22 Famous Actresses Of The 1950s

Marilyn Monroe defined the classic Hollywood actress with her iconic looks and wispy voice. She appeared in 1950s films likeSome Like It Hot, The Seven Year Itch,andGentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Debbie Reynolds appeared in 1952's iconic musical, Singing in the RainShe was only 19 when the film was made.

Shirley MacLaine remains an amazing actress. She started her career in the 1955 movieThe Trouble with Harry.She earned six Oscar nominations. She finally won an Oscar forTerms of Endearmentin 1984.

Audrey Hepburn is a fashion icon now. She stayed that way after her 1993 death. In the 1950s, she acted in great films likeRoman Holiday, Sabrina,andFunny Face.

Jane Russell was a top sex symbol of the 1950s. Marilyn Monroe was too. Their 1953 filmGentlemen Prefer BlondesIt was a smash hit.

Grace Kelly was Hollywood royalty before becoming Princess Grace of Monaco. She starred in 1950s films likeRear Window, Dial M for Murder,andTo Catch a Thief.

Jayne Mansfield, one of Hollywood's original blonde bombshells, rose to stardom in the 1950s. Some of her best films includeThe Girl Can't Help It(1956) andWill Success Spoil Rock Hunter?(1957).

Kim Novak frequently appeared with James Stewart in some of the best 1950s films. They co-starred in Vertigo in 1958 and Bell Book and Candle.VertigoandBell Book and Candle.

Dorothy Dandridge had a beautiful voice and versatile acting. In 1955, she became the first African-American woman nominated for an Academy Award for her performance inCarmen Jones.

Ruby Dee appeared in films praised by critics and audiences for over 60 years. In the late-1950s, she had roles inSt. Louis BluesandOur Virgin Island.

Natalie Wood became America's sweetheart in the 1950s with roles in films likeRebel Without a CauseandThe Searchers. She later starred inWest Side Storyin 1961.

Eva Marie Saint's career continues. She appeared in the 2014 filmWinter's Tale, but her most iconic 1950s performances includeOn the WaterfrontandNorth by Northwestare among her strong credits.

Character actress Thelma Ritter appeared inAll About Eve1950 andRear Windowin 1954. She received four straight Oscar nominations in the 1950s.

Doris Day won American moviegoers' hearts in the 1950s with roles inCalamity JaneandPillow Talk. Doris Day became a TV star withThe Doris Day Show.

Blonde bombshell Diana Dors appeared in 1950s films likeTread Softly StrangerandA Kid for Two Farthings. The Kinks' song "Good Day" paid tribute to Dors.

Elizabeth Taylor started as a child actress in the 1940s. By the 1950s, she became a major movie star.A Place in the SunandCat on a Hot Tin Roofare just some of her 1950s films.

Brigitte Bardot wasthe1950s sex symbol with roles in films likeGod created woman.andThe FemaleShe retired from film in the 1970s to promote animal rights.

Sophia Loren, an exotic beauty, held attention with her alluring eyes. Throughout the 1950s, she appeared in films likeHouseboatandAida.

Lucille Ball became best known for playing the zany Lucy Ricardo onI Love Lucy, yet she acted in many films before that. In 1950, she appeared inFancy PantsandThe Fuller Brush Girl.

In the 1980s, Joan Collins starred as Alexis Carrington Colby onDynasty, but Joan Collins began her career in the 1952 filmThe Woman's Angle..The Virgin QueenandIsland in the Sunthese two are two of her other 1950s credits.

In the 1950s, Jeanne Crain appeared in films such asGentlemen Marry BrunettesandThe Joker Is Wild. Jeanne Crain also played ice-skater.

Model turned actressSusan Hayward won an Academy Award for her role in the 1958 filmI Want to Live!. Susan Hayward received four other nominations.