Nancy McKeon
Did you know that Monica Geller of “Friends” may not have been played by Courteney Cox? Vying for the role was Nancy McKeon. Whilst her real name may not ring any bells, her most famous role was as Jo Polniaczek on the hit 80s series “The Facts of Life.”
The actress, aside from her TV roles, also starred in a number of TV films throughout the 80s and 90s, including “The Wrong Woman” and “Comfort and Joy.” Just this year, McKeon competed on season 27 of “Dancing with the Stars.” One more fun fact before we’re onto our next leading lady; did you know whilst McKeon starred in “The Facts of Life,” she and her parents privately met Pope John Paul II?
Sophia Loren
Irresistibly Italian, next we have the sultry, dramatic Sophia Loren. With a timeless, natural beauty and elegance that cannot be bought, she is one of the most celebrated Italian celebrities of all time. Fondly known as the “Italian Marilyn Monroe,” Loren entered Hollywood in the golden era; the 1950s.
A film actress and singer, Loren was also a major sex symbol, starring in Marriage Italian Style and Two Women. With a sense of confidence that is SO European, and her famous quote: “Everything you see I owe to spaghetti,” she is the embodiment of femininity and extravagance. Sophia’s acting days are behind her, and now she resides in Geneva, Switzerland, enjoying the fruits of her long, starred career.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
For all your 90s babies...as soon as you hear “Buffy” it’s like the theme music starts playing in your head. Now that’s iconic! Sarah Michelle Gellar, immortalized by her role as Buffy Summers in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," is considered to have brought to life one of the greatest female role models of all time.
Her feisty attitude and, let’s be real, kickass moves didn’t only make us all want to take up martial arts, it made #GIRLPOWER a thing! Gellar was amazingly discovered at the age of four in a restaurant, from which she grew into acting and modeling. These days she is married to Freddie Prinze Jr., is the co-founder of Foodstirs, and has two wonderful children. A real-life wonder-woman it seems!
Angie Harmon
Formerly a professional model, Angie Harmon was discovered at 23 whilst on a flight, by none other than David Hasselhoff! Not a bad ice-breaker story at all! After this chance spotting, Harmon starred in "Baywatch Nights" and "C-16: FBI," before joining "Law & Order." Leaving her former modeling life behind, having graced the covers of ELLE, Cosmopolitan and Esquire, Angie wished to live her dream of being on the big screen.
Whilst she had more success with television, she starred in "Agent Cody Banks," "Fun with Dick and Jane," "End Game" and "Seraphim Falls." She has won a Gracie Award and People’s Choice Award and most recently starred as Detective Jane Rizzoli on TV series "Rizzoli & Isles." It seems if she wasn’t…hoff-ered the start on "Baywatch Nights" she may not have been where she is today!
Pamela Anderson
Wa-wa-we-wah... none other than CJ of "Baywatch." And can you believe Pamela Anderson is now in her 50s? Gosh, time flies when you’re a mega-babe known for running on the sand in Malibu. Or for being unceremoniously thrown into a marriage sack by Sacha Baron Cohen…genius way to get the woman of your dreams, no really. Anderson shot to fame on THAT Playboy cover in February 1990. Soon after she was scouted for roles on Home Improvement, Baywatch, and V.I.P., as well as films "Raw Justice" and "Barb Wire" (Reow!).
Sadly though, Pamela has been unlucky in love, with tempestuous relationships with Tommy Lee and Kid Rock. It seems though she may have found love with French footballer Adil Rami...for five minutes, before having a two-year-long marriage with producer Jon Peters.