36 Actresses from Old Hollywood’s Glamour Era

The Golden Age of Hollywood overflowed with dazzling talent, unforgettable style, and personalities that shaped the history of cinema. These 36 actresses weren’t just stars; they were forces of nature whose presence shaped film and pop culture for generations. From fierce groundbreakers to enchanting icons, each one brought a unique sparkle to the silver screen. Explore the women who defined Old Hollywood glamour, one unforgettable performance at a time.

1. Marilyn Monroe

Few stars have captured the essence of glamour quite like Marilyn Monroe, whose charm and vulnerability made her an enduring icon. With a blend of innocence and allure, Monroe transformed the “blonde bombshell” stereotype into a symbol of timeless beauty and charisma that still resonates today. Her breathy voice, signature platinum curls, and unforgettable smile made her presence felt both on and off screen.

More than just a screen siren, Monroe’s influence shaped Hollywood’s golden age and beyond. Despite personal struggles behind the scenes, her legacy in fashion, film, and popular culture remains unmatched, making her one of the most memorable beauties of Old Hollywood.

2. Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn brought a delicate sophistication that forever changed the meaning of elegance on screen. Known for her roles in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday, Hepburn’s refined poise and expressive eyes created a subtle yet powerful glamour. She mastered the art of blending innocence with worldly charm, making her a standout among Hollywood’s elite.

Beyond her impeccable style, Hepburn’s humanitarian efforts amplified her impact offscreen. Her grace, kindness, and dedication to global causes have ensured her a place not just in cinematic history, but in the hearts of millions worldwide.

3. Grace Kelly

From silver screen actress to Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly’s story is nothing short of legendary. Her tranquil beauty and polished style made her a favorite in classic films like Rear Window and To Catch a Thief. Kelly’s understated sophistication set a timeless example of Old Hollywood glamour.

Her real-life royal status only deepened her iconic appeal. Kelly’s legacy is a testament to timeless beauty combined with grace and dignity—qualities that continue to inspire both fashion and film enthusiasts today.

4. Elizabeth Taylor

With her piercing violet eyes and powerful screen presence, Elizabeth Taylor embodied the essence of Old Hollywood glamour. From her early years as a child actress to starring roles in Cleopatra and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, she brought unmatched intensity to the screen. Her legendary beauty was intertwined with a personal life full of highs and lows that kept the public captivated.

Taylor’s impact extended beyond cinema through her advocacy work, notably in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She remains an enduring symbol of glamour, strength, and resilience, combining dramatic flair with deep compassion.

5. Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn’s distinctive voice and independent spirit challenged the traditional ideals of femininity in her time. Known for starring in films like The Philadelphia Story and The African Queen, Hepburn’s confident presence and sharp intellect redefined what it meant to be glamorous in Hollywood. Her penchant for wearing trousers and rejecting convention made her a trailblazer.

More than a style icon, Hepburn embodied strength and individuality, inspiring women to embrace both beauty and brains. Her legacy is a powerful reminder that glamour can come in many forms, especially when it’s paired with confidence.

6. Lauren Bacall

Known for her rich voice and smoldering eyes, Lauren Bacall became a symbol of classic Hollywood glamour. She gained prominence starring opposite Humphrey Bogart, bringing a confident elegance to the film noir genre. Bacall’s powerful yet sensual screen presence made her a timeless star.

Offscreen, Bacall’s lasting influence extended through decades of work on stage and screen. She redefined glamour not just with beauty, but with a quiet intensity and timeless sophistication that continues to inspire.

7. Bette Davis

Bette Davis was known for her fierce determination and piercing stare, qualities that set her apart in a sea of classic beauties. She carved a niche with powerful performances in films like All About Eve and Jezebel, often portraying complex, strong-willed women who refused to be overlooked.

Her fearless attitude challenged Hollywood norms and earned her lasting respect. Davis’s blend of beauty and raw talent made her an enduring emblem of Old Hollywood’s dramatic glamour.

8. Joan Crawford

The transformation from carefree flapper to award-winning actress showcases Joan Crawford’s relentless ambition and strength. Her commanding screen presence and fierce dedication made her a standout figure in classic Hollywood cinema.

Best known for “Mildred Pierce,” she brought intensity and depth to her roles, balancing glamour with raw emotion. Crawford’s dramatic presence was always unforgettable.

Her iconic status only grew with time, and her legacy remains a touchstone for actors seeking both grit and grace.

9. Ingrid Bergman

Radiating effortless charm and genuine emotion, Ingrid Bergman became one of classic Hollywood’s most cherished stars. Her unforgettable roles in Casablanca and Notorious showcased a blend of grace and intrigue that captivated audiences worldwide.

Bergman’s timeless elegance and emotional depth redefined the classic Hollywood heroine, leaving a lasting imprint on film history and audiences alike.

10. Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth’s fiery locks and sultry dance moves made her one of the most alluring stars of the 1940s. Known for Gilda and Cover Girl, she embodied the glamorous femme fatale, combining sensuality with a captivating stage presence.

Her journey from dancer to Hollywood icon highlighted her dedication and talent, ensuring her place as a symbol of Old Hollywood’s seductive charm.

11. Ava Gardner

The golden age of Hollywood was graced by Ava Gardner’s fierce gaze and commanding aura. Through films like The Killers and Mogambo, she showcased a rare talent for balancing unfiltered emotion with polished charm.

Gardner’s personal life, marked by passion and complexity, only deepened her mystique. Her legacy is one of fierce independence combined with classic beauty that defined an era.

12. Judy Garland

With a voice full of emotion and eyes that conveyed every feeling, Judy Garland became one of Old Hollywood’s most cherished performers. From The Wizard of Oz to numerous musicals, her captivating presence invited viewers into a world of music and poignant storytelling.

Despite personal challenges, her enduring influence on both cinema and music remains profound. Garland represents a timeless beauty that combines strength, innocence, and an unforgettable voice.

13. Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake’s signature hairstyle and cool demeanor made her one of the most distinctive beauties of the 1940s. Known for her roles in This Gun for Hire and The Blue Dahlia, Lake brought a smoky, mysterious aura that became a hallmark of film noir glamour.

Her brief but impactful career left a lasting mark on Hollywood, influencing style and cinematic portrayals of the enigmatic femme fatale.

14. Lana Turner

Classic Hollywood shone brightly with Lana Turner’s elegant beauty and charismatic screen presence. Films like The Postman Always Rings Twice captured her in roles that combined dazzling allure with a hint of danger, making her a memorable star.

Her personal and professional life reflected the highs and lows of fame, but her impact on the era’s glamour is undeniable and enduring.

15. Hedy Lamarr

More than a dazzling actress, Hedy Lamarr was a brilliant inventor who combined Hollywood glamour with scientific ingenuity. Known for her captivating roles in films like Samson and Delilah, she also made groundbreaking advances in wireless technology that continue to impact the world today.

Lamarr’s blend of intellect and glamour makes her a unique and fascinating figure in Hollywood history, showing that beauty and brains can coexist powerfully.

16. Gene Tierney

Gene Tierney’s delicate features and haunting eyes made her a quintessential screen goddess. Known for her role in Laura, she brought an otherworldly elegance to every performance, combining vulnerability with mystery in a way that captivated audiences.

Her influence on fashion and film noir aesthetics helped shape the glamorous ideal of the 1940s, leaving a legacy of timeless beauty and sophistication.

17. Barbara Stanwyck

From gritty film noir to sweeping westerns, Barbara Stanwyck’s versatile career highlighted her commanding presence. Her striking features and assured poise added a memorable glamour to films such as Double Indemnity and The Strange Love of Martha Ivers.

Stanwyck’s ability to portray complex, tough women redefined Hollywood’s glamorous leading lady, blending strength and allure seamlessly.

18. Deborah Kerr

Known for her serene elegance and quiet strength, Deborah Kerr captivated audiences in iconic films such as An Affair to Remember and The King and I. Her ability to convey emotion with subtlety set her apart in a time of sweeping glamour.

Kerr’s sophisticated style and heartfelt performances contributed to a lasting image of classic Hollywood glamour that endures in film history.

19. Dorothy Dandridge

In an era when Hollywood offered few leading roles for Black actresses, Dorothy Dandridge broke barriers with grace and talent. Her luminous beauty and captivating performances made her a trailblazer, most notably in Carmen Jones and Porgy and Bess. Dandridge’s ability to combine vulnerability with strength helped redefine glamour on her own groundbreaking terms.

Beyond her screen presence, Dorothy Dandridge symbolized resilience in the face of systemic challenges. Her pioneering work paved the way for future generations, embodying a powerful mix of elegance, talent, and courage. Even decades later, her legacy remains a testament to the evolving definition of glamour in Hollywood’s golden age.

20. Ginger Rogers

Ginger Rogers’ sparkling charisma and effortless grace made her a legendary figure, especially in her dance partnerships with Fred Astaire. Her performances in musicals like Top Hat combined glamour with vivacity, winning over audiences worldwide.

Rogers’ ability to blend style, talent, and personality made her a defining star of Old Hollywood’s golden era.

21. Claudette Colbert

Combining wit and grace, Claudette Colbert captivated audiences in classics like It Happened One Night. Her expressive eyes and elegant poise allowed her to effortlessly switch between comedy and drama, defining a versatile style of glamour.

Her ability to connect with audiences through wit and warmth helped establish her as a lasting icon of classic Hollywood.

22. Carole Lombard

Bursting with lively charm and a dazzling smile, Carole Lombard lit up the screen in 1930s screwball comedies. Her performance in My Man Godfrey showcased not only impeccable comedic timing but also an effortless elegance that won hearts.

Lombard’s blend of humor and style brought a fresh, lively glamour to Old Hollywood’s golden age.

23. Jean Harlow

Jean Harlow’s striking looks and vivacious personality earned her the title “The Blonde Bombshell” before Marilyn Monroe made it famous. Known for films such as Platinum Blonde and Dinner at Eight, Harlow’s glamour was both bold and playful.

Despite her tragically short life, Harlow’s influence on Hollywood beauty standards remains profound.

24. Myrna Loy

Known for her warm smile and graceful style, Myrna Loy captivated audiences in the beloved Thin Man series. Her subtle sophistication and approachable glamour defined her iconic presence in classic Hollywood.

Loy’s enduring appeal lies in her ability to embody sophistication without pretension, marking her as a standout star of her era.

25. Ann Sheridan

Ann Sheridan’s rich voice and magnetic screen presence set her apart in films like Kings Row and Naughty Marietta. Known as the “Oomph Girl,” Sheridan’s blend of glamour and grit made her a memorable figure in 1940s Hollywood.

Her dynamic performances and distinctive style continue to symbolize Old Hollywood’s vibrant energy.

26. Joan Fontaine

With understated performances and refined elegance, Joan Fontaine captivated audiences in films such as Rebecca and Suspicion. Her blend of sophistication and intensity brought a rare and compelling glamour to Hollywood’s golden age.

Her quiet strength and nuanced roles solidified her place among Hollywood’s classic beauties, remembered for both talent and poise.

27. Paulette Goddard

Known for her energetic charm and radiant smile, Paulette Goddard shone in classics like Modern Times and The Great Dictator. Her lively style injected a fresh and vibrant touch to Old Hollywood glamour.

Goddard’s ability to blend vivacity with sophistication ensured her a lasting legacy in the era’s cinematic history.

28. Simone Simon

Simone Simon’s mysterious allure and delicate features made her stand out in classics like Cat People. Her cool, enigmatic presence brought a distinct European elegance to American cinema’s glamorous tapestry.

Simon’s unique style and captivating screen presence continue to intrigue fans of Old Hollywood.

29. Eleanor Parker

Eleanor Parker’s versatile talent and poised beauty shone in films like Detective Story and The Sound of Music. Her ability to portray complex characters with subtlety gave her a distinctive place in Hollywood glamour.

Parker’s graceful demeanor and strong performances helped define the era’s sophisticated leading lady.

30. Olivia de Havilland

With refined elegance and intense dedication, Olivia de Havilland shone in films such as Gone with the Wind and The Heiress. Her lasting impact came from combining classic Hollywood glamour with powerful, nuanced acting.

De Havilland’s influence on both style and performance remains a benchmark in Old Hollywood’s golden age.

31. Joan Blondell

In a time when Hollywood was learning to talk, Joan Blondell was already fluent in charisma. Her rollicking energy and quick humor in Gold Diggers of 1933 breathed life into every frame, creating a vibrant, down-to-earth glamour that still resonates.

Beyond her comedic timing, Blondell displayed remarkable versatility across genres, effortlessly balancing humor and drama. Her approachable beauty and dynamic performances helped define Old Hollywood’s vibrant, bustling energy and continue to inspire admiration for her timeless appeal.

32. Shelley Winters

Few stars could command the screen quite like Shelley Winters, whose intensity and emotional depth left a lasting impression. In films like A Place in the Sun and The Diary of Anne Frank, her raw talent and expressive presence brought a gripping authenticity that redefined glamour as strength.

Her career spanned decades, showcasing a remarkable range that challenged traditional notions of beauty and stardom. Winters’ fearless approach to acting and unapologetic individuality left a lasting impact on film history and the portrayal of women on screen.

33. Susan Hayward

Susan Hayward’s intense performances and commanding presence made her a standout in films like I Want to Live! and With a Song in My Heart. Her sharp features and emotional honesty gave her characters a striking depth, blending glamour with grit. Hayward’s dramatic roles often explored resilience and passion, defining a unique brand of Old Hollywood allure.

Beyond her powerful screen persona, Hayward’s dedication to her craft earned her critical acclaim and a lasting legacy. Her portrayal of real-life figures and complex women reflected a glamour that was both fierce and sincere, resonating with audiences across generations.

34. Rosalind Russell

Sharp, smart, and effortlessly charming—Rosalind Russell redefined Old Hollywood glamour with her razor wit and commanding screen presence. In films like His Girl Friday and Auntie Mame, she fused humor with sophistication, delivering performances that were as stylish as they were memorable.

Beyond her charm and wit, Russell was a trailblazer for strong female characters, portraying women with independence and confidence. Her lasting influence reflects a glamour rooted in both brains and poise, inspiring generations of actresses.

35. Jane Russell

Jane Russell’s striking looks and powerful screen presence made her a Hollywood legend, best known for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Outlaw. Her sultry voice and confident demeanor brought a distinct edge to classic glamour, challenging traditional norms of femininity with charisma and charm. Russell’s blend of appeal and strength made her a defining figure of her time.

Her career extended beyond acting into business and philanthropy, showing a multifaceted personality behind the glamorous façade. Jane Russell remains a symbol of boldness and timeless allure in Hollywood history.

36. Mae West

Bold and unapologetic, Mae West reshaped Hollywood’s idea of glamour with her fearless style and sharp wit. In classics like She Done Him Wrong and I’m No Angel, her playful charm and provocative humor left an unforgettable mark on the silver screen.

West’s influence extended beyond acting as she crafted a persona that embraced empowerment. Her legacy as a trailblazer of glamour and self-expression continues to resonate in popular culture.