Best known for the terrifying shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho,’ Janet Leigh was a glamorous A-lister through the forties and into the fifties. She won a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for delivering that famous horror scene at the Bates Motel.
Four of the movies she starred in are preserved at the Library of Congress. ‘ Psycho’ is one, and ‘ The Manchurian Candidate,’ ‘ Touch of Evil,’ and ‘ Naked Spur’ round out the list. She was also in ‘Bye Bye Birdie .’ Empire magazine named Leigh one of the sexiest actresses in film history in 1995.
Jayne Mansfield
The only other golden age 'it girl' more recognizable than Jayne Mansfield is Marilyn Monroe. Some think Mansfield was actually the sexiest. Tellingly, she was cropped out of her first modeling shoot because ad execs deemed her "too sexy" for 1954. Mansfield modeled for Playboy and was the first to appear nude in a movie. In the 50s, she debuted in two films leading to glamour and fame.
Mansfield was a self-marketing whiz. She was a polyglot with a 163 IQ who always said fans were more interested in her other numbers: 40-21-35. Pink was her color. She drove a pink car and built a house called the Pink Palace. She died in a tragic car accident in 1967 at 34.
Greta Garbo
Greta Garbo’s movie career commenced in the 1920s silent era with ' A Woman of Affairs .' She became MGM’s most profitable actress. Named the fifth-greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema by the American Film Institute, she was famous for her noir style and tragic roles. Garbo thought she was too young to play such sophisticated types.
But the persona became the Garbo image. The Swedish enchantress was perfectly suited to silent films since she did not yet speak English. Her first speaking role as Anna in Anna Christie was a wild success. “Garbo speaks!” was MGM’s legendary ad line.
Jocelyn “Jackie” Lane
Austrian-born television, film actress, and model Jackie Lane was the gorgeous girl in 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.' and played Elvis Presley’s love interest in ' Tickle Me .' Lane’s allure was compared to Brigitte Bardot. She was featured in Playboy in 1966.
Her days of playing heartthrob female leads came to a close in 1973 when she married her prince. Quite literally, Lane wedded a Spanish prince named Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg.
Maureen O'Hara
This actress from Dublin headlined Hollywood blockbusters beginning in the 50s opposite western legend John Wayne in ' Rio Grande .' The co-stars’ chemistry was so authentic she starred as Wayne’s leading lady in several films.
A decade earlier, she would get her foot in the door with 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame .' The stunning redhead came to life in technicolor but looked just as captivating in vintage black and white films. Her look was so striking she was nicknamed Queen of Technicolor.
Rita Moreno
Rita Moreno has a triple crown in the acting profession. Winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony makes her an EGOT too. The brunette bombshell starred in gilded age cinema opposite Elvis Presley, James Garner, and Marlon Brando, the latter of whom she had a long affair.
Moreno landed the big screen with ' Singing in the Rain .'Later, the actress's musical talents would shine in ' West Side Story,' for which she won a Best Actress Academy Award. On Broadway, Moreno performed musicals, 'The Ritz' and 'The Odd Couple .' She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom 2015.
Olivia de Havilland
Olivia de Havilland starred in 'Gone With the Wind' (1939), a true old-time cinematic classic. She played Scarlett O’Hara’s sister-in-law and confidant. Her career spanned five decades comprising 49 feature films. She won two Academy Awards and two Golden Globes. The beautiful de Havilland was one of the few surviving golden age legends until her death in 2020 at the age of 104.
The cultured actress, born in Tokyo to British parents, grew up in California. Havilland’s career began in earnest the day Warner Bros. signed her. She inked a seven-year contract and her name billed three films that same year!
Lana Turner
Lana Turner’s fame story is the American Dream of the big screen. Ditching classes at Hollywood High School, she was spotted at a nearby soda fountain by William Wilkerson, publisher of The Hollywood Reporter. Famously, he asked her if she wanted to be in the movies. She replied, “I don’t know, I’ll have to ask my mother.” Turner made it big. She was one of the nation’s highest-paid actresses.
She had affairs with several lead men like Frank Sinatra. She didn’t have much luck at marriage, she was divorced eight times. The classic cinema legend was in 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' and nominated for an Oscar for 'Peyton Place .'
Veronica Lake
Brooklyn-born film legend Veronica Lake had a mound of wavy blonde locks and a smoldering look in her eyes. She was known for film noir roles as the femme fatale. Her breakout role in 1940 was 'I Wanted Wings .'She starred in ' This Gun for Hire' and 'The Glass Key .'
Her trademark peek-a-boo hairstyle made her famous but during the Second World War, the US government asked her to pull it back to reduce the injury risk for wartime factory workers who emulated her style. By 1950, she starred in only one movie and suffered a decline accelerated by alcohol abuse.
Lucille Ball
Lucille Ball is a legend of Hollywood’s golden age and an all-time Hollywood legend. Her show 'I Love Lucy' is arguably the best sitcom to ever meet the television screen. Funny, smart, beautiful, she was an independent woman who always spoke her mind and was loved for it. Ball kicked off her career as a “Goldwyn Girl” in the 30s and making B-movies for MGM in the 40s.
The ambitious young actress fell in love with Desi Arnaz, a Cuban bandleader. By 1951, Lucille and Desi produced the eponymous sitcom. Heading television studio, Desilu Production, Ball was the first woman to run a major TV studio.
Judy Garland
Judy Garland is one of the gilded icons of Hollywood and one of the most famous faces. Her adorable portrayal of Dorothy in 'The Wizard of Oz' is unforgettable. Garland was nominated for Best Actress for the 1954 original ' A Star is Born .' She was featured frequently with Mickey Rooney and Gene Kelly.
Signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), she starred in 'Meet me in St. Louis' (1944), 'Summer Stock' (1950), and 'The Harvey Girls' (1946). The beautiful actress with a voice just as remarkable. She recorded eight studio albums. Dealing with the stress of fame led to MGM releasing her contract. She rebounded with 'The Judy Garland Show,' but CBS dropped it after 26 episodes.
Debbie Reynolds
Debbie Reynolds will be more familiar to modern filmgoers as the mother of Carrie Fisher. But in her day, Reynolds was a darling of Hollywood’s golden age. She performed the lead in the film classic 'Singing in the Rain .' It was her breakout role.
Other 50s films she starred in include, ' The Affairs of Dobie Gillis,' 'Bundle of Joy,' and 'Susan Slept Here .' The talented actress was also a Billboard chart-topping singer. In 1957, while Reynolds starred in ' Tammy and the Bachelor,' she recorded “Tammy.” It went to No. 1. In 1969, she had her own television show, ' The Debbie Reynolds Show.'
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman started acting at age 12. The Israeli-born actress has had a phenomenal run. She won an Oscar for her performance in ' Black Swan,' yet she is equally adept in the superhero genre. As an undergrad at Harvard, she was able to make time to shoot the ' Star Wars' prequels.
She showcased her versatility again in 'Closer.' Portman headlined 'V for Vendetta' (2005) and 'The Other Boleyn Girl' (2008). She played Jane Foster in ' Thor' and is reprising the role for the up-and-coming ' Thor: Love and Thunder .' The extraordinary actress is also leading in an upcoming HBO film called ' Days of Abandonment. '
Gene Tierney
This stunning beauty is Academy Award-nominated actress Gene Tierney. Born in Brooklyn in 1920, she loved theater at an early age. She was nominated for Best Actress for her role in Leave Her to Heaven (1945).
She is also known for playing the lead in ' Laura' (1944). She made it on Broadway before she made it to film. Famously, she dated John F. Kennedy as a young lad. But after a year, he told her he was too politically ambitious to marry, so she left him. She is known for ' The Razor’s Edge,' ' The Ghost and Mrs. Muir,' and Whirlpool.'
Mae West
Voluptuous 1930s movie legend Mae West pioneered the 'pin up' girl image. Known for her wit and unapologetic style, West found an adoring audience in Depression Era folks. Plain talking and quick with a quip, West is famous for lines like, “When I’m good, I’m very good, but when I’m bad, I’m better.”
The intelligent actress was schooled just to third grade. She starred in the hit film 'I’m No Angel and Klondike Annie .' She spoke her mind when it came to feminism, gender, and power and wasn’t afraid of being taboo.
Jane Seymour
British actress Jane Seymour was one of the best Bond girls. She is celebrated for her role as Miss Solitaire in ' Live and Let Die' with Roger Moore as 007. The bombshell beauty also starred in 'East of Eden and Onassis: The Richest Man in the World .'
Her work earned her an Emmy and two Golden Globes. Seymour recently appeared in ' The Kominsky Method .' In a new film, ' The War with Grandpa,' the actress stars opposite Robert DeNiro.
Lena Horne
Lena Horne sang chorus at the 'Cotton Club' at age 16. She would become one of the most prominent black actresses in Hollywood and a voice for the civil rights movement. President Obama recognized her passing at 92 pointing out that Horne had been the first black singer who refused to sing for segregated audiences.
She was awarded the NAACP medal in 1983. The actress stood up for black actresses by refusing stereotypical black female roles such as maids or prostitutes. She starred in ' Stormy Weather' and recorded the title song for the soundtrack.
Julie Newmar
Julie Newmar was beautiful and intelligent and portrayed the iconic 'Catwoman.' Appearing alongside Adam West on the 1966 Batman television series, she was the first to bring the DC Comics character to live-action programming.
Newmar appeared on ' The Twilight Zone' as Satan. She made several cameos on television and starred in a music video by George Michael. Newmar was also featured in two modern Batman movies, one in 2016 and another in 2017. She’s an entrepreneur and a real estate investor.
Selma Hayek
Mexican American actress and producer Salma Hayek came to attention in America as the enchanting Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in the award-winning movie 'Frida.' Hayek was nominated for Best Actress. We also know her in ' Wild Wild West.' 'Dogma ,' ' From Dusk to Dawn,' and 'Desperado .' She starred with Antonio Banderas and Quentin Tarantino in the latter.
She also starred with Tarantino in 'From Dusk to Dawn' which includes George Clooney, Juliette Lewis, and Harvey Keitel on the cast. She has a spellbinding face but in real life, she strives to increase awareness around violence toward women and discrimination against immigrants.
Marion Cotillard
French actress and singer Marion Cotillard is as lauded as she is ravishing. She has two Césars, an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and a Lumières Award. Stateside, she is recognized in ' Le Vie en Rose' (2007), ' A Good Year' (2006), ' Inception' (2010), ' Assassin’s Creed '(2016), and ' Allied' (2006).
She has a cover girl face, and her visage enhances more than 300 fashion magazine covers. Vogue Paris named her Woman of the Decade in 2010. Harper’s Bazaar claimed Cotillard’s performance in Inception made her 2014’s “Best Film Femme Fatale.”
Emma Roberts
Early 00s starlet Emma Roberts won hearts as Kristina Jung in the crime drama film ' Blow' with Johnny Depp. Roberts took the lead as Addie Singer on Nick's show ' Unfabulous' for three seasons. The young actress was the perfect 'Nancy Drew' in 2007.
By the 10s, she starred in ' Scream,' ' The Art of Getting By,' and ' Nerve .' Last year she showed off her baby belly on the cover of Cosmopolitan. Recently, she reminded us she has a famous aunt in a glitzy ad campaign that named Emma the new face of the Pretty Woman jewelry collection.
Kristen Dunst
1994 was Kristen Dunst’s big year. She kicked it off headlining 'Interview with the Vampire' with Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise and finished it starring as Amy in Little Women.' In 1995, she did 'Jumanji' with Robin Williams.
Rounding out the century, Dunst was in 'The Virgin Suicides,' 'Dick,' and 'Bring it On.' Her role in 'Melancholia' by Lars von Trier won her an award at Cannes. She was also lauded with awards for the film ' Hidden Figures' and FX series ' Fargo .' The busy actress even found time to star as Spidey’s pretty GF in the Spider-Man franchise.
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz in the 90s was irresistibly pretty. 'There’s Something About Mary' encapsulated her captivating mien and infectious personality. Diaz first made it to Hollywood with Jim Carrey in 'The Mask .' Two years later she starred in 'She’s the One' with Jennifer Aniston. In 1997, she was in 'My Best Friend’s Wedding' and 'A Life Less Ordinary .'
The following year the comedy about Mary would be a massive success, making it the fourth-top grossing film that year. She received a laundry list of awards and accolades and the film that became a cultural sensation.
Keira Knightley
British beauty Keira Knightly was discovered in the low-budget sleeper hit 'Bend it Like Beckham .' Appearing in 'King Arthur' sealed her stardom, and she went on to do great films like ' Pride & Prejudice' and ' Love Actually .'
She starred in literary adaptation 'Atonement' and mega-blockbuster franchise 'Pirates of the Caribbean.' Knightley’s acting career started early at the age of 12. Her parents, both professional actors in London, set her up with an agent even earlier. At 23, Knightly was ranked second-highest-paid actress, according to Forbes in 2007.
Bette Davis
Bette Davis is one of the most famous actresses of any era. Her film career spanned five decades. She was the top-paid American female in 1942. Davis was nominated for an Academy Award five consecutive years beginning with 1939.
She was the first actress to accumulate 10 Oscar nominations. She won the 1938 Oscar for 'Jezebel.' That statue was eventually collected at auction by none other than Steven Spielberg. Madonna and Dire Straits recorded songs noting the legendary actress and, in 1981, there was a mega-hit called “Bette Davis Eyes.” She was so iconic, even her false eyelashes sold at auction.
Ann Margret
Ann Margret was a singer and a dancer who appeared in some of the biggest films of the sixties and seventies. She was nominated for two Oscars and won five Golden Globes. Margaret starred in ' Bye Bye Birdie,' 'Carnal Knowledge,' ' The Cincinnati Kid,' and ' Viva Las Vegas .' While starring with Elvis Presley in ' Viva Las Vegas ,' she and the King recorded three duets.
The Swedish American actress debuted in Frank Capra’s ' Pocketful of Miracles' alongside Bette Davis. Memorably, she rode a Triumph in ' The Swinger.' She is still acting. Margret appeared in ' The Kominsky Method,' 'Law & Order,' and 'CSI .'
Monica Bellucci
Prior to doing French and Italian films, Monica Bellucci modeled for Dior and Dolce & Gabbana. The Italian actress played a bride of Dracula in Francis Ford Coppola’s ' Bram Stoker’s Dracula.' She was a Bond girl in the 2015 Spectre , the oldest to play the role.
She was named one of the 100 hottest women of all time by Men’s Health. Her starring roles include ' The Passion of the Christ,' 'The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,' and 'The Brothers Grimm.' Bellucci was awarded a best-supporting actress César for her role in ' The Apartment .'
Janet Leigh
Best known for the terrifying shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s 'Psycho,' Janet Leigh was a glamorous A-lister through the forties and into the fifties. She won a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for delivering that famous horror scene at the Bates Motel.
Four of the movies she starred in are preserved at the Library of Congress. ' Psycho' is one, and ' The Manchurian Candidate,' ' Touch of Evil,' and ' Naked Spur' round out the list. She was also in 'Bye Bye Birdie .' Empire magazine named Leigh one of the sexiest actresses in film history in 1995.
Cyd Charisse
Hollywood beauty Cyd Charisse was a child when she learned to dance. It was part of a physical therapy program to help her recover from a bout with polio. She starred in golden age films like 'Singing in the Rain' and 'Band Wagon.' She danced with showbiz legend Fred Astaire in the latter. Charisse also starred with Astaire in Silk Stockings.
In 1958, she starred with Rock Hudson in 'Twilight for the Gods .' In the 60s, she performed dance routines on television variety shows. The actress was awarded the National Medal of the Arts and Humanities, the nation’s highest honor for the arts in 2006.
Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge is the first African American actress to receive a Best Actress Oscar nomination. She contended alongside film goddesses Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Judy Garland, and Jane Wyman for the award. She got into entertainment with her sister at a young age. Her mother taught the girls a song and dance routine which led to big-time gigs at the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater.
The Dandridge Sisters made it to the silver screen appearing in a Marx Brothers film and others. ' Carman Jones,' one of the highest-grossing films of the year, cemented her name in Hollywood.
Doris Day
Doris Day was an iconic presence in 1950s Hollywood, known for her conservative ideal wife image. Her influence as a celebrity is illustrated markedly in pop culture. Day’s name is sung by The Beatles, Elton John, Wham! and Billy Joel. Pillow Talk was her most famous film, opposite the late, great Rock Hudson.
She also starred in ' Calamity Jane,' ' The Man Who Knew Too Much,' ' Lucky Me,' ' Love Me, or Leave Me' and headlined her own television show. She died at 97. She was a card-carrying Republican who once dated co-star Ronald Reagan.
Bar Refaeli
Bar Refaeli is without a doubt Israel’s most successful model and TV host but is also a talented actress and entrepreneur. She rose to fame after appearing in the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and was quickly discovered by fans all across the world.
So far, Bar Refaeli is Israel’s best-paid model, especially after being nominated into first place on Maxim magazine's 'Hot 100' list of 2012. Her beauty translates all across the world, which is what makes her so timeless in our eyes.
Adriana Lima
In 2017, Adriana Lima was cited as Victoria’s Secret most valuable angel in the world. She worked for the brand from 1999 until 2018 and was a prominent spokesperson for the organization. She reportedly earned almost $10 million annually at some point and maintains her streak as one of the highest-paid models in the world.
Lima also served as the brand ambassador for the clothing brand Desigual, and the Beachwear collection brand, Calzedonia. Recently, the model has taken a few unique turns in her career, but with overall beauty like hers, there’s no doubt she’ll be working for many more years to come.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
With more than eight million Instagram followers, a Miss World 1994 win, and many successful film appearances, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is one of the world's most established and beautiful entertainers. She has been voted several times as the most beautiful woman in the world and used the title for various modeling gigs.
Aishwarya's best movies include some very serious drama films, and her acting has been critically acclaimed over the years. She recently celebrated her 46th birthday and looks just as good as ever. Behind the scenes, the actress is also a brand ambassador for various humanitarian ventures.
Emma Watson
What makes English actress Emma Watson such a unique entry on this list, is the fact that we’ve been following her ever since she was a kid. The actress proved herself as a talented on-screen presence in the iconic 'Harry Potter' series, and has boldly ventured into Hollywood and theater.
Watson starred in award-winning films such as 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'. She is also known as a passionate women’s rights advocate, and often travels around the world to promote female causes. The actress won many awards over the years, transitioning from a bushy-haired little girl into an international beauty before our very eyes.
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez, or J.Lo, as fans like to call her, is one of America’s leading artist entertainers. She does everything from singing, dancing, acting, producing, and even fashion design. Lopez is a savvy businesswoman and was the highest-paid Latina actress in Hollywood for many years during the late ‘90s.
The actress established herself as a successful musician after releasing her debut album, 'On the 6', and worked on both music and acting careers simultaneously. It's hard not to swoon over Jenny from the block, as her beauty surpassed age and even culture.
Eva Mendes
Eva Mendes has been one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood over the past decade. She began as a b-list movie actress, often appearing in low-budget films such as Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror and Urban Legends: Final Cut. Since then, the actress has become a leading Latin celebrity.
Mendes rose to prominence after a fantastic performance in 2001’s Training Day. This led to a series of highly-successful films. The actress also appeared in a few music videos and has been the face of many brands. She's also currently dating heartthrob Ryan Gosling!
Sui He
High-school junior, 17 year-old Sui He won a Chinese-based fashion contest that changed her life. She went on to work with labels such as Ralph Lauren and H&M. The Chinese beauty even got a part in the 2015 film, 'You Are My Sunshine'.
Despite being a relatively new face in the modeling world, Sui He has already succeeded in gracing the pages of Vogue China and Harper’s Bazaar. She is the second Chinese model to ever walk on a Victoria’s Secret fashion show and the first to open a Ralph Lauren Runway show.
Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty is one of the world's best selling music artists. While her first two albums were inspired by her Caribbean ancestry, the third took a different direction entering the dance-pop charts and establishing Rihanna's status as a current sex symbol and leading lady in the music industry.
Ri-Ri’s 2007 hit 'Umbrella' became the first of 14 to reach number one on the charts, and won the artist her first Grammy award. With 9 Grammys, 13 American Music Awards and 12 Billboard Music Awards, Rihanna is a talented artist, but the singer's exotic beauty is unmatched.
Tyra Banks
Who doesn’t know Tyra Banks? Supermodel, television personality, businesswoman, actress… the list goes on and on. Tyra Banks keeps herself so busy it’s hard to focus on just one of her ventures, but what's for certain is no matter what she does, she will always look stunning doing it.
As host of 'America’s Next Top Model', Tyra has established herself as a household name and serves as an inspiration for young girls everywhere. Tyra has also released a book titled 'Modeland', which reached the bestseller lists in 2011.
Nicole Kidman
Australian-born Nicole Mary Kidman began her acting career in 1983, with films such as the 'BMX Bandits' and 'Bush Christmas', but her real breakthrough only came in 1989. While she has portrayed many different roles to date, our favorite is by far the beautiful heroine in the 'Moulin Rouge!'
Kidman married actor Tom Cruise in 1990, but go divorced roughly 10 years later and has been married to country superstar Keith Urban since 2006. The red-headed beauty also founded the production company 'Blossom Films', and has been actively serving as the Goodwill ambassador for UNICEF since 1994.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter began her career with the popular late 90’s singing group, Destiny’s Child, before eventually going solo and becoming the singer, songwriter, actress Queen B we know today. She is looked up to by millions for her talents, outspoken personality and beauty.
With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Beyoncé is one of the world's top selling music artists. All of her albums have hit number one in various charts for different time periods. Beyoncé has received the most amount of Emmy nominations, with 24 wins to date, and we’re not surprised in the slightest!
Margot Robbie
Australian actress Margot Robbie made her way into everyone's hearts after portraying the seductive beautiful psychopath Harley Quinn, heart throb to the Joker in the DC comics Universe. Her first appearance as Harley was in the 2016 'Suicide Squad', where just like her looks, she gave a drop-dead gorgeous performance.
The talented drama student began her career in the late 2000’s, doing independent Australian films before she broke her way into Hollywood and secured herself larger and larger roles. She has even been named in Time magazine's '100 most influential people in the world' as of 2017.
Carmen Electra
Tara Leigh Patrick, AKA Carmen Electra, began her career after an incidental encounter with famous music artist Prince, who ended up producing her first album as an aspiring singer. Today, she is more commonly known for her time modeling for Playboy, and as Lani Mckenzie on 1997’s TV series 'Baywatch'.
Electra has appeared in a number of popular films over the years, including 'Starsky & Hutch', 'Cheaper by the Dozen 2' and the 'Scary Movie' franchise parodies. She has also hosted MTV’s 'Singled Out', but has most recently worked with her dancing skills alongside 'The Pussycat Dolls'.
Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum is a world-known German supermodel. Her European beauty wowed the world and quickly got her off the runway and onto national TV. The model, actress, designer, businesswoman, and much more is probably one of the busiest women in show business today, with too many endeavors to name.
Between runway shows, Klum has appeared in many popular TV shows, such as 'Sex and the City' and 'Desperate Housewives'. She has also hosted many shows, including 'Germany’s Next Top Model' and 'Project Runway', which ended up winning her the Outstanding Host for Reality Competition Program award in 2013.
Zooey Deschanel
The very talented Zooey Claire Deschanel is an American musician and actress. In 2006 Deschanel got together with M.Ward to create the music duo 'She & Him', and tore our hearts out with singles like 'You Really Got a Hold On Me'. She also plays the keyboard, percussion, banjo and Ukulele.
Deschanel is known for portraying the timid shy starlets and for, of course, her piercing blue eyes. She is best known for acting in films such as 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' and '500 Days of Summer', but she is also the star of the Fox sitcom, 'New Girl'.
Megan Fox
Megan Fox appeared in a few small roles as a part-time actress before finally appearing in Michael Bay's blockbuster action film, 'Transformers'. Since her appearance in the film, Fox became one of the most idolized women in Hollywood, and is considered a sex symbol by many.
Fox used her fame to develop a modeling career, and began modeling for various magazines, including Maxim, Rolling Stone, and FHM. The actress and model has slowed down her career in recent years, choosing instead to focus on her family. She is married to actor Brian Austin Green, and they have three children together.
Angelina Jolie
For many years, Angelina Jolie was known as the world's most beautiful woman. She ranked number one on almost every "most beautiful women" list by almost every media outlet. The actress was married to Brad Pitt for a long time, but the two have recently decided to get divorced.
Angelina Jolie first gained prominence after her role in the 1995 film 'Hackers', and the 1998 movie 'Gia'. Since then, Jolie has become a popular actress, filmmaker and humanitarian. The actress is synonymous with beauty, elegance and power, and remains one of the most beloved women in Hollywood.
Amanda Seyfried
It's not hard to imagine actress, model and singer Amanda Seyfried going down as one of the world's most beautiful women of all time. The 34-year-old actress made her film debut in 2004, when she starred in the teen comedy film 'Mean Girls'. Since then, Seyfried has appeared in various films.
In 2011, Seyfried was ranked as People's number one best looking 25 year old in the world. She was also included in various other "best-looking" lists and is often featured at the top. The actress claims to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, but works hard to overcome them.
Demi Moore
Demi Moore made film history when she shaved her head for the popular 1997 military female-empowerment film, 'G.I. Jane'. She also broke female earning records from receiving $12.5 million for performing in the 1996 erotic black comedy, 'Striptease'. The actress enjoys a very prolific and successful acting career.
In 1991, the actress appeared nude in Vanity Fair magazine when she was seven months pregnant. She also recently published her memoir, 'Inside Out', which became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Moore has married and divorced actors Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher, and is currently single with three children.
Diane Lane
American actress Diane Lane was born and raised in New York City, and made her film debut in the 1979 romantic comedy film, 'A Little Romance'. The actress has won various awards for her work, and was married to actors Christopher Lambert and Josh Brolin. Diane has one child from Lambert.
Lane has recently played Martha Kent, Superman's mother in DC's latest films, including 'Man of Steel', 'Batman v Superman', and 'Justice League'. While her career has slowed down since its peak in the ‘90s and early 2000s, fans still line up to see her perform in films and TV shows.
Gigi Hadid
One of the youngest women on our list is the gorgeous world-leading model, Gigi Hadid. Arguably the most famous on the planet, 25-year-old Gigi has more than 50 million Instagram followers, and the list is growing every day.
The 5 ft 10 inch beauty was born in Los Angeles to a Palestinian real estate developer and Dutch former model mother. The popular model was named International Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council and there is no doubt that the future holds many more nominations and accomplishments for the beautiful model.
Elizabeth Hurley
With over a million Instagram followers and a huge fan base, Elizabeth Hurley cemented herself as one of the most beautiful and successful women in the world. She is best known for being a businesswoman, actress, and model, and is associated with the cosmetics company Estée Lauder.
The actress is best known for her hilarious role in the hit spy comedy, 'Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery'. She also played as the devil herself in 2000's comedy 'Bedazzled', alongside Brendan Fraser. Hurley is also known for dating Hugh Grant, and continues working in film and television to this day.
Charlize Theron
One of the youngest additions to our list is the incredibly beautiful Charlize Theron, a South-African and American actress and producer who took the world by storm in the 21st century. Despite growing up in an abusive household, the aspiring ballet dancer eventually made her way into film and Hollywood circles.
In 1994, Charlize Theron was discovered by talent agent John Crosby after he saw her shouting at a Hollywood bank teller who wouldn't cash her mother's rent check. The rest of the story is history, as Theron eventually became one of the most beloved and recognizable actresses in the world.
Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Bardot, often referred to as BB, is a highly prominent actress, singer, and animal rights activist who began her career in the early '50s. She was described as an influencer for women's rights and freedoms, thanks to her very active political, cultural and social presence..
Brigitte Bardot officially retired from Hollywood in 1973, after appearing in almost fifty different films and recording over sixty songs. The entertainer was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government, the highest civilian honor a French citizen can attain. Ironically, Bardot refused to accept it. Now, let us move on to some of the most beautiful woman in the entertainment industry today...
Loretta Young
Loretta Young was always destined to be an actress. She began her first role at the young age of three years old. She appeared in the silent film 'Sweet Kitty Bellairs', and continued acting from 1917 well into the '90s. The actress passed on August 2000, at age 87.
Young appeared in almost a hundred different movies over her seven-decade career. She was renowned for her beauty and acting talents. The actress was a smoker from age 8, and continued smoking well into her 60’s. She eventually quit smoking in order to gain a few pounds for a role.
Ingrid Bergman
Ingrid Bergman not only lived a prominent Hollywood life, filled with various accolades, awards and honors, but also gave birth to an actress who continued her legacy. We've already mentioned that she is the mother of Isabella Rossellini, who herself became a female Hollywood legend.
Bergman had a fundamental impact on Hollywood, and was even referred to as one of the most international stars in the history of entertainment. Her list of iconic films is quite impressive. Eventually, the actress became a symbol of breast cancer awareness, after passing from the disease in 1982.
Catherine Deneuve
French actress Catherine Deneuve rose to prominence after her breakthrough roles in 'Les Parapluies de Cherbourg' and Roman Polanski’s 'Répulsion'. She is a 14-time César Award nominee, and worked as the occasional singer, model and producer. The actress is still active today and has appeared in over 100 movies.
Deneuve was also highly revered for her beauty, and was picked as the official face of Marianne, the French personification of liberty. The actress has always been involved in politics, and recently came out against the #MeToo movement, saying that it devolved into a witch-hunt at this point.
Rita Hayworth
Rita Hayworth is best known as one of the most prominent sex symbols in Hollywood back in the '40s and '50s. She was described by the press as a "Love Goddess" and was the most featured pin-up girl for soldiers during World War II.
Hayworth’s most famous film role was in 1964's 'Gilda', where she played one of Hollywood's first "femme fatales". The model and actress faced various difficulties throughout her life, from alcoholism to Alzheimer’s disease. She passed away in the late ‘80s, but will always be remembered for her beauty and talents.
Raquel Welch
It was certainly an uphill battle for Raquel Welch before the media and audiences began noticing her in films. She started out in various small roles, and rose to prominence after appearing in the movie 'One Million Years B.C.', where she wore her iconic fur bikini.
Things quickly picked up from there for the young actress, as she went on to appear in several more popular films, including 1967’s 'Bedazzled', 1968’s 'Bandolero!' and 1969’s '100 Rifles'. Welch's legacy is mostly centered around popularizing the strong female character type and changing gender relations in Hollywood.
Britt Ekland
Swedish actress and singer Britt Ekland appeared in many popular films in the 1960s and 1970s. Her most prominent films include 'The Night They Raided Minsky's', 'Get Carter', and others. Ekland even landed herself a lusted Bond girl role, when she appeared in 1974's 'The Man with the Golden Gun'.
In early 1964, Ekland met successful actor, comedian and singer Peter Sellers (most famous for starring as Chief Inspector Clouseau in 'The Pink Panther' series). Sellers proposed to her that very same week, and the two got married just 10 days later. Their marriage ended up lasting just four years.
Jane Birkin
Jane Birkin rose to prominence thanks to her decade-long relationship with Serge Gainsbourg, one of the world's most popular and important French singers and songwriters. She also had a highly successful acting career in both British and French cinemas, and was often coached by Gainsbourg.
The actress is known for acting in various popular films and TV shows, including 'Death on the Nile', 'Evil Under the Sun', and 'A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries'. Birkin recently starred in the Academy Award-nominated short film 'La femme et le TGV', claiming it would be her final role.
Sophia Loren
While most people remember Sophia Loren's legacy for her bold feminist statements (such as keeping her armpits unshaven), she also had a dedicated fan base thanks to her beauty and acting skills. Loren started her acting career at age 14, and is still working today, well into her 80s.
Some of the actress’s most beloved films include 'A Countess from Hong Kong', 'The Pride and the Passion', and 'Grumpier Old Men'. Throughout her film career, Loren has received an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, five special Golden Globes, and many other honors. She remains the only living classic female movie star.
Julie Ege
Norwegian actress and model, Julie Ege, dominated British theaters in the ‘60s and ‘70s thanks to her powerful on-screen presence. She began her career as a model before turning 16, and came in second in the Miss Norway beauty pageant at just 18 years old.
When Ege moved to England she was instantly liked by film directors. She started out in a few small roles, bolstered by her pageant fame. From there, Ege worked her way on to bigger roles. Her best known film role to date was in the 1971 comedy movie 'Up Pompeii'.
Barbara Parkins
When the young Canadian Barbara Parkins asked her adopting mother to move with her to Los Angeles, she agreed. The 16 year old then embarked on a long journey towards film stardom. She began by studying at the Hollywood High School and developed her professional career from there.
Parkins initially offered herself as a professional singer, but was quickly discovered as a talented actress. At just 24 years of age, she had already been nominated for an Emmy, and continued acting well into her 70’s. The actress retired in 1998, but will always be remembered for her beauty and talent.
Kim Basinger
For almost five decades, Kim Basinger has been a strong actress in Hollywood thanks to her unique acting skills and timeless beauty. The actress gained major prominence thanks to her role as a Bond girl in 1979's 'Never Say Never Again'. Basinger also recently appeared in 2017’s 'Fifty Shades Darker'.
She has since starred in everything from erotic films to Tim Burton's 'Batman', and still shows her talents in films today. Basinger is instantly recognizable thanks to her beautiful blue eyes, perfect face and long, flowing blonde hair.
Isabella Rossellini
Isabella Rossellini, the beautiful daughter of Ingrid Bergman (who's also on the list) proved that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. The actress was born of Swedish - German descent, and has the looks to match. She is an actress, film maker, author, model, and philanthropist.
Rossellini has appeared in various fashion shows, modeling magazines and films. She was the spokesmodel of Lancôme for 14 years, and has won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead for her role in 1997’s 'Blue Velvet'. Fans love Rossellini for both her incredible talents and beauty.
Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor was one of Hollywood's last true icons. The actress was the first celebrity to launch her own perfume brand, and led many efforts to help combat AIDS. Taylor lived a unique, media-centered life and was married and divorced eight times. Nonetheless, nobody could get enough of the actress!
She began her career as a child star and quickly became one of the world’s most popular actresses. In 1999, the American Film Institute named Taylor the seventh-greatest female screen legend. Many fans wondered what her real eye color was, a topic which is still discussed today
Jacqueline Bisset
Jacqueline Bisset rose to prominence during the '60s and '70s thanks to her roles in various crime and thriller films. The English-born actress speaks fluent English, French and Italian, and was recently bestowed with France's highest civilian honor, the Légion d'honneur. Bisset currently plays mostly in made-for-TV movies and shows.
Jacqueline Bisset is known for doing the world’s first wet T-shirt scene in the 1977 film 'The Deep'. The film remains one of the actress's most iconic achievements even today. It was a bold and unique move at the time, and made the film a huge box-office success.
Grace Kelly
There is a long legacy of beautiful American film actresses marrying royalty from a variety of countries. Grace Kelly spent a few years as an actress, before retiring at 26 to marry Prince Rainier III. She subsequently became the Princess of Monaco, and played the role from 1956 to 1982.
The talented actress and princess had a rather unfortunate end though. While driving back to Monaco from her country home in Roc Agel, she had a stroke and lost control of her vehicle. Kelly passed away that day, and had one of the most publicized funerals in the world.
Hedy Lamarr
Hedy Lamarr was one of the world's most beloved Austrian-American actresses. She appeared in various classic MGM films, such as 'Lady of the Tropics', 'Boom Town', and 'White Cargo'. At age 18, the actress appeared in the romantic film ‘Ecstasy’, and became the first actress to have an on-screen orgasm.
What made Lamarr unique was her second profession as an inventor. She was responsible for many inventions that helped the United States during World War II, and was posthumously inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014. She was also married and divorced six times throughout her life.
Marilyn Monroe
No list of the world’s most beautiful women is complete without Marilyn Monroe. Born in LA during the ‘20s, this young lady grew up to become one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950’s and early 60’s. Her short acting career lead to over $2 billion in revenues.
The talented model, actress and singer passed away at age 36. She lived a troubled life that was rife with depression and addictions, which ultimately led to her tragic ending. Monroe was known as the pioneer of women's sexual revolution, and will forever be remembered as its icon.
Michelle Pfeiffer
At age 61, actress Michelle Pfeiffer remains one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood. She has appeared in an endless list of films, including 'Scarface', 'Stardust', and more. It was challenging for her to break out of the “pretty girl” typecast in the ‘70s, but it was worth the effort.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s beauty has often been described as the kind that you have to take a moment to marvel at, which we believe holds true even today. The actress has also produced a set of her own films, and is still acting and widely admired by a huge audience of fans even today.
Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn was a British actress and humanitarian with an impressive portfolio. She worked alongside legendary actor, Gregory Peck, in 'Roman Holiday', and received a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and an Academy Award for her incredible performances. The actress was also viewed as a fashion icon at the time.
Recently, the American Film Institute ranked Hepburn as the third-greatest female actress in Golden Age Hollywood. She passed away in 1993 due to stomach cancer, but remains a popular influence in entertainment circles for her acting and social impact to this day.
Kim Novak
Kim Novak is a retired actress and is widely known for starring as Madeleine Elster/Judy Barton in Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 thriller, 'Vertigo', alongside James Stewart. She currently has two Golden Globe Awards, an Honorary Golden Bear Award, and even her own star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
The actress faced many challenges throughout her life, including defeating a breast cancer diagnosis in 2010. Novak currently works as a painter and visual artist. Her beauty is almost unparalleled; in fact, she was originally brought into Columbia Pictures with the goal of competing with Marilyn Monroe for box-office success.
Julie Gibson
Julie Gibson just recently passed away in late 2019, at the incredible age of 106, in her Los Angeles home. You can definitely say that the artist, singer, TV performer, actress, and vocal coach lived a full life. Gibson’s acting career began in 1935 and lasted well into the '90s.
The actress was one of the most beloved personalities in Hollywood, and America in general, back in the ‘40s. She is best recognized for her role in the popular comedy show 'The Three Stooges'. Gibson also dubbed vocals for prominent actresses at the time, including Betty Hutton and Diana Lynn.
Ava Gardner
Ava Lavinia Gardner had to work extremely hard to become an actress, as she was often misunderstood for her heavy southern accent. She began acting in 1941, and appeared in small gigs before rising to prominence for her role in 1946's 'The Killers', based on a short story by Ernest Hemingway.
From there on, Gardner's career only grew, and in 1951 she even married the legendary Frank Sinatra. Unfortunately, after a lifetime of smoking and at the hands of two strokes, the actress became paralyzed. Gardner died at age 67 from pneumonia, but remains a legendary figure in Hollywood to this day.
Sophie Marceau
French actress Sophie Marceau is best known for starring in the 1980 comedy film, 'La Boum'. The actress eventually became a serious star in European theaters, and quickly found herself in Hollywood circles. Marceau appeared in 'Braveheart' and was a Bond girl in 1999’s 'The World Is Not Enough'.
It’s rare to find a “most beautiful women” list that doesn’t feature Sophie Marceau. Marceau, however, doesn’t really understand what the fuss is all about, and claims that the way she sees it, she’s really not that beautiful at all. With all due respect, let’s agree to disagree, Sophie.
Natalie Wood
Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko was a three-time Oscar-nominated actress before reaching 25 and proved to be one of the most promising actresses in Hollywood. The actress was born to Russian immigrant parents and began appearing in films when she was just four years old.
The actress starred alongside James Dean in 'Rebel Without a Cause'. Tragically, both she and the actor later passed away in some unfortunate circumstances. At 43 years old, Wood was found dead after drowning off a weekend yacht trip to Santa Catalina with her husband and actor Christopher Walken.
Jaclyn Smith
It's not every day that you see a woman who's as accomplished as Jaclyn Smith in so many fields. Smith is both an actress and a serious business woman. She is most known for starring as Kelly Garrett in the 'Charlie's Angels' TV show, which ran from 1976 until 1981.
The actress runs various brands of clothing and perfume and has even launched a wig collection back in 2008. Despite her many accomplishments, one of the things Jaclyn Smith is best known for is her incredible beauty. She regularly graces the pages of magazines’ ‘World’s Most Beautiful Woman’ polls.
Anita Ekberg
Fans of the beautiful actress Margot Robbie often compare her to Anita Ekberg, a Swedish actress who's best known for playing Sylvia in the Federico Fellini 1960 film, 'La Dolce Vita'. The actress was also a fashion model in her early years, which is no surprise, to say the least.
She competed in various modeling shows, from Miss Malmo to Miss Sweden, which she ended up winning. In 1951, Ekberg even won the Miss Universe crown. From there, she had to learn English to become an actress in America. The actress passed away in 2015, at the age of 83.
Claudia Cardinale
You may recall Claudia Cardinale from the original 'The Pink Panther' film, back in 1963. She is an Italian-Tunisian actress who appeared in some of the most highly-acclaimed European films of the '60s and the '70s. She originally rose to fame as “The Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia.”
Earlier in her career, the actress didn’t get to have her voice heard much, since it was often dubbed by other women. Eventually, her stardom grew to such levels that fans demanded to hear it! Cardinale is an avid women’s rights activist, and has been a UNESCO goodwill ambassador since 2000.
Barbara Eden
Barbara Eden was born in 1931 and remains a beloved personality in Hollywood even today. The actress is known for starring as "Jeannie" in the sitcom 'I Dream of Jeannie'. The show revolved around a 2,000-year-old genie (played by Eden) and an astronaut who falls in love with her.
Rumor has it that producers originally wanted a brunette for the show so that viewers would easily be able to tell the difference between it and its main competitor at the time - popular fantasy sitcom 'Bewitched'. However, they simply fell for Eden and just had to give her the role.
Lauren Bacall
While many women have dazzling looks, not many also have a seductive voice to match. Lauren Bacall shared both of these traits, and was named the 20th greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema. In 1996, she received an Academy Award for her performance in 'The Mirror Has Two Faces'.
The actress was a staunch liberal Democrat and devoted much of her public status to promote various political causes. She was also a model and often appeared in popular magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. The actress passed away in mid-2014, a month before her 90th birthday.
Sharon Tate
Fans of Sharon Tate will forever remember her story as a tragic one. The talented and beautiful actress led a very troubled life, which included marrying famous director and fugitive sex-offender, Roman Polanski. In 1969, Tate was murdered in cold blood by members of the Manson Family.
What makes her death even more tragic is that the actress was due to give birth at the time, and was nearly nine months pregnant. She is still talked about in entertainment circles today, and is remembered for her astonishing beauty, supreme acting skills and horrendous fate.
Vivien Leigh
Not many actresses can claim that their biggest flaw is being too beautiful, but that’s exactly what happened to Vivien Leigh. The young and talented star was often overlooked when it came to her acting abilities, simply because people saw her first and foremost for her looks.
Her most famous film appearances to date were in 'Gone with the Wind' and 'A Streetcar Named Desire', which are some of the most iconic and legendary films from the 20th century. Unfortunately, the actress and performer died from tuberculosis in 1967, but her Hollywood legacy lives on even today.
Ursula Andress
Back in 1962, Sean Connery rocked the world with his legendary depiction of the suave and charismatic spy, James Bond. The MI6 agent is known for meeting and connecting with one lucky girl in every film, and Ursula Andress was one of them. The actress was the world’s first Bond girl.
Andress’ voice was actually dubbed in the film due to her Swiss-German accent, but that didn’t stop her from becoming one of the most famous actresses in Hollywood at the time. She later worked for Playboy magazine, posing in some very provocative shots. Quite a bold move in the ‘60s.