Who were the most beautiful women of the 1940s?

Who were the most beautiful women of the 1940s?

Posted: January 5, 2024 | Last updated: January 5, 2024

<p>The 1940s were an interesting period in history. They were part of the <a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/celebrity/209488/meet-the-stars-of-hollywoods-golden-age" rel="noopener">Golden Age of Hollywood</a>, but also saw World War II ravage countries all over the world. But despite the tensions between certain nations at the time, the world of cinema was a lot more international than you might expect. Although the color barrier hadn't really been broken yet, some of the best-known starlets in Hollywood were Swedish, Italian, and Irish,. Each blonde bombshell, brunette beauty, and ravishing redhead had their own unique charm that captured the hearts of audiences everywhere.</p><p>Click through this gallery to see which 1940s beauties were the most desired icons of the decade.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Who were the most beautiful women of the 1940s?

The 1940s were an interesting period in history. They were part of the Golden Age of Hollywood, but also saw World War II ravage countries all over the world. But despite the tensions between certain nations at the time, the world of cinema was a lot more international than you might expect. Although the color barrier hadn't really been broken yet, some of the best-known starlets in Hollywood were Swedish, Italian, and Irish,. Each blonde bombshell, brunette beauty, and ravishing redhead had their own unique charm that captured the hearts of audiences everywhere.

Click through this gallery to see which 1940s beauties were the most desired icons of the decade.

You may also like: See how plastic surgery transformed these celebs

<p>Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, is still one of the most famously beautiful women of the 20th century. The actress- turned-princess graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1949 and within a few years she had been nominated for her first Oscar.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, is still one of the most famously beautiful women of the 20th century. The actress- turned-princess graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1949 and within a few years she had been nominated for her first Oscar.

<p>Born in British India, Vivien Leigh will always be remembered for her definitive performance as Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone with the Wind' (1939). But her career also included portraying classic Shakespearean characters such as Ophelia, Cleopatra, Juliet, and Lady Macbeth.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Vivien Leigh

British actress Vivien Leigh is best known for her role as Scarlet O'Hara in the classic movie 'Gone with the Wind' (1939), for which she received the Oscar for Best Actress in 1940. This was the same year that she married the renowned actor Sir Laurence Olivier, making them the ultimate power couple.

You may also like: See what the kids in “Harry Potter” look like now

<p><a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/celebrity/425832/things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-marilyn-monroe" rel="noopener">Marilyn Monroe</a> got her start as an actress and model in the mid-1940s. In 1946, she was signed by 20th Century-Fox, dropping the name Norma Jean and becoming the icon who will never be forgotten.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe got her start as an actress and model in the mid-1940s. In 1946, she was signed by 20th Century-Fox, dropping the name Norma Jean and becoming the icon who will never be forgotten.

<p>Ava Gardner first rose to fame thanks to her role in the 1946 movie 'The Killers.' She was an instant star, and her incredible beauty made her a regular on magazine covers over the following decades.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Ava Gardner

Ava Gardner first rose to fame thanks to her role in the 1946 movie 'The Killers.' She was an instant star, and her incredible beauty made her a regular on magazine covers over the following decades.

You may also like: 10 countries with exceptionally beautiful women

<p>Lauren Bacall was one of the most iconic actresses of the 1940s. Many actresses still try to replicate her style today, and in 2014 the makeup brand Bobbi Brown released a line called 'Scotch on the Rocks,' inspired by Bacall.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall was one of the most iconic actresses of the 1940s. Many actresses still try to replicate her style today, and in 2014 the makeup brand Bobbi Brown released a line called 'Scotch on the Rocks,' inspired by Bacall.

<p>Doris Day started out as a big band singer in the 1940s, until she got her first big film role in 1948. She starred in the movie 'Romance on the High Seas,' and soon became America's sweetheart.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Doris Day

Doris Day started out as a big band singer in the 1940s, until she got her first big film role in 1948. She starred in the movie 'Romance on the High Seas,' and soon became America's sweetheart.

You may also like: Celebrity kids who became more famous than their parents

<p>Hedy Lamarr was one of the best known and most glamorous women of the 1940s, but she was more than an actress with an exceptionally pretty face. Lamarr was also a renowned inventor, creating the first effervescent tablets. She also made advances in radio technology that can be traced directly to WiFi as we know it today.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr was one of the best known and most glamorous women of the 1940s, but she was more than an actress with an exceptionally pretty face. Lamarr was also a renowned inventor, creating the first effervescent tablets. She also made advances in radio technology that can be traced directly to WiFi as we know it today.

<p>A statuesque Rita Hayworth, replete in a black strapless gown, as she appears in the movie 'Gilda' (1946). The film, which costars Glen Ford, is considered Hayworth's signature role. Her outfit was made by costume designer Jean Louis, who later declared it "the most famous dress I ever made."</p>
Getty Images 

Rita Hayworth

The auburn-haired Rita Hayworth was a breathtaking beauty. The media called her "The Love Goddess," because she captured the hearts of all who set eyes on her. She's the second star on this list to marry a prince. She married Prince Aly Khan in 1949, but it's said that Orson Welles was the great love of her life.

You may also like: Countries that are more obese than the US

<p>Dorothy Dandridge was the first African-American actress to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Actress. She was nominated for her role in the 1954 movie 'Carmen Jones.' It was rare to find an iconic starlet who wasn't white, but Dandridge forged a successful career by refusing roles that were degrading to people of color.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was the first African-American actress to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Actress. She was nominated for her role in the 1954 movie 'Carmen Jones.' It was rare to find an iconic starlet who wasn't white, but Dandridge forged a successful career by refusing roles that were degrading to people of color.

<p>Katharine Hepburn was the daughter of a suffragist who raised her to believe she was capable of great things, and she was! Hepburn's career started with her first movie in 1931, and carried on until her last in 1994.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn was the daughter of a suffragist who raised her to believe she was capable of great things, and she was! Hepburn's career started with her first movie in 1931, and carried on until her last in 1994.

You may also like: No man's land: Earth's untouched places

<p>Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman wrote her name in history forever with her starring role in 'Casablanca' (1942). Her beauty and talent made her one of the most influential actresses of all time.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Ingrid Bergman

Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman wrote her name in history forever with her starring role in 'Casablanca' (1942). Her beauty and talent made her one of the most influential actresses of all time.

<p>Lana Turner started out as a popular pinup girl during World War II before finding success as an actress. Turner was also popular in the tabloids for her personal life. She married eight times in 20 years, twice to the same man!</p>
<p>Getty Images</p>

Lana Turner

Lana Turner started out as a popular pinup girl during World War II before finding success as an actress. Turner was also popular in the tabloids for her personal life. She married eight times in 20 years, twice to the same man!

You may also like: Daniel Radcliffe and his more than two decades in the spotlight

<p>Judy Garland is best known for her timeless performance as Dorothy in 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939). Her unique beauty and captivating eyes made a strong impression on audiences throughout her short life.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Judy Garland

Judy Garland is best known for her timeless performance as Dorothy in 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939). Her unique beauty and captivating eyes made a strong impression on audiences throughout her short life.

<p>Swedish-American actress Greta Garbo and her signature eyebrows rose to fame during the silent movie era, and she transitioned seamlessly into the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her acting style was subtle, and she usually portrayed tragic figures.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Greta Garbo

Swedish-American actress Greta Garbo and her signature eyebrows rose to fame during the silent movie era, and she transitioned seamlessly into the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her acting style was subtle, and she usually portrayed tragic figures.

You may also like: Shocking celebrity arrests

<p>Olivia de Havilland began her acting career in 'Gone with the Wind' (1939). She won two Oscars in her lifetime and became the oldest-living Oscar winner in history! She lived to the age of 104 and only passed away in 2020.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Olivia de Havilland

Olivia de Havilland began her acting career in 'Gone with the Wind' (1939). She won two Oscars in her lifetime and became the oldest-living Oscar winner in history! She lived to the age of 104 and only passed away in 2020.

<p>De Havilland's younger sister, Joan Fontaine, was another iconic beauty of the 1940s. She also had a lengthy career that spanned five decades, and she also won an Oscar!</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Joan Fontaine

De Havilland's younger sister, Joan Fontaine, was another iconic beauty of the 1940s. She also had a lengthy career that spanned five decades, and she also won an Oscar!

You may also like: On-screen siblings you didn't know hooked up in real life

<p>Gene Tierney was perhaps the best example of the ideal beauty in the 1940s. However, the adored leading lady had a difficult life behind the scenes, struggling with bipolar disorder and seeing both of her daughters die before her.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Gene Tierney

Gene Tierney was perhaps the best example of the ideal beauty in the 1940s. However, the adored leading lady had a difficult life behind the scenes, struggling with bipolar disorder and seeing both of her daughters die before her.

<p>The iconic Italian actress left this world on January 16, at the age of 95.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/343167?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=537874en-us"> The triumph and tragedy that is Mount Everest</a></p>
Getty Images

Gina Lollobrigida

Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida was one of the most high-profile European stars of the Hollywood Golden Era, and an international beauty symbol!

You may also like: The most unusual places that people call home

<p>With a name like Dorothy Lamour, could she be anything other than a Hollywood favorite? Lamour was also a brilliant comedic actress. She stole hearts and made audiences laugh every time.</p>
<p>Getty Images</p>

Dorothy Lamour

With a name like Dorothy Lamour, could she be anything other than a Hollywood favorite? Lamour was also a brilliant comedic actress. She stole hearts and made audiences laugh every time.

<p>Ginger Rogers was an Oscar-winning triple threat, incredibly skilled at acting, singing, and dancing. She appeared in 10 successful movies with Fred Astaire.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Ginger Rogers

Ginger Rogers was an Oscar-winning triple threat, incredibly skilled at acting, singing, and dancing. She appeared in 10 successful movies with Fred Astaire.

You may also like: Secret code words you're not supposed to know

<p>Betty Grable was an iconic pinup girl during World War II, and her figure was painted onto the noses of many US fighter jets! In 1943, she became the biggest box-office draw in the world, and in 1947 she was the highest-paid entertainer in the US.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>
Getty Images

Betty Grable

Betty Grable was an iconic pinup girl during World War II, and her figure was painted onto the noses of many US fighter jets! In 1943, she became the biggest box-office draw in the world, and in 1947 she was the highest-paid entertainer in the US.

<p>Barbara Stanwyck was an actress, model, and dancer who became a star of stage, film, and TV. She started working in 1922, and carried on a successful career for 60 years.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Barbara Stanwyck

Barbara Stanwyck was an actress, model, and dancer who became a star of stage, film, and TV. She started working in 1922, and carried on a successful career for 60 years.

You may also like: All the major stars who came out as LGBTQ in 2019

<p>Cyd Charisse was an American actress and an incredibly skilled dancer. She danced in countless movies alongside the likes of Fred Astaire. Her success was even more exceptional considering she overcame polio as a child.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Cyd Charisse

Cyd Charisse was an American actress and an incredibly skilled dancer. She danced in countless movies alongside the likes of Fred Astaire. Her success was even more exceptional considering she overcame polio as a child.

<p>The Oscar-winning actress was an absolute bombshell, even after she became America's favorite housewife on 'The Donna Reed Show'! Her exceptional career spanned four decades, launched with her role in the 1946 classic 'It's a Wonderful Life.'</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Donna Reed

The Oscar-winning actress was an absolute bombshell, even after she became America's favorite housewife on 'The Donna Reed Show'! Her exceptional career spanned four decades, launched with her role in the 1946 classic 'It's a Wonderful Life.'

You may also like: The many faces of Dustin Hoffman

<p>Maureen O'Hara was a natural, fiery redhead born in Ireland, who got her big break in an Alfred Hitchcock movie in 1939. After that she moved to Hollywood, and her stardom continued for decades. She played many leading roles, however she once commented: "I didn't get a crack at more dramatic roles because I photographed so beautifully.”</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Maureen O'Hara

Maureen O'Hara was a natural, fiery redhead born in Ireland, who got her big break in an Alfred Hitchcock movie in 1939. After that she moved to Hollywood, and her stardom continued for decades. She played many leading roles, however she once commented: "I didn't get a crack at more dramatic roles because I photographed so beautifully.”

<p>Veronica Lake's signature look came into being when her hair fell over her face during the filming of 'I Wanted Wings' in 1940. From that time onwards, Lake always wore her wavy hair hanging over her right eye, creating a mysterious and sultry look. And fun fact: she was also a skilled pilot!</p>
<p>Getty Images</p>

Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake's signature look came into being when her hair fell over her face during the filming of 'I Wanted Wings' in 1940. From that time onwards, Lake always wore her wavy hair hanging over her right eye, creating a mysterious and sultry look. And fun fact: she was also a skilled pilot!

You may also like: Did you know silk is saliva? See fascinating photos of the process

<p>Ann Blyth was one of the biggest starlets of the 1940s. She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for the movie 'Mildred Pierce' in 1945. She is also one of the last surviving icons of the Hollywood Golden Age.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Ann Blyth

Ann Blyth was one of the biggest starlets of the 1940s. She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for the movie 'Mildred Pierce' in 1945. She is also one of the last surviving icons of the Hollywood Golden Age.

<p>Lucille Ball was known as a wacky comedic actress for her leading role in the hit show 'I Love Lucy.' But she was an exceptional beauty as well as being one of the most iconic female entertainers of all time.</p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball was known as a wacky comedic actress for her leading role in the hit show 'I Love Lucy.' But she was an exceptional beauty as well as being one of the most iconic female entertainers of all time.

You may also like: The most controversial films of the last decade

<p>Joan Bennett started out her career as a blonde, but when she died her hair brown for a role in 1938, it completely changed how she was perceived. She became an alluring femme fatale, and the rest is history.</p><p>Sources: (<a href="https://www.thevintagenews.com/2016/03/23/top-10-biggest-female-stars-1940s/" rel="noopener">The Vintage News</a>) (<a href="https://glamourdaze.com/2016/06/top-ten-most-beautiful-1940s-actresses.html" rel="noopener">Glamour Daze</a>) (<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/1940s-actresses/ranker-film" rel="noopener">Ranker</a>)</p><p>See also: <a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/celebrity/464084/who-were-the-most-beautiful-women-of-the-1960s">Who were the most beautiful women of the 1960s?</a></p>
<p>Getty Images </p>

Joan Bennett

Joan Bennett started out her career as a blonde, but when she died her hair brown for a role in 1938, it completely changed how she was perceived. She became an alluring femme fatale, and the rest is history.

Sources: (The Vintage News) (Glamour Daze) (Ranker)

See also: Who were the most beautiful women of the 1960s?

More for You

Donald Trump

Donald Trump Deepfakes With Black Voters Fuel Outrage

Tribe: SCOTUS C.O. ruling ‘decides more than it needs to,’ leaves the Constitution 'enforceable’

Tribe: SCOTUS C.O. ruling ‘decides more than it needs to,’ leaves the Constitution 'enforceable’

Putin’s number one crony cosplays Kim Jong-un in most unhinged rant to date

Putin’s number one crony cosplays Kim Jong-un in most unhinged rant to date

31. Centreville, Illinois (62207)

41 States That Won’t Tax Social Security Benefits in 2024

Jason Kelce hugs brother, Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce fights back tears during Jason Kelce's emotional retirement speech

FILE - Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker attends a news conference in Philadelphia, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. The arrest of two of Philadelphia's LGBTQ leaders by a state trooper during a fraught highway traffic stop is “very concerning,” Parker said after a video showing some of what happened on Saturday, March 2, 2024, circulated on social media. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Philadelphia LGBTQ leaders arrested in traffic stop the mayor calls 'concerning'

The Daily Show (Photo: The Daily Show)

Jon Stewart Dismantles Donald Trump's New Catchphrase

Lake Shasta Lost 265 Billion Gallons ofWater

California's Biggest Reservoir Loses 265 Billion Gallons of Water

Putin Ally Redraws Ukraine's Borders In New Map, Claiming Country Is 'Definitely Russia'

Putin Ally Redraws Ukraine's Borders In New Map, Claiming Country Is 'Definitely Russia'

SEAL Team

“SEAL Team” writer sues CBS for allegedly discriminating against him as a straight white man

San Francisco pride parade goers with rainbow flags

Christian politician vindicated after having life 'torn apart' for anti-Pride post

FILE - Lawyer Kenneth Chesebro is sworn in during a plea deal hearing, Oct. 20, 2023, at the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta. A lawsuit settlement offers new details about how two attorneys for former President Donald Trump orchestrated a plan for fake electors to file paperwork falsely saying the Republican won Wisconsin in a strategy to overturn Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 victory there and in other swing states. The agreement settles a civil lawsuit filed by Democrats against the attorneys and the fake electors. (Alyssa Pointer/Pool Photo via AP, File)

Takeaways from the Wisconsin 2020 fake electors lawsuit settlement

Jon Stewart Brutally Mocks Trump’s ‘Bigrant Crime’ Nonsense

Jon Stewart Brutally Mocks Trump’s ‘Bigrant Crime’ Nonsense

Patrick Mahomes and many Chiefs' players aren't happy with team's front office

Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs' players just had enough of team's front office

Arby’s Crispy Fish Fillet: Pollock with shredded lettuce and tartar sauce on a sesame seed bun.

What’s the best fast-food fish sandwich? We ranked the top 5.

Patton Oswalt Calls Out David Zaslav For Dumping Movies in Fiery Monologue

In Fiery Monologue, Patton Oswalt Calls Out David Zaslav for Dumping Movies

Editor-in chief of RT Margarita Simonyan

Putin Ally Says Neighboring Country Will Not Exist in Five Years

Speaker Mike Johnson is holding firm to his position on needing border security measures in exchange for Ukraine aid

Speaker slams House Dems after report they’ll act after SCOTUS allows Trump to stay on CO ballot: 'get a grip'

Revamped Trump-era bill could help on tax refunds

‘This ultimately is about fairness’: Revamped Trump-era tax bill could usher in a $10K boost for many married couples on their tax refunds this year

Israeli Army releases video said to show destruction of Hamas tunnels Thumbnail

Israeli Army releases video said to show destruction of Hamas tunnels