America's Sweethearts Of the Past
By | March 8, 2017
Mary Pickford Was A Multi-Continent Sweetheart
Over the years, there have been more than a few women that America has fallen in love with. Some of them have been officially labeled as 'America's Sweethearts', while others have just won our hearts, and the hearts of almost everyone else on the planet. These gals don't have to be from America to be loved by the good ol' U S of A, and as you'll come to see we're equal opportunity lovers.
From actresses who were all over the silver screen in the Golden Age of Hollywood, to beautiful Vaudevillians and babes of the 1980s, there's a sweetheart on here for you. Let's take a look at some of America's most loved women!
Ironically, America's very first sweetheart wasn't even American-born. Silent-actress Mary Pickford, who was born in Canada, became an international superstar by 1914. The actress went on to become not just America's sweetheart, but also Japan's, Canada's, France's and the United Kingdom's sweetheart.
Throughout her career Pickford appeared in 52 films, sometimes as a girl like she did in Pollyanna and The Poor Little Rich Girl, but in the last 20 years of her career she produced and starred in The Taming of the Shrew before moving onto just being a producer, talk about upward mobility.
Doris Day Had A Million Watt Smile
Doris Day was a legendary actress and singer who rose to fame in the fifties and sixties. In addition to being named America's Sweetheart, she's also been called 'the quintessential all-American' girl. Day got her break while singing on the radio show Carlin's Carnival, but her real breakthrough came in 1956 when she starred in Alfred Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Little.
From there she went onto have her own television show, The Doris Day Show, from 1968 to 1973. After her retirement she moved to Carmel-By-The-Sea, California. This beauty received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in 2004.
Fay Wray Was The Horror Queen Of The 1930s
America fell in love with Fay and her acting when she starred in the 1933's King Kong, from there she appeared in a plethora of films for RKO and MGM like Doctor X and The Big Brain. Later when she moved onto acting in westerns for Universal Studios she made sure that she performed her own stunts. As wild as this sounds it came along with a $15 raise.
The Canadian-American actress would then have a career that spanned over 50 years and went onto become known as one of the best international horror movie actresses in the world.
Mae West, A Sultry Actress Like No Other
Mae was a quadruple threat back in the day! She was an actress, singer, comedian and sex symbol. The talented actress was also a playwright and screenwriter, there really wasn't anything that this gal couldn't do. West got her start on the stage, and the rumor is that she found her first audience at five-years-old when she entertained a church congregation.
West was such a sweetheart that The Beatles sent her a personal later requesting to use her image on the cover of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Although she initially refused, saying, "What would I be doing in a Lonely Hearts Club?" When she's right she's right!
Ida Lupino Was A British Ex-Pat Who Lead Many Lives
Born in London, Ida Lupino came to Los Angeles after appearing in only five British films, and beginning in 1933 she was signed to a contract with Paramount and starred in films like The Hard Way and Deep Valley. She even appeared in a couple of episodes of The Twilight Zone.
This iconic actress proved she was more than a pretty face when she showed the world that she could also director and producer. She was the second women to be admitted into the Directors Guild of America. She will forever be remembered as a pioneer in female film-making.
Elizabeth Taylor And Her Unforgettable Eyes
Even though Elizabeth Taylor is known mostly for the many men in her life and her diamonds, she was a businesswoman and philanthropist, who spent decades acting in commercially successful and critically acclaimed films like A Place in the Sun and 1950's Father of the Bride.
If you're wondering what the secret to Taylor's otherworldly beauty is, it's her genetic mutation. You read that right, she was born with a double row of raven black eyelashes that line her deep blue eyes. This Cat On A Hot Tin Roof star had her ups and downs, but regardless she still worked her way into our hearts.
Cathy Rigby Popularized The Art Of Gymnastics
Cathy became a sweetheart after her performance at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Cathy's particular jam was artistic gymnastics and she helped bring the sport to brand new heights in the US. After she injured her ankle at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Rigby retired from sports at the age of 20.
Rather than rest on her laurels, Rigby began performing as Peter Pan on Broadway and in various touring performances. Following her work in Never Never Land she worked as a commentator for ABC Sports for 18 years, what a fun way to spend your retirement.
Meg Ryan In When Harry Met Sally
Everyone remembers where they were when they saw Meg Ryan absolutely blow Billy Crystal's mind while they ate in a diner during 1989's When Harry Met Sally. While this was her first leading role, she didn't become America's Sweetheart until the mid '90s when she was referred to as "the current soul of romantic comedy" by the film critic Richard Corliss. I'll have what she's having.
Following her run of blockbusters in the '90s, Ryan went onto produce and direct while staying in front of the camera while gaining critical acclaim with multiple Golden Globe nominations. What hasn't she done?
Katharine Hepburn And Beauty That Could Stop Traffic
Katharine Hepburn was one of Hollywood's leading ladies in Hollywood for over 60 years, with a career that spanned the theater, small time RKO productions, and even television in the 1980s. However her most famous role was that of Rose Sayer, opposite Humphrey Bogart in The African Queen.
A Connecticut-native, Hepburn was well known for her free-spirited and independent attitude, and she was well aware that she rubbed people the wrong way. She once said:
I strike people as peculiar in some way, although I don't quite understand why. Of course, I have an angular face, an angular body, and, I suppose, an angular personality, which jabs into people.
Lucille Ball Was A Stunner In Every Decade
When one thinks of talent (or red hair) they tend to think of Lucille Ball. The gorgeous Hollywood leading lady was an actress, comedian, model and producer. Her most successful project during her time in the limelight was the I Love Lucy television show, but she didn't stop there, she and her husband Desi starred in two feature films and the primetime specials, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.
Ball's production company, Desilu, produced groundbreaking television shows like Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. Ball worked every day of her life, and she even made an appearance at the 1989 Academy Awards one month before her death. The woman didn't know when to stop.
Judy Garland, Looking Off Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Judy began stealing hearts at the tender age of 13 when she sang for Clark Gable at his birthday party. When she auditioned for MGM in 1935 Garland performed "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" and was signed to a contract without a screen test. That's how you know she's got talent.
Garland is most well known for appearing as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, but she also found major success in films like A Star Is Born and In The Good Old Summertime. Her iconic line "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore" is still being said all around the world.
Audrey Hepburn In Breakfast At Tiffany's
The British actress who starred in Breakfast at Tiffany's became a worldwide sex symbol in the 1960s, and she's still an icon of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Hepburn was known for her iconic fashion choices during her years in the spotlight, and she single handedly made short bangs a hip look.
Aside from acting, Hepburn was also a model and philanthropist, she appeared in spreads in Vogue and she even appeared alongside model Twiggy in a few spreads. In 2016 the Chinese robot Sophia was modeled after Hepburn, which means that she's continued to be a sweetheart well into the 21st century.
Sandra Dee Strikes A Stylish Pose
Sandra was a child model who started out doing commercials after she was discovered on Park Avenue in New York City. She transitioned into acting in 1957 after cutting off her modeling career, and became a teen sensation within a few years when she debuted in the MGM film Until They Sail for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination.
In the early 1960s Dee signed a contract with Universal Pictures and went on to star in Gidget, a film that spawned a television series, and the huge hit A Summer Place. Dee faded into the Hollywood Hills in the 1970s but that doesn't make her any less of a sweetheart.
Olivia Newton John In Grease
Before appearing in Grease, Olivia Newton John was already an idol in England thanks to her hit singles "If Not For You" and "I Honestly Love You," then she went on to represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision song contest where she performed the song "Long Live Love."
She attained America's Sweetheart status in 1978 when she accepted the role of Sandy in the movie Grease when it was adapted from the Broadway musical. Three years later, she released the album "Physical," which featured her highest charting singles. Off the success of the album she even hosted her own primetime special on ABC.
Brooke Shields In Pretty Baby
Born in New York City, Brooke Shields started modeling when she was only 11 months old when she appeared in an ad for Ivory Soap. However she wouldn't hit the big time until she was the ripe old age of 12 years when she starred in Pretty Baby, directed by award winning filmmaker Louis Malle.
Even though Shields was an unavoidable star, she didn't become a worldwide sensation until her iconic role in The Blue Lagoon in 1980. After that you couldn't turn on a TV or go to the movies without seeing her face somewhere. Not that's what we call American Sweetheart status.
Diana Ross Looking Cool In Her Street Clothes
Diana Ross sang her little ol' self into our hearts back when she was a member of the soul trio known as The Supremes. After going solo in 1970, Diana continued blowing audiences away on a nightly basis. As a solo act continued to build she took a detour into acting that was just as memorable as her solo career.
After garnering critical success in Lady Sings the Blues she starred as Dorothy in The Wiz and became a worldwide sensation. With the success of this musical she cemented her place as one of the most successful female singers of all time.
Courteney Cox Looking Opulent In Orange
After getting her start with an appearance in Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" music video Courtney Cox bounced around in small parts on television for a few years, and she even starred in the Masters of the Universe move with Dolph Lungdren - what a pair! It took a few more years for Cox to land the role on Monica Geller on the NBC series Friends.
Cox spent ten years in the role as the uptight Monica Geller on the NBC sitcom and in that time she continued to win over audiences with roles in the Scream films.
Pam Grier, Queen Of The '70s
Pam rose to fame in the 1970s after starring in films like Coffy, Black Mama White Mama, and of course Foxy Brown, one of the most influential blaxploitation films of the era. Even though her career looked like it dipped out by the end of the '70s, her starring role in 1997's Jackie Brown garnered her a Golden Globe and a SAG Award nomination for the actress.
This beauty, who's widely regarded as the first female action star, paved the way for every foxy actress that followed her who wanted to kick ass and look good doing it.
Nancy Kerrigan Holds Her Head Up High After A Win
Nancy Kerrigan was one of the best figure skaters of the 90s, and with her exquisite moves on the ice she brought the sport to an entirely new level. Despite being attacked in an effort to destroy her career, Nancy endured and went on to win the silver medal at the 1994 Olympics at Lillehammer after having to drop out of the previous year's world-championship.
It's easy to understand why she won so many of our hearts. If her sad story wasn't enough to win audiences over, then her strong spirit and indomitable will definitely did the trick.
Tonya Harding Tearing Across The Ice
Tonya Harding is one of those stars who was never able to connect the way she wanted to. In spite of her rock n roll ice skating ways, she was inducted into the American Sweethearts club for less than three days before the title was revoked.
As you may have heard, this beautiful ice skater allegedly plotted and schemed with her ex-husband and "bodyguard" to take out her main competitor, Nancy Kerrigan, by damaging her leg. Harding was banned for life from participating in USFSA events as either skater or coach. She managed to stick around, and the story of her time on the ice was turned into the award winning film I, Tonya.
Dorothy Dandrige Shining Like A Diamond
Born in 1922, Dorothy Dandrige rose to prominence performing with her group, The Dandridge Sisters, at venues like The Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater before changing things up and making her way into film. If you're a fan of classic movies like A Day at the Races and The Big Broadcast of 1936 then you've seen some of her first, uncredited work.
In 1954 she appeared in the title role of Carmen Jones. Her role was so well regarded that she was the first African-American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe and BAFTA. She may not have won the awards, but she sure won our hearts.
Marilyn Monroe Gives A Classic Sultry Look
Marilyn Monroe was one of the most loved women of all time, and not just by America. This blonde bombshell reigned on top of Hollywood for eight years, with roles in everything from thrillers like Niagra to romantic comedies like Some Like It Hot.
Even though the squares thought she was too out-there with her appearance, that didn't stop her from being herself and becoming one of the biggest sex symbols of the 20th century. During her final years she was in relationships with playwright Arthur Miller, baseball player Joe Dimaggio, and rumors even swirled that Marilyn was romantically involved with JFK.
Annette Funicello Was Hot Stuff, On And Off The Beach
Annette Funicello, the girl with the banging beach body, began her career as a Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club. She was actually cast by Walt Disney himself after he saw her dance Swan Lake at a recital in Burbank. Rumor is that the actress saw how successful and how easily Shirley Temple won the hearts of the country so she decided to follow in the star's footsteps.
After leaving Disney Funicello went on to star in a series of beach movies that saw her team up with fellow teen star Frankie Avalon for multiple trips to the LA sand.
Loretta Young In All Her Golden Age Glory
Loretta, like many actresses of that time, got her start very early. Rumor has it that she started at the age of 4 as a child actress, however her first billed role is in a film called The Squall from 1929 when she was only 16 years old. As she grew, so did her talent and beauty.
In 1948, she won and Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the movie The Farmer's Daughter and she received a nomination in 1949 for her role in Come to the Stable. After moving to television and starring in The Loretta Young Show she earned three Emmy Awards.
A Young Debbie Reynolds Showing Off Her Beehive Hairdo
Debbie Reynolds it another one of the women on this list who could do it all. Not only was she an accomplished singer and actress, but she was also a philanthropist and a business woman. When she wasn't wowing audiences in Singing In The Rain and Divorce American Style, she was operating her own dance studio.
Apart from her work onscreen Reynolds was accomplished on the stage, appearing in both Broadway shows and touring performances of Annie Get Your Gun and The Unsinkable Molly Brown.
She is also the mother of the famed actress and Hollywood royalty, Carrie Fisher. The two maintained a close relationship until they both passed away a few days apart from one another.
Farrah Fawcett, Forever An American Classic
Has there ever been a star that's more quintessentially American than Farrah Fawcett? Not only did she have the biggest selling swimsuit posters of all time, but her hairdo became a must have look for every groovy gal across the country.
After appearing in small roles on television, Farrah went on to become one of the most successful actresses of her time. After giving a major dramatic performance in The Burning Bed she was nominated for the first of four Emmys and six Golden Globe Awards. Her role as one of Charlie's Angels cemented her place in Hollywood for all time.
The Beautiful Young Angelina Jolie
The Oscar winning actress was already in the business by the time she was 16 years old. She got her start with roles in her older brother's student films, and she even appeared in a few music videos in the early 1990s. She appeared in small parts in low budget films throughout the early part of the decade, but by 1998 she was on her way to stardom.
By 2001 she was cast in the iconic Tomb Raider movies and she's never looked back. Jolie remains one of the most bankable actresses in Hollywood, and she's even gone on to produce and direct.
The Unflappable Debbie Harry
This gorgeous singer and actress was the lead singer of the new wave band, Blondie. Forming in 1975, the group named themselves after the cat call that truckers would shout at Harry while she walked down the street. By 1979 the band was on the cover of Rolling Stone and they had a catalogue of hits under their belt, but the song "Call Me" from the American Gigilo soundtrack would be one of their most popular tracks.
Debbie Harry went onto have a strong solo career and she even starred in unforgettable films like Videodrome and Hairspray.
Christie Brinkley Remains Iconic
Christie Brinkley rose to prominence in the early 1980s after appearing on three consecutive Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers from 1979 to 1981. Afterwards Brinkley could do no wrong. She appeared in ads for cover girl, and she even scored a role in National Lampoon's Vacation. When she wasn't appearing in a photo spread she was appearing in an infomercial for the Total Gym home fitness equipment.
The model and actress has appeared on over 500 magazine covers throughout her career. Not only did she make America fall in love with her, but she got at least four men to do it as well.
Susan Sarandon, Doe Eyed And Beautiful
When she's not acting she supports many human rights causes such as marriage equality, racial justice and the fight against hunger. There's seriously not a cooler star from the 20th century than Susan Sarandon.
Bo Derek, The Babeliest Of Babes
Bo Derek is best known for her role in the 1979 film 10, where she ran along a shoreline in a skin-colored bathing suit with her hair in cornrows. Her short appearance as a dream woman won over Dudley Moore and the rest of the world. Even though the rest of her filmography didn't set the world on fire, she stayed in the public eye with her killer looks and veterans advocacy.
She became a well-known sex-symbol in the 1980’s and this held over into the '90s and she's still recognized as an international beauty. You can find her riding horses in California.
Goldie Hawn, An American Beauty
Hawn has held onto her seat as one of America’s sweethearts for over three decades. Her Academy and Golden Globe Awards are testament to her acting talent, but the smiles that she puts on the faces of the audience are all you need to know about her.
Meryl Streep In The Late 1970s
Meryl Streep is not only America’s sweetheart because she is the most Oscar-nominated actress of all time, she's also a true wit who charms everyone she meets whether she's appearing in a press junket or on a talk show. She's also dedicated to tackling societal injustices, but with her dense filmography we don't know where she finds the time.
Like a fine wine, with every decade Meryl Streep seems to get a little better, and she adds more nuance to every character she plays. It's no wonder that she won over audiences all those years ago in groovy films like Kramer Vs. Kramer and Manhattan.
Carrie Fisher Lounging In Her 'Slave Leia' Bikini
At the age of 21 in 1977, Carrie Fisher’s most iconic role was Princess Leila from Star Wars. America soon came to realize that the brave, wise, no-nonsense princess was the embodiment of the actress who played her. Even though Fisher never truly escaped the limelight of Leia (not that she was trying to), she lead many lives.
Throughout the 1980s and '90s Fisher was a script doctor, romantic comedy actress, and mother. She even played a major part in the revival of Star Wars once JJ Abrams came on board. Carrie taught us to live out loud, live shamelessly, and to stand up for what is right.
Jacqueline Kennedy, A Mid-Century Marvel
Jacqueline Kennedy, or Jackie O. if you're hip, will always be loved for her personal style, grace and charm. In her very public role as First Lady, she had a lot of fans, and she was admired by women, the media, world leaders, pretty much everyone whom interacted with her fell under her charm.
Her keen sense of style and love of the arts radiated through the White House, which she transformed into a beacon of culture. After life in the White House she went onto work at both Viking Press and DoubleDay as an associate editor, she even worked on an autobiography of singer-songwriter Carly Simon.
The Unforgettable Ursula Andress
Is there any more memorable cinematic image than Ursula Andress in a white bikini? As "Honey Ryder" she was the ultimate Bond girl, and when she ran across that Jamaican beach she made us all want to go into the super spy life. In the 1962 film Dr. No, her wet stroll along the beach with Sean Connery was something that had never been seen on film at the time. After that, she exploded as a major sex icon of the 1960’s, and set the trend for the beauty and sex-appeal of all the other Bond girls. Thank you, thank you Ursual Andress.
Faye Dunaway Strikes A Pose
Growing up in Florida, Faye Dunaway always wanted to be an actress. She took dancing and acting classes until she was old enough to go to college, and by that time she was ready to take the theater world by storm. She performed at Summer Stock and attended Boston University before landing a role in her first film, The Happening.
Faye’s most notable performance is that of Bonnie Parker in the 1967 movie, Bonnie & Clyde. Despite initial doubts the producer, Faye was cast for the role and her performance was so exemplary that it landed her an Academy Award nomination.
Lauren Hutton
This supermodel was one of the fashion icons in the 1960’s and 70’s, if you happened to glance at a Revlon ad then you definitely saw this beauty staring back at you. Americans loved her versatile style – she could transform from tomboy to a fashion guru with ease, an ability she used in her appearances in films like The Gambler and the decade defining American Gigilo.
Her gap-toothed smile and soft eyes graced the cover of every major magazine cover, including a record 28 times on Vogue. This beauty hasn't slowed down, and she still walks the runway from time to time.
Raquel Welch, The Jungle Queen
Throughout the 1950s and '60s America was bombarded with blonde bombshells, but as a brunette, Raquel changed America’s idea of what beauty looks like. Her eroticism, and sex appeal made her one of the most popular sex-icons of the 60’s and 70’s.
Her appearance in One Million B.C. did big business for the poster and deer skin bikini industries alike, but that wasn't all there was to this brunette babe. Throughout the 1970s she appeared on variety shows like The Muppet Show and Saturday Night Live, oh and she even won a Golden Globe for her role in The Three Musketeers. It looks like Welch did more than popularize big hair.
Priscilla Presley Looking Groovy In The 1960s
Even though Priscilla Presley is mostly remembered as the girlfriend, then wife, then ex-wife of the King of Rock n’ Roll, she was a fairly successful businesswoman. She owned and operated the boutique Bis & Beau, and after Elvis' death in 1977 she took on the role as executor of the King's will which couldn't have been an easy task.
Even though she and Elvis divorced in the early '70s the two remained friends until he passed away. She is loved because of her iconic style in the 60’s, her successful career as an actress, and as the guardian of Elvis Presley’s legacy.
Candice Bergen, A Stunner In Any Decade
While many youngsters know Candice Bergen as the glass-ceiling-shattering Murphy Brown in the sitcom of the same name which aired from 1988 to 1998, Bergen had been appearing on screen decades before the series premiered. In fact, one of her first performances was on Groucho Marx's quiz show You Bet Your Life when she was only 11-years-old.
Throughout the 1960s and '70s Bergen wracked up an impressive career as a comedic and dramatic actress, working with heavyweights like Sidney Lumet and the Muppets. She was also a style icon throughout the decades, sporting pants suits, blazers and pops of color.
Lynda Carter As Wonder Woman
Lynda Carter is Wonder Woman, both on screen and off. From 1975 to 1979, Americans craved Wonder Woman’s strength, sex-appeal and insistence on truth. As one of the first female super heroes to appear on television, Carter inspired young women every where to work harder, be smarter, and more successful than everyone around them.
America soon realized that Lynda was a superhero in her own right when she began advocating for LGBT rights, and searching for the cure for cancer. You can still see her on television and speaking at events across the country on a myriad of topics.
Julia Roberts In Pretty Woman
Since her first onscreen appearance in 1988's Satisfaction Julia Roberts has melted the hearts of Americans with her big, beautiful smile, glorious laugh, mountain of red hair, and acting excellence. It would take two whole years for Roberts to become America's sweetheart when she starred opposite Richard Gere in the apex romantic comedy Pretty Woman.
Roberts has lead a varied career, but every role she plays is gold, leading her to earn 22 film awards and even more nominations. Julia’s fame has not impacted her giving nature, and she regularly contributes to many causes and has a sear on the board for Earth Biofuels.
Twiggy, The Spirit Of The Swinging 1960s
Even though she's British, Twiggy’s supermodel status has made her a darling for Americans and the fans of fashion the world over. Born Lesley Hornby, Twiggy earned her nickname from her thin frame, big eyes and out-of-this-world eyelashes. She became one of the first international supermodels after her debut in 1966, even though she claims to not understand what all the fuss was about.
When asked how she got her stylish eyelashes, Twiggy says that she simply layered three pairs of falsies on top of her own, which is certainly dedication to a look. In 2019 she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Jean Harlow In The 1930s
Before Marilyn Monroe graced the screen with her peroxide blonde hair, there was Jean Harlow – an icon of the 1930’s whose platinum locks, rosebud lips, and arched eyebrows set a new trend for beauty in the early 20th century. Her work with MGM from 1932 to 1936 cemented her as a sexpot with a killer sense of humor, and she could make audiences go wild with just one look.
Unfortunately, in 1937 Harlow grew ill while filming Saratoga. The cast and crew noticed a change in her looks and demeanor and on June 6, 1937 she slipped into a coma. Harlow would pass away one day later.
Lauren Bacall Gives A Striking Look Into The Distance
As the 1940’s rolled in, Lauren Bacall became another of America’s sweethearts with appearances on the cover of Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. People at the magazine racks found themselves drawn to her cat-like grace and piercing eyes.
After her break out role in To Have and Have Not with Humphrey Bogart in 1944, Lauren was touted as the next big female star. Her sultry looks, and husky voice was adored by many. Bacall and Bogey would go on to appear in a few more films together, and in 1959 she went on to have a successful Broadway career.
Sophia Loren Making Her Short Hair Work
After starting her acting career at age 15, the Italian born Sophia Loren began her rise to international stardom by 1958. Americans loved her performance in her many films. She even received an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1962 for her performance in Two Women. This was the first time a Best Actress award was given to an Italian actress in a non-English-language role.
Loren didn't slow down fro there, and continued appearing in critically acclaimed films throughout the 1970s. She still acts in films today, and most recently she appeared in the critically acclaimed Nine, a film about Federico Fellini.
Grace Kelly, A True Star
Even though her acting career only lasted 6 years from 1951 to 1956, Americans adored Grace Kelly. Not only did she star in a pair of back to back Alfred Hitchcock movies, one of which was the stellar Rear Window, but she stole our hearts in High Society when she starred opposite Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
Before her marriage to Prince Rainier the III, she was a brilliant actress but Princess of Monaco she was an inspiration to an entire country. Everyone across the world loved Kelly for her flawless style, natural beauty, and unbiased friendliness. She made the world swoon.
Cybill Shepherd In The Last Picture Show
America loves Cybill Shepherd's zest for life, unfailing humor, and alluring beauty. This 1966 "Miss Teenage Memphis" started modeling in the late '60s, and her effortless good looks drew this fashion icon to the covers of Vogue, Life, Glamour, and People. It wasn't long before her magazine covers caught the eye of Hollywood, and she was quickly cast in 1971's The Last Picture Show where she gave a standout performance.
As an actor, she starred in several movies and appeared in two critically acclaimed television shows - Moonlighting and Cybil. She's since won three Golden Globe awards and been nominated for four Emmys.
Michelle Pfeiffer
Even though her career dipped a bit in the 2000s she's always remained in the public consciousness. Not only does her name tend to be referenced often in pop culture, like in the song Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, but she's appeared in huge comic book movies, likely because of her iconic role as Cawtwoman.
Kim Basinger And Her Feline Mane
Although her childhood was plagued by debilitating shyness, Kim Basinger overcame this and entered into a successful modeling career in the 1970’s. Even though she was making a ton of money, Basinger hated standing in front of a camera because she hated her looks. She once said:
It was very hard to go from one booking to another and always have to deal with the way I looked. I couldn't stand it. I felt myself choking.
Basinger shifted into acting, where she played the Bond girl in Never say Never Again (1983). She also performed in 9 ½ Weeks (1986), and Batman (1989).
Bettie Page, The Pinup Queen
Hailed as the Queen of Pinup, Bettie Page was an icon for men and women alike. Her innocent looks juxtaposed with those legendary bangs and racy costumes made Page one of the pinup giants of the 1950’s. In the decades following Page's initial work, her photos and magazine spreads have gone from being saucy pics meant to be hidden under a mattress to inspirational art.
Even though her initial popularity was short lived, Page's photos have gone on to be an inspiration to young women everywhere, and you can't look into a tattoo shop without seeing one of Page's pinup photos.
Diana Dors, An English Sweetheart
Hailing from Swindon, England Diana Dors studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in order to get into acting, but she wasn't going to rely on school to get her into the business. After lying about her age to photographers and casting agents, Diana became a pin-up girl at age 13.
She was widely known as a sex-symbol and became the most photographed woman in 1955 after publicly wearing a mink bikini. The English-born glamour sensation went on to an acting career in the United States where she appeared in many movies and on many popular TV shows.
Minnie Brown, A Vaudeville Sweetheart
Between 1902 and 1918, she was among the few successful African American performers who were based in Russia. Unfortunately her story wasn't as prominent as other Vaudeville performers, and it's only recently that Brown's work and dedication to her craft has come to light. Truly an early American sweetheart.
Karen Carpenter Flashing Her Pearly Whites
Everyone loved The Carpenter’s music in the 1970’s, but it was Karen’s sweet voice that stole the show. People were so entranced with her vocals that she had to move out from behind the drum kit to become the front woman for the group. That's right, Karen Carpenter jammed on the skins like John Bonham before singing sweet love songs.
Karen lead a tumultuous life, and her story didn’t fully come to light until after her death, when her fans realized the tragedy behind her angelic voice. She became America’s sweetheart then more than ever. Even though she was aching, her songs still bring joy to listeners across the world.
Marie Doro Grows Into An American Beauty
Marie was an actress who was born in the Victorian era of 1882. She got her start on the chorus line of several musical comedies before finally nailing a starring roles in The Billionaire and The Girl From Kays.
After appearing in several Broadway plays, she moved onto starring in silent films in the mid 1910s, she even appeared in one of the first 3D movies. Marie Doro truly did it all. She returned to Broadway in 1921, and although much of her silent films have been destroyed, her beauty is timeless and she will always be an American sweetheart.
Winona Ryder, More Like Woah Nona Ryder
Winona Ryder is a brunette bombshell and quite the interesting character, which is why America loves her. Throughout her career she’s shown off her versatile acting skills in films as varied as Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988), Edward Scissorhands (1990) and Black Swan (2010).
Ryder has amassed great success as an actor, even though she despises the internet and social media, and in both the '80s and '90s she defined looks of the decade, whether she's dressing chic or grunge. Ryder's one of those actresses who would be famous no matter what era she was in. Everyone you know has a favorite Winona Ryder movie. What's yours?
A Young Betty White
Who doesn’t love Betty White? Her glorious spirit, witty comments, and hilarious jokes have dominated television for decades. In fact, Betty has the world record for the longest TV career of any entertainer, and she keep on going, even in thought she’s in her late 90’s. White first appeared on television in 1939 - three months after her high school graduation.
White's career is unique in that she's had a hit in ever decade since she threw herself into acting. She's most well known for role of Rose on Golden Girls, but she's also appeared in everything from horror films like Lake Placid to romantic comedies like The Proposal.
Josephine Baker, A True Original
Josephine Baker started out as a dancer and singer in the United States at the age of 15. She performed at the Plantation Club in New York City before moving to France where her dark skin was not shunned. There, she became a successful and wealthy performer who eventually became a spy for WWII where she collected information about the location of German camps.
She returned to the US to participate in the Civil Rights Movement, alongside Martin Luther King Jr. She was the first American woman to be given a military-style funeral in France. For this reason, she is definitely one of America’s sweethearts.
Shirley Temple America's Youngest Sweetheart
Shirley is the first American-born America's sweetheart. She was born in 1928 in Santa Monica, which put her in the perfect place to star in early talkies at a young age. Unlike Mary Pickford, she acted in movies with sound, proving her professionalism at an incredibly young age.
Shirley even starred in a movie with future president Ronald Reagan. And in 1950 she retired from acting and ran for Congress. While she didn't win, she was appointed as the Ambassador to Ghana in 1974, the 18th Chief Protocol Officer in 1976, and the 27th Ambassador to Czechoslovakia in 1989. What a life!
Natalie Wood, A Dreamy Superstar
Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko isn't exactly the name of a superstar, however upon changing her name to Natalie Wood she became a household name. Wood became known for her small onscreen roles in The Pride of the Family and The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.
However her career exploded when she starred in the unforgettable classic film Rebel Without a Cause, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Throughout her career she also starred in the much loved films The Searchers, and West Side Story. When she became pregnant in 1970 she went into semi-retirement, and unfortunately she met her mysterious end in 1981.
Jayne Mansfield America's Blonde Bombshell
Jayne Mansfield, born Vera Jayne Palmer, was an American actress in film, theater, and television. She started off as a nightclub entertainer, a singer, and one of the early Playboy Playmates. In the early 1950s and 1960s she became a Hollywood sex symbol, along with likes of Marilyn Monroe. Jayne's popularity led to her personal life becoming publicized and a very passionate fan-base for her work.
She starred in movies like Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter for which she was awarded a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year. Unfortunately this sweetheart passed away after a car accident near New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ann-Margret, Gorgeous In Green
Ann-Margret, born Ann-Margret Olsson, is a Swedish-American actress, singer, and dancer. As an actress, she is best known for her roles in Bye Bye Birdie (1963), Viva Las Vegas (1964), The Cincinnati Kid (1965), Carnal Knowledge (1971), Tommy (1975), Grumpy Old Men (1993), and Grumpier Old Men (1995). In 2001, she recorded a critically acclaimed gospel album, and an album of Christmas songs from 2004 continues to be available.
Ann-Margret loves to ride motorcycles, so she's had no problem zooming into the hearts of the American public. Rather than slow down as she gets older, this actress is still popping up in films and television.
Brigitte Bardot, A Beauty In Black And White
While we know that Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot is a French actress, singer and fashion model, we just couldn't leave her off this list. Her beauty and personality came across the Atlantic and impacted American culture, and she quickly became one of America's sweethearts. Anyone who was around during her reign on the big screen can attest to this.
With a slate of international films, Bardot eventually became one of the best known sex symbols of the 1950s and 1960s. Even though she retired from acting to go into singing and eventually philanthropy, she has forever earned a place in our hearts.
