The biggest stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age
Hollywood’s Golden Age, typically considered to be the period from the late 1920s to the early 1960s, produced some of the most iconic actors in film history. Here are some of the biggest stars from that era:
1. Humphrey Bogart
Known for his tough-guy persona and iconic roles in films like Casablanca (1942) and The Maltese Falcon (1941), Bogart became a symbol of classic Hollywood. Watch Bogart in Beat the Devil.
2. Katharine Hepburn
With a career spanning over six decades, Hepburn was known for her fierce independence and strong-willed characters. Notable films include The Philadelphia Story (1940) and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967). Watch Hepburn in Stage Door Canteen.
3. Clark Gable
Dubbed “The King of Hollywood,” Gable was a leading man in films such as Gone with the Wind (1939) and It Happened One Night (1934), for which he won an Academy Award. Watch Gable in The Painted Desert.
4. Bette Davis
Davis was known for her intense performances and a wide range of roles. Some of her most famous films include All About Eve (1950) and Jezebel (1938). Watch Davis in Of Human Bondage.
5. James Stewart
Known for his everyman charm, Stewart starred in classics like It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) and Rear Window (1954). He often collaborated with director Frank Capra. Watch Stewart in Pot o’ Gold.
6. Cary Grant
Renowned for his debonair style and charm, Grant starred in many hit films including North by Northwest (1959) and Bringing Up Baby (1938). Watch Grant in Charade.
7. Marlon Brando
Brando’s method acting and powerful performances in films like A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) and On the Waterfront (1954) revolutionised acting in Hollywood.
8. Marilyn Monroe
Known for her beauty, charm, and vulnerability, Monroe became a cultural icon with films like Some Like It Hot (1959) and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). Watch Monroe in Home Town Story.
9. John Wayne
A symbol of American ruggedness, Wayne was a major star in Westerns and war films, with classics like The Searchers (1956) and True Grit (1969). Watch Wayne in Angel and the Badman.
10. Elizabeth Taylor (pictured above)
A legendary beauty and actress, Taylor starred in films such as Cleopatra (1963) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), winning two Academy Awards. Watch Taylor in Life With Father.
11. Joan Crawford
Crawford was one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars, known for her work in films like Mildred Pierce (1945) and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962). Watch Crawford in Rain.
These actors not only defined their era but also left an indelible mark on film history, shaping the industry and influencing future generations of performers.