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Marilyn Monroe easily remains one of the most famous figures of the studio era, as well as one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. An iconic sex symbol that managed to be adored by both men and women, she continues to attract fans with her unique combination of sensuality and innocence. 2026 marks her 100th birthday and her face and name remain just as well known even to those who have never seen any of her films. But, to ignore her work would be a tragedy, for Mari

Kirk Douglas, to put it simply, was a force of nature. Known for playing rebels and tough outsiders, his mere presence forced you to pay attention. Although he actually only stood at 5'9, his larger-than-life persona often made him appear considerably larger. Kirk Douglas was an actor who gave off incomparable passion and intensity onscreen that matched the intensity of the dramas and action films he most often appeared in. Indeed, Kirk's films rarely have traditionally happy

Fred Astaire remains one of the most influential and well-respected dancers in film history. Radiating a natural grace and class, Fred Astaire could make even the most difficult dance moves look easy. A perfectionist by nature, Astaire's precision and attention to detail in his routines is unmatched. In fact, he believed he "never got anything 100% right." Beginning his career at age five dancing with his older sister, Adele, Fred didn't pursue a solo career until Adele marri

Maureen O’Hara was widely known as "The Queen of Technicolor". She was, also, the cinematic definition of the fiery redhead. She could be warm and inviting, yet hard and willful; but no matter where she fell, she always had a mind of her own. A spirited Irish lass capable of going head to head with John Wayne, she could also portray the most sophisticated and caring mother you could possibly wish for. Maureen is, probably, the ultimate example of a tomboy who knew how to be a

Marion Davies was one of the rare silent movie stars to actually make a successful transition into the talkies. A talented comedienne, she was once credited as a major influence on the legendary Lucille Ball. Unfortunately, Marion's real-life story has often overshadowed her acting career in the public consciousness. For better or worse, she is best known today as the long-time paramour of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst and as the hostess of Hearst Castle's famous p

Katharine Hepburn was a star unlike any other. An upper-class Bryn Mawr graduate with the disciplined athleticism of a true tomboy, she was utterly uninterested in Hollywood glamour. Known for her casual slouchy style and independent spirit, Katharine Hepburn was an unyielding force with a mind of her own. Tough and assertive both onscreen and off, it seems the only man capable of taming her was the man who became her most famous onscreen partner, Spencer Tracy. The real-life

Lauren Bacall was the most sultry and independent of classic screen sirens. She was a star from the moment she stepped on screen, rocketing to fame after her very first movie role. Dubbed “The Look” because of her seductive stare, she immediately became known as one of the few actresses capable of holding her own opposite even the toughest of Hollywood's leading men. One leading man, in particular, became her greatest screen partner, as well as her greatest love: the king of

Fredric March is not a name the average person is likely to know. However, he was one of the most well-respected and versatile actors of Hollywood’s studio era. If March doesn’t enjoy the same name recognition as some of his peers, it might be because of his incredible ability to disappear into his numerous roles. With a career that spanned from the 1920s to the 1970s, March moved seamlessly from a romantic leading man to an older character actor. And unlike most stars of the

Mickey Rooney entertained audiences with his infectious spunk and energy for over 80 years, making him currently the actor with the longest career in film history. In fact, Mickey continued to work consistently right up until his death at the age of 93. His final tally included over 300 acting credits, including feature films, TV work, and voice-overs. In short, it’s nearly impossible for a person to have never seen (or heard) a Mickey Rooney performance. Mickey literally liv

Esther Williams was Hollywood's "Million Dollar Mermaid" and possibly the most unique star ever to grace the silver screen. Although she grew to become a likable actress and successful singer, Esther Williams will forever be remembered as the starlet who turned swimming into an art form. To this day, no other actress has ever attempted the water ballets and stunts Esther performed on a regular basis (often risking life and limb in the process). She is even universally credite

Natalie Wood was a child star the world truly watched grow up. Going from an innocent child in the 1940s to an angst-ridden teenager of the 1950s to a sexy adult woman living through the sexual revolution of the 1960s, Natalie Wood seemed to epitomize an entire generation's coming-of-age. The daughter of Russian immigrants, Natalie made her film debut when she was only five years old. She continued working steadily up until adulthood, only slowing down after her first child w

Rock Hudson was the quintessential leading man of the 1950s and '60s. Standing at an imposing 6'4", he often played characters who appeared to be the ultimate masculine ideal. Classically handsome with an easygoing personality, Rock specialized in romantic melodramas, comedies, and even Westerns. But he is probably best remembered for the hugely successful string of romantic comedies he starred in opposite Doris Day. The onscreen teaming of Doris Day and Rock Hudson is still