rose to fame after her role in Miracle on 14.
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Susan Walker was well-known for her role in “Street” and delivered other iconic performances that earned her Oscar nominations. Tragically, she died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 43 by drowning. She was working on the film “Brainstorm” and was on a break from production when the incident occurred. Her death continues to be a subject of speculation, leaving the true events of that day shrouded in mystery.
Yvonne Craig in an Adorable Outfit
If you’re familiar with the 60s TV series Batman, then you know Yvonne Craig for her fantastic role on the show. In addition to that, she was also a ballet dancer and toured with the Ballet Russe de Monte when she wasn’t filming TV series. This picture shows her in a charming outfit, clearly aware of how great she looks. It was taken in 1961 and has been colorized for you to appreciate it in its 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, but some individuals are simply too beautiful for the tragedies of this world. The 1960s was her prime, and she was on the path to becoming one of Hollywood’s most legendary stars. This was due to her roles in numerous productions, including Don’t Make Waves, Valley of the Dolls, and others. Unfortunately, her career was 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 incredible actress had her life not been prematurely taken.
Carolyn Jones Prepared to Set Sail
Carolyn Jones appears ready to embark on an ocean voyage in this picture, much like she conquered Hollywood. Known to many as Morticia Addams, she is often seen as a haunting beauty. However, in this photo, she seems to be enjoying her day at sea rather than appearing haunted. She was among the most promising actresses, earning a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, which is well-deserved. If you’re familiar with her work, you understand her remarkable acting skills, with her beauty being just one part of her captivating personality.
The Iconic Legs of Betty Grable
This photo of Betty Grable is from 1935, and she was one of the leading actresses of that period. This was because she starred in numerous successful films that dominated the box office. However, one of the main reasons this actress was well-known was for her legs, as is evident. Even in this photo, she is showcasing her lovely legs, and we can’t fault her for it. They became Hollywood symbols, and she was aware of her own allure. It was such confidence and beauty that initially made her famous and earned her some remarkable roles.
Cleo Moore Prepared to Dive into the Pool
If it’s not apparent from the picture, Cleo Moore was a well-known pinup girl thanks to her appearance. This includes her lovely smile, hourglass figure, blonde hair, and other attributes. Remember that her productions weren’t as appreciated as they should have been, but she remains famous. This is because many of the films she made are now considered cult classics. You can watch them and form your own opinion. However, even if you don’t enjoy the film, you will likely appreciate Moore’s performance.
Stella Stevens Wearing a Floral Bikini
Yellow and red floral bikinis might not be in style right now, but they were popular in the 60s, as seen in this photo of Stella Stevens. Born in 1938, she was at the height of her career in her thirties, starring in well-known productions like The Poseidon Adventure, The Nutty Professor, and numerous others. People admired her physique, sparkling eyes, lovely hair, and everything else she had to offer. This is one of her most iconic pictures because she looks stunning and highlights her beautiful legs that many men admired.
Elke Sommer Looking Fabulous
Elke Sommer, hailing from Berlin, was one of the most iconic actresses of the sixties. She appeared in nearly a hundred films and continued to be active on TV until 2005. If you’ve ever watched The Art of Love or A Shot in the Dark, you might recall her. This is because she exudes confidence in her greatness, and her demeanor reflects that, just like in this picture. It dates back to 1968, and Sommer knows she looks amazing and wants you to know it too, with that cheeky grin on her face.
June Wilkinson and Her Striking Appearance
Throughout her career, Wilkinson has gained recognition for her appearances in Playboy magazine and her roles in various films. Her figure, one of her most appealing features, led to multiple features in Playboy magazine. Her modeling career has included appearances in over fifty newspapers and magazines. At one time, she was even titled the most photographed nude woman in the USA. The image you see is not one of her nude photos, yet she appears just as provocative, as her striking appearance is captivating enough.
The Glamour of Jill St. John
If you’ve watched different shows and movies from the seventies, you’re likely familiar with Jill St. John, as she was a major figure during that era. She appeared in a wide range of TV shows and films, such as Diamonds Are Forever, Magnum PI, Hart to Hart, Fantasy Island, and many more. Many people recall her performance as a Bond girl in the 1971 film, a role that is unforgettable and iconic. If you haven’t seen it before, be sure to watch it now to understand who she is and why she’s so glamorous.
Janet Leigh Prepared For The Summer
Janet Leigh is soaking her legs in the pool, wearing a red swimsuit and red lipstick, aware of how attractive she appears in this outfit. Her ensemble highlights her figure, and the pool looks inviting. If we were in her position, we’d likely dive into the pool to cool down. The photo seems to be from a summer shoot because Leigh appears prepared to embrace summer in the best way. We can’t fault her, as she has the ideal summer body we aspire to achieve each year.
Yvonne De Carlo Relaxing On The Sofa
We all enjoy relaxing on the sofa when we have free time, and Yvonne de Carlo is no exception. However, she looks far more stunning than we do in the same situation. Her unmatched beauty and the way she looks in her outfit truly stand out. Furthermore, her smile and eyes enhance her beauty even more, capturing our attention. She has appeared in numerous productions, including The Ten Commandments. 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 films like Imitation of Life, Gidget, Come September, and a popular song in Grease. This is an iconic photo because we rarely see her blonde hair in these black-and-white movies. However, this colorized image highlights her hair, stunning skin, and everything else she has to offer. Even the bikini looks beautiful, and it must be lucky to be worn by Sandra Dee in this iconic image. This photo is from 1959, and it seems like Dee knows how fantastic she looks in it.
Blaze Starr and the Bongos
Blaze Starr was one of the most well-known stars, and this image from 1954 has been colorized to make it more vibrant. She was recognized as a renowned dancer who displayed her talents to numerous men. This included the governor of Louisiana and many others who were eager to see her perform. Even in this photograph, we can perceive her alluring quality through her pose and striking appearance. She seems prepared to play those bongos and dance to their rhythm, offering you a memorable performance.
Carroll Baker Understands What’s on Your Mind
This is one of Carroll Baker’s most iconic photos, where it appears as if she’s gazing into your soul and is aware of 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 already familiar with her, she was a star in the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play “Baby Doll.” In addition to that, she played various other roles. Nonetheless, this might be the most playful outfit we’ve seen her wear.