Ava Lavinia Gardner had to work extremely hard to become an actress, as she was often misunderstood for her heavy southern accent. She began acting in 1941, and appeared in small gigs before rising to prominence for her role in 1946’s ‘The Killers’, based on a short story by Ernest Hemingway.
From there on, Gardner’s career only grew, and in 1951 she even married the legendary Frank Sinatra. Unfortunately, after a lifetime of smoking and at the hands of two strokes, the actress became paralyzed. Gardner died at age 67 from pneumonia, but remains a legendary figure in Hollywood to this day.
Natalie Wood
Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko was a three-time Oscar-nominated actress before reaching 25 and proved to be one of the most promising actresses in Hollywood. The actress was born to Russian immigrant parents and began appearing in films when she was just four years old.
The actress starred alongside James Dean in 'Rebel Without a Cause'. Tragically, both she and the actor later passed away in some unfortunate circumstances. At 43 years old, Wood was found dead after drowning off a weekend yacht trip to Santa Catalina with her husband Robert Wagner and actor Christopher Walken.
Sophie Marceau
French actress Sophie Marceau is best known for starring in the 1980 comedy film, 'La Boum'. The actress eventually became a serious star in European theaters, and quickly found herself in Hollywood circles. Marceau appeared in 'Braveheart' and was a Bond girl in 1999’s 'The World Is Not Enough'.
It’s rare to find a “most beautiful women” list that doesn’t feature Sophie Marceau. Marceau, however, doesn’t really understand what the fuss is all about, and claims that the way she sees it, she’s really not that beautiful at all. With all due respect, let’s agree to disagree, Sophie.
Julie Gibson
Julie Gibson just recently passed away in late 2019, at the incredible age of 106, in her Los Angeles home. You can definitely say that the artist, singer, TV performer, actress, and vocal coach lived a full life. Gibson’s acting career began in 1935 and lasted well into the '90s.
The actress was one of the most beloved personalities in Hollywood, and America in general, back in the ‘40s. She is best recognized for her role in the popular comedy show 'The Three Stooges'. Gibson also dubbed vocals for prominent actresses at the time, including Betty Hutton and Diana Lynn.
Kim Novak
Kim Novak is a retired actress and is widely known for starring as Madeleine Elster/Judy Barton in Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 thriller, 'Vertigo', alongside James Stewart. She currently has two Golden Globe Awards, an Honorary Golden Bear Award, and even her own star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
The actress faced many challenges throughout her life, including defeating a breast cancer diagnosis in 2010. Novak currently works as a painter and visual artist. Her beauty is almost unparalleled; in fact, she was originally brought into Columbia Pictures with the goal of competing with Marilyn Monroe for box-office success.