A popular pin-up girl and star of 1940s and 1950s film musicals, known for her iconic swimsuit pose and charming on-screen presence.
Betty Grable, the quintessential pin-up girl of the 1940s, was an American actress, dancer, model, and singer who epitomized the essence of Hollywood glamour. With a career spanning over three decades, she was known for her stunning looks, captivating on-screen presence, and versatility in both comedy and musical genres.
Grable began her film career in 1929 at the tender age of 12, but was initially fired from a contract for using a false identification. Undeterred, she persisted and eventually landed contracts with RKO and Paramount Pictures in the 1930s, appearing in a string of B-movies, mostly portraying college students.
Her breakthrough role came in 1939 with the Broadway musical Du Barry Was a Lady, which brought her to the attention of 20th Century Fox. She replaced Alice Faye in Down Argentine Way (1940), her first major Hollywood film, and went on to become Fox's biggest film star throughout the next decade.
During the 1940s, Grable starred in a succession of Technicolor musicals that were immensely popular, often co-starring with leading men like Victor Mature, Don Ameche, John Payne, and Tyrone Power. Her films grossed over $100 million, making her one of the highest-paid actresses of her time.
In 1943, she was declared the number one box-office draw in the world. Two of her most notable films during this period were Mother Wore Tights (1947) and How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), which showcased her comedic prowess alongside Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall.
Grable's iconic bathing suit poster, taken in 1943, cemented her status as the top pin-up girl of World War II, surpassing even Rita Hayworth. The photo was later included in Life magazine's "100 Photographs That Changed the World" project.
Her signature look, which featured her stunning legs, curvaceous figure, and charming smile, made her a beloved icon of American pop culture. Hosiery specialists of the era often cited her as the ideal prop for their advertising campaigns.
Throughout her career, Grable received numerous awards and accolades, including three Photoplay Magazine Medals and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1946 and 1947, she was listed as the highest-salaried American woman by the U.S. Treasury Department.
Grable's legacy extends beyond her film career. She was a trailblazer for women in Hollywood, paving the way for future generations of actresses. Her impact on popular culture is still felt today, with her image continuing to inspire art, fashion, and entertainment.
Grable married trumpeter Harry James in 1943 and had two daughters, Nancy and Jessica. She retired from screen acting in 1955, but continued to perform on stage and television throughout her life.
Betty Grable passed away on July 2, 1973, leaving behind a legacy as a true Hollywood legend. Her enduring appeal and timeless charm continue to captivate audiences, solidifying her place as one of the most beloved and iconic actresses of the 20th century.
99 Years Old
An iconic blonde bombshell who captivated audiences with her stunning looks and charming on-screen presence, symbolizing Hollywood glamour and sensuality in the 1950s and 60s.
Born in 1918
A glamorous Hollywood icon of the 1940s, known for her stunning beauty, captivating dance moves, and memorable film roles. She was a major sex symbol and pin-up girl during World War II.
Born in 1911
A legendary actress, singer, and dancer who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her iconic role in "Kitty Foyle" and dazzled audiences with her captivating performances in classic Hollywood musicals.
Born in 1899
A legendary performer who dazzled audiences with his smooth dance moves, charming on-screen presence, and iconic song-and-dance numbers in classic Hollywood musicals.
Born in 1912
A legendary triple threat in Hollywood's Golden Age, starring in iconic movie musicals like "Singin' in the Rain" and "Anchors Aweigh," known for his athletic dance style and charming on-screen presence.
Born in 1922
A legendary actress and dancer who mesmerized audiences with her stunning beauty and captivating performances in classic movie musicals, particularly in iconic films like "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Band Wagon".
93 Years Old
A legendary actress, singer, and dancer who starred in iconic movie musicals, including "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", and was a devoted collector of Hollywood memorabilia.
Born in 1922
A beloved singer and actress who charmed audiences with her sweet voice and wholesome on-screen presence, starring in iconic films and releasing hit songs like "Sentimental Journey" and "Que Sera, Sera".
