When Beauty Was Poetry
Before technicolor stole the show, the silver screen was painted with talented and gorgeous actors and actresses. Their killer cheekbones and smoldering gazes were so iconic that we HAD to write about them.
Hedy Lamarr
Films like Algiers and Samson and Delilah helped Hedy Lamarr, an Australian-American actress, rise to fame in the 1930s, bleeding into the 1940s. Lamarr had striking, large, expressive almond-shaped eyes framed by long lashes, high cheekbones, and a perfectly symmetrical face.
Employee(s) of MGM, Wikimedia Commons
Aesthetics And Beginnings
She had dark hair that perfectly contrasted her smooth fair skin; full well-shaped lips, and a piercing seductive gaze that made any man weak in the knees. This beauty started her career out in Czechoslovakia with a controversial spicy romantic drama, Ecstasy. Then….
Ecstasy (1933) - Full Movie - Starring Hedy Lamarr (with Spanish Subtitles) by Camila Repetto
Lamarr Flees
Lamarr fled from her first husband, Friedrich Mandl, and went to Paris, then to London, then to the U.S. You see, Mandl was a controlling, possessive, and oppressive husband, and despite the wealth he had, Lamarr wasn’t happy. So, one day, she allegedly disguised herself as a maid and ran away.
Beauty, Talent, and Brains
During her oppressive union with Mandl, he would often drag her to attend meetings where she picked up info about wartime tech. And this wasn’t in vain because, during WWII, she helped co-invent a frequency-hopping spread spectrum—the foundation technology of Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth.
Cary Grant
A leading man in Hollywood, Cary Grant starred in classics like North by Northwest, To Catch a Thief, An Affair to Remember, His Girl Friday, and more. This British-American had an unmistakable chiseled jawline, expressive dark eyes, and smooth, debonair demeanor that made him the peak of male Hollywood elegance.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Wikimedia Commons
A Charmer On And Off-Screen
Besides his looks, Grant was known to be a charismatic charmer with a sophisticated style and a tinge of comedic appeal. Throughout his career, Grant was married five times, and he struggled with a few personal issues caused by his troubled past.
farid_s_v., CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Grant Wasn’t His Real Name
Cary Grant’s real name was actually Archibald Alexander Leach. His family back in the 1900s, when he was born, were swimming in poverty with his mum, Elsie, working as a seamstress, and his alcoholic dad, Elias, a tailor’s presser. When Grant was nine, his dad institutionalized his mum in a mental hospital.
Motion Picture Daily, Wikimedia Commons
The Dad Lied To Him For Years
His dad only told them she had gone for a “long holiday”. For years, Grant felt abandoned by their mum, believing she was dead, to find out at 31 that she wasn’t. Before this, he had joined an acrobatic troupe and toured with them back and forth in the U.S.—this introduced him to acting.
Grant,_Cary_(Suspicion)_01.jpg: RKO publicity photographer, Wikimedia Commons
Audrey Hepburn
Beauty, fashion, and talent were what defined the Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) and Roman Holiday (1953) actress Audrey Hepburn. Her looks—doe-like eyes, thick eyebrows, a slender frame, and a short pixie haircut—instantly got her recognized. But before she rose to fame, even winning an Academy Award, she moved around often.
Trailer screenshot, Wikimedia Commons
Her Beginning
Ever since her birth on May 4, 1929, in Belgium, Hepburn spent most of her childhood there, in the Netherlands and England. But when WWII kicked off, she moved to the Netherlands. She became an exceptional ballet dancer, performing to raise funds for the Dutch resistance to fight the German occupation.
Hmarskiy II, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
She Was Also A Model
Because of her chic style, Hepburn also became designer Hubert de Givenchy’s muse. The two had a long relationship that spanned her entire life after they met in her second Hollywood film, Sabrina’s, set in 1954. Her fashionista status also had her name added to the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame List.
Trailer screenshot, Wikimedia Commons
Hepburn’s Enduring Legacy
Hepburn took part in several UNICEF missions that got her awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a statue from the UN called “The Spirit of Audrey”. She also spoke six languages—English, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. Unfortunately, on the morning of January 20, 1993, Hepburn lost her battle with cancer.
Rob Bogaerts / Anefo, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
James Stewart
Also referred to as Jimmy by his peers, this American actor was eye candy when he first showed his face in his first supporting role in The Murder Man (1935). Stewart stood at 6'3"; he had high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and, to top it all off, a broad, sincere smile. His eyes?
Studio publicity still, Wikimedia Commons
Looks That Matched The Character
Steward’s eyes were piercing blue, and for this, he became America’s eligible bachelor. His voice was slow and gentle with a unique cadence that complemented his irresistible, down-to-earth charm. Most people liked that he was genuine, and this made him beloved.
Rope (1948) James Stewart, John Dall , HD Blu Ray Scene 2 by Eddie 91
His Career Was Paused To Serve
In late 1940, Steward was in love with an actress called Olivia de Havilland, and he even proposed to her. Well, she said no. Soon after, he joined the military as an Air Force pilot from 1941 to 1968, which was marked by his getting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
At First, Marriage Seemed To Elude The Guy
In 1942, while still in service, after proposing to singer Dinah Shore and her saying yes, Steward called it off after he got cold feet. After that, he dated Myrna Dell, and finally, in 1947, he married Gloria Hatrick McLean. In addition to an 80+ year film career, he became a multimillionaire.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
Charlie Chaplin
If there is a character synonymous with the black and white era, especially the silent film one, it has to be Chaplin. We all remember him as the guy in “Tramp” whitewash makeup with eyebrows drawn in an expressingly cherry style. But underneath it all, he was a dapper.
P.D Jankens, Wikimedia Commons
Underneath The Makeup
Sir Chaplin (yes, he was one) had deep-set, expressive brown eyes with well-defined brows. His gaze was one conveying intelligence and a hint of introspection. Chaplin had high cheekbones, dark and wavy hair, and a mouth with a full lower lip. Standing at 5’ 5”, he was always seen impeccably dressed.
Strauss-Peyton Studio, Wikimedia Commons
A Childhood That Wasn’t At All Glam
His childhood was riddled with poverty and mental health issues. With an absent father and a mother struggling financially and finally institutionalized, Chaplin was sent to workhouses (social welfare and support systems) before he even turned nine. This didn’t break his spirit because he started performing as well as directing his own films.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Career Peak And Controversy
Chaplin’s career was an astounding 75+ years-long success. But, the drama that ensued was also in plenty. One, he impregnated a 16-year-old. Two, in his film The Great Dictator, he played Hitler. Three, a paternity suit from an affair. Then, allegations of trafficking. And regardless of all these, he received six accolades.
Charlie Chaplin - Final Speech from The Great Dictator by Charlie Chaplin
Katharine Hepburn
Katherine Hepburn (NOT Audrey Hepburn’s sister) scored four Academy Awards, and her remarkable appearances were in The Philadelphia Story (1940) and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967). Hepburn was slender with an athletic frame and a sharp jawline. She also had almond-shaped eyes and often wore tousled hair.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios; Restored by Adam Cuerden, Wikimedia Commons
Not Your Typical Hollywood Star
Miss Hepburn’s personal style was her first show of independence. Back then, ladies were to be in dresses—prim and proper—not Hepburn. She wore what she wanted, pants included. She also wore slacks and sandals for formal occasions. Careerwise, her partner bought her film rights to The Philadelphia Story.
The Philadelphia Story (5/10) Movie CLIP - Tracy & Mike (1940) HD by Movieclips
Buying Rights For Self-Revival
In 1939, Hepburn’s career wasn’t doing so well, so as a forward thinker, her then partner, Howard Hughes, bought her the play’s right even before its debut. It was a hit. After, she sold the rights to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) on the condition she be the main star.
w:RKO Radio Pictures, Wikimedia Commons
She Wasn’t One To Sit And Suffer
They say that an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Well, Hepburn’s mother was a suffragist who fought for women’s rights to vote. Her dad was a doctor who also advocated for women’s health education. This early exposure answers why she was so headstrong in her ways.
RKO Radio Pictures, Wikimedia Commons
Bette Davis
Before she passed on October 6, 1989, Bette Davis had starred in over 100 films, televisions, and plays. Davis had large, expressive eyes, high cheekbones, and dramatic expressions. She was nothing Hollywood had seen before. Her eyes even became the inspiration for a record-hitting song, “Bette Davis Eyes”.
Studio Publicity, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Betty Turned To Bette
Born Ruth Elizabeth Davis, the name Betty was actually a nickname that she still changed to Bette after Bette Fischer. Bette Fischer was a character in La Cousine Bette. The name Bette just had a certain je ne sais quoi. And it was also memorable.
Warner Bros., Wikimedia Commons
Early Start
At 21, Bette started her career in plays like The Wild Duck, then Broadway in Broken Dishes and Solid South. A year later, she moved to Hollywood. On the arrival day, no one received her because the one assigned mentioned that they didn’t see anyone who “looked like an actress”.
Arto de Mirjian, Wikimedia Commons
Close Calls Saved Her Career
After so many failed tests, Davis’s dream seemed to be fading, but her eyes saved her. Her savior was Karl Freund, who claimed they would be perfect for Bad Sister (1931), her debut. A few more failed, but on a close call, she got a break leading The Man Who Played God (1932).
Warner Bros. Studio, Wikimedia Commons
Clark Gable
Clark Gable was the leading man in Hollywood in films like Gone with the Wind (1939) and It Happened One Night (1934). Often hailed the “King of Hollywood”, this star was exactly what Hollywood masculinity was thought to be—tall, athletic, chiseled jawline, full lips, and intense blue eyes. His hair; dark and wavy.
GONE WITH THE WIND Final Scene (1939) Clark Gabel by JoBlo Movie Clips
Music, Cars, Literature
Growing up, Gable picked up quite a long list of talents. He could play the piano and a few brass instruments. His love for the automotive shined as he often would fix cars with his dad. His literary side also came alive because he could recite Shakespeare’s sonnets.
Movie studio, Wikimedia Commons
The Aha Moment
When Gable was 17, he saw the play The Bird of Paradise, and it was from that moment that he wanted to be an actor. Since acting needed funds, he had to wait until he turned 21 to get his $300 inheritance (about $4k today). From then on, he stuck by his acting coach, Josephine Dillon.
Studio publicity still, Wikimedia Commons
Move To Hollywood
The pair (who got hitched, btw) moved to Hollywood, where he starred in several silent films. Then his career really catapulted between 1930 and 1935 up until 1961 with his final film The Misfits. After a 30+ run as an actor, Gable kicked the bucket from a heart attack.
Elizabeth Taylor
If you thought eye color was just blue, black, brown, green, and hazel, add violet to the list. Miss Taylor had large, mesmerizing blue eyes that appeared violet framed by thick, arched brows. Her skin was porcelain smooth, and her dark hair was the cherry on top of the cake.
Studio publicity still, Wikimedia Commons
Stardom At 12
At just 12, Taylor had started acting. Her first was National Velvet (1944). She got into the big screen because of her horse riding skills and her British accent. Production for the film, however, was on hold because they had to wait until she grew an inch or two to perfectly fit the role.
National Board of Review; photo by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Wikimedia Commons
First $1 Million Paycheck
In the picture Cleopatra (1963), Taylor became the first ever actor to receive a million for her role in the movie, and this made her the highest-paid actress in the 60s. She was even once paid half a million to appear on a CBS special, Elizabeth Taylor in London.
20th Century Studios, Wikimedia Commons
Eight Marriages Plus Business Acumen
Throughout her life, Taylor said yes eight times, with a few extramarital instances. Still, she made a name beyond acting by dipping her feet into HIV/AIDS activism, even raising a whopping $270 million for the cause. She was also a businesswoman, notably ushering in celebrity-branded perfumes and jewelry.
Kingkongphoto, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
James Dean
Dean had to have had one of the shortest careers in Hollywood, just five years, but he did leave a huge mark. First mark; looks. Dean had that rusty, Wattpad bad-boy look with a chiseled jawline, intense gaze, and expressive features. Two: his style.
In-house publicity still, Wikimedia Commons
Dean’s Style And Acting
Often in casual white t-shirts and jeans, he appealed to a huge youth audience of the time. Three, his acting. The star only featured in three major films—Rebel Without a Cause and East of Eden in 1955, and Giant in 1956. These pictures displayed Dean’s wide range of emotions. And people couldn’t get enough.
Trailer screenshot, Wikimedia Commons
Italian’s Wouldn’t Approve
Even though Dean had a run with failed relationships, his most cherished one was with Pier Angeli, an Italian actress. Despite the love shared, Angeli’s mother disapproved of his dressing and that he wasn’t catholic. She would often tell her daughter that these two were no-no’s in Italy.
Culver Pictures, INC., Wikimedia Commons
Gone Too Soon And Fast
Outside the set, you’d find Dean in the racetrack. And he passed on driving to one. On his way to an event on September 30, Dean slammed the passenger side of another car at a junction, and this led to his demise. The accident was so bad the send-off was a closed casket.
Chad White, CC BY-SA 3.0 and Studio publicity still, Wikimedia Commons
Marilyn Monroe
Did you really believe we would end without the beloved Monroe? Absolutely not. Norma Jeane Mortenson (her real name) was perhaps the most popular star of the black and white era with her striking beauty—platinum blonde hair, red lips, striking smile, and dreamy, slow-paced speech.
Marilyn Monroe, Wikimedia Commons
Too Many Questions
Monroe’s childhood was filled with many questions: who was her real father? Did she have a sibling? These answers came later on. Her dad’s paternity was confirmed in 2022, long after her passing. Information about her sister got to her when she was 12, and they met when she was 17 or 18.
U.S. Army photographer David Conover's shot, Wikimedia Commons
An Unusual Inspiration
Due to her mother’s financial and mental breakdowns, Monroe found herself in several foster homes. This made her want to act. In one comment, she said, “I didn’t like the world around me because it was kind of grim ... When I heard that this was acting, I said that’s what I want to be ...”
Dell Publications, Inc. New York, publisher of Modern Screen, Wikimedia Commons
Model And Actress
Throughout her career, she switches between acting and modeling, sometimes taking racy pictures that cause friction. Still, she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for a role in Some Like It Hot (1959) and acquired plenty of commercial success. Even though she died at just 36, people still remember her.
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