While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there are some whose noteworthy looks have surpassed the test of time. Hollywood’s most iconic faces, like Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren, have been renowned for their glamour and beauty. But our exploration goes beyond the superficial as we delve into the lives and legacies of these remarkable women. So, join us on this exclusive journey and discover the stories that prove these women’s beauty is not only skin deep.
Michelle Pfeiffer
She’s a Hollywood icon whose talent and beauty have captured the hearts of millions. A leading lady of the ’80s and ’90s, she gained recognition for breaking the mold of pretty-girl roles and tackling more serious and complex characters. Her memorable supporting role in Scarface helped catapult her to fame and opened doors to more challenging opportunities. Feiffer’s beauty is unique, with her delicate features and captivating gaze leaving a lasting impression.
As one writer put it, her beauty is so mesmerizing that you’ll find yourself pausing mid-conversation to marvel at her elegance.
Elizabeth Hurley
Elizabeth Hurley is a fashion and beauty icon whose style and grace have made her a household name. She first captured the world’s attention as the stunning girlfriend of Hugh Grant during the heyday of his career. Her iconic black Versace dress, held together by safety pins, became a pop culture sensation and helped establish Versace as a major fashion brand. With no prior modeling experience, she landed a coveted contract as a spokesmodel for Estée Lauder, cementing her status as a beauty icon.
In Hollywood, Hurley has showcased her talents in iconic films like Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and Bedazzled.
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale’s beauty and acting skills have captivated audiences for decades. Winning the “Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia” contest was just the beginning of her illustrious career, which included modeling and acting offers. Despite her early struggles with Italian, her talent and charm landed her numerous roles in films like The Leopard and 8½. Although her raspy voice and heavy accent required dubbing early in her career, Cardinale’s beauty spoke for itself.
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown (Mondadori Publishers)
Beyond the screen, she is a passionate advocate for women’s rights, serving as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador for the defense of women in 2000.
Sharon Tate
Sharon Tate may be remembered for her untimely and tragic death, but she was also an up-and-coming actress who left her mark on the silver screen. She captivated audiences with her performances in both comedic and dramatic roles, earning her critical acclaim as a promising talent. Unfortunately, she was also eight months pregnant with their child when the Manson Family brutally murdered her. Her beauty and life were cut way too short.
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown author
Tate’s legacy is not just one of tragedy but also of her remarkable talent and the impact she made in the industry during her short time in the spotlight.
Kim Basinger
Kim Basinger began her career as a successful model in the 1970s and later turned to acting in Los Angeles. She made her debut in the drama Hard Country and went on to star in several made-for-television films. Basinger’s breakthrough came as a Bond girl in Never Say Never Again, which cemented her status as a Hollywood icon. She continued to appear in many films throughout the 1990s, earning critical acclaim!
Once the it-girl of Hollywood, she rarely acts anymore but prefers to stay out of the limelight and focus her time on animal rights activism.
Jaclyn Smith
Actress and businesswoman Jaclyn Smith rose to fame as the stunning Kelly Garrett in the hit TV series Charlie’s Angels. Her undeniable beauty and talent captivated audiences, propelling her and her co-stars to become pop culture icons. Smith’s career continued to thrive beyond the series, with numerous TV films and mini-series to her credit. Her beauty and charm have also caught the attention of many admirers, leading her to be married four times.
Now she is 77 years old and the boss of a multi-million-dollar skincare and clothing business. She is so much more than a pretty face, but a successful entrepreneur too!
Audrey Hepburn
Celebrities come and go, but some icons never fade away. One such legend is Audrey Hepburn, a timeless beauty who captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Best known for her stunning performance in Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Audrey’s unique looks and undeniable talent propelled her to fame. Throughout her career, she won numerous awards and accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe. And there is no doubt everyone wished they looked like her.
Wikimedia Commons/Breakfast at Tiffany’s trailer
Beyond her on-screen success, Audrey was also a dedicated humanitarian who worked tirelessly to make the world a better place. Although she passed away in 1993, her influence can still be felt today, making her a true icon of style, grace, and compassion.
Elizabeth Taylor
Few Hollywood icons have had the lasting impact of Elizabeth Taylor. Born in England to American parents, Elizabeth’s striking beauty was apparent from a young age. Her unique genetic mutation, which caused two rows of eyelashes, only added to her allure. She became one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry, starring in numerous hit movies like Cleopatra and Giant. She wasn’t all beauty, though; her work beyond acting was just as powerful.
Wikimedia Commons/Studio publicity still
Later in life, Elizabeth turned her attention to philanthropy, advocating for Jewish causes and promoting AIDS awareness. What an absolute queen.
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron’s journey to Hollywood stardom is as unique as it is inspiring. Growing up on a farm in South Africa, Charlize dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer, but her natural beauty also caught the attention of modeling scouts. Eventually, she focused on acting, and her talent quickly shone through. In 2003, Charlize won an Academy Award for her stunning portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the movie Monster.
Since then, she’s become one of the most respected actresses in the industry, known for her versatility and dedication to her craft. Charlize is a true inspiration, proving that beauty is great, but hard work and talent can take you anywhere.