If you want to know which actresses were the ‘it girls’ in the past century, let me show you!
1. Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn (May 4, 1929 – January 20, 1993) was a celebrated actress and humanitarian.
She is known for her elegance and charm. Audrey starred in classic films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961).
Born in Belgium, she grew up during World War II and later pursued acting. Hepburn won an Academy Award for Roman Holiday (1953).
She was a style icon and worked tirelessly for UNICEF in her later years. Her blend of beauty, talent, and kindness continues to inspire generations.
2. Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Hepburn (May 12, 1907 – June 29, 2003) was an iconic actress with a career spanning over six decades.
She was known for her fierce independence and strong-willed character. Hepburn won four Academy Awards, the most for any actor.
The Lion in Winter (1968) is her standout movie. Born in Connecticut, she was raised to value education and individuality.
Her work in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967) remains unforgettable. She left a great mark on Hollywood.
3. Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep (born June 22, 1949) is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of all time. Known for her versatility and powerful performances, she has won three Academy Awards.
Her role in The Devil Wears Prada (2006) is particularly iconic. She was born in New Jersey and she studied drama at Yale.
Streep is celebrated for tackling challenging roles across genres and accents. Her work continues to define excellence in acting, inspiring actors worldwide.
4. Judy Garland
Judy Garland (June 10, 1922 – June 22, 1969) was a singer, actress, and iconic performer. Judy was born in Minnesota and she started in show business as a child.
Garland is best remembered for her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (1939), where she sang “Over the Rainbow.”
Her talent and vulnerability made her loved, even though she faced many life struggles. Her legacy endures through her music and films.
5. Ingrid Bergman
Ingrid Bergman (August 29, 1915 – August 29, 1982) was a Swedish actress known for her natural beauty and talent.
She starred in the classic film Casablanca (1942) with Humphrey Bogart. Ingrid became one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
She won three Academy Awards during her career, including for Gaslight (1944). She acted in English, Swedish, and Italian films, leaving an international legacy of excellence.
6. Bette Davis
Bette Davis (April 5, 1908 – October 6, 1989) was known for her intensity and bold choices in acting.
With over 100 acting credits, she dominated Hollywood’s Golden Age. Davis won two Academy Awards, including for Jezebel (1938).
She was born in Massachusetts and she was a trailblazer for women in the film industry. Her role in All About Eve (1950) is considered one of her best performances.
7. Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor (February 27, 1932 – March 23, 2011) was a legendary actress and beauty icon. Born in England, she became a Hollywood star as a child.
She won two Academy Awards, with her role in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966). Taylor was known for her violet-blue eyes and eight marriages, including twice to Richard Burton.
She was also a passionate advocate for AIDS awareness and philanthropy.
8. Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe (June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962) was a Hollywood legend and global sex symbol. Born as Norma Jeane Mortenson in California, she rose to fame with her charisma and charm.
Her role in Some Like It Hot (1959) showcased her comedic talent and earned her a Golden Globe. Despite her fame, Monroe struggled with personal challenges.
Her untimely death at 36 left a great legacy of glamor and mystery. Even today, people are mourning her death.
9. Greta Garbo
Greta Garbo (September 18, 1905 – April 15, 1990) was a Swedish-American actress known for her enigmatic and mystical allure.
She became an international star in the silent film era. Garbo starred in classics like Grand Hotel (1932) and Ninotchka (1939).
She retired from acting early, adding to her mystique. Her performances remain iconic due to a lot of sophistication and charm.
10. Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren (born September 20, 1934) is an Italian actress known for her beauty and talent.
She rose to international fame with films like Two Women (1960), for which she won an Academy Award.
Loren overcame a difficult childhood to become a global star. Her charm and dedication to her craft have made her one of the most respected actresses in cinema history.