Sure there are the typical icons that come to mind from the 1950s, but these 14 beautiful women were born with chiseled features and talent to burn.
Isabelle Adjani (Born 1955)
French actress Isabelle Adjani was known for her porcelain skin-tone, dark hair, brilliant blue eyes, and highly emotive screen demeanor. Her delicate looks and intense stare allowed her to stand out in film classics like The Story of Adèle H. (1975) and Possession (1981).
Adjani wasn’t just a pretty face. Among France’s most celebrated acting talents, she holds the record for most Best Actress César Awards, with five, a distinction she shares with four other notable actresses.
Iman (Born 1955)
Somali-born model Iman was one of the most recognizable faces of global fashion in the 1970s. Her long neck, high cheekbones, graceful stature and unique features helped her exude regal confidence on the runway and editorial shoots.
She was discovered in Nairobi, where she was studying political science. Her career continued with high-profile modeling work for renowned designers like Yves Saint Laurent, who famously dubbed her his “dream woman.”
And she also established a makeup line specifically catering to women of color.
Renée Russo (Born 1954)
Before starring in major Hollywood films, Renée Russo had a successful career as a fashion model throughout the 1970s. Discovered at a Rolling Stones concert when she was a teenager, Russo went on to star in editorials and advertisements.
Vogue described how Russo’s angular cheekbones and tousled red hair gave her face a unique character.
She landed appearances on nine Vogue covers while modeling and would later transition to acting, appearing in roles for The Thomas Crown Affair, Nightcrawler, and Thor with similar gusto.
Janice Dickinson (Born 1955)
Janice Dickinson describes herself as “the world’s first supermodel.” She is among the best known models to work during the 1970s and 1980s.
After winning a national Miss High Fashion Model competition, Dickinson relocated to New York to begin modeling and eventually lived in Paris for a portion of her early career.
Her black hair and strong features with an edge made her distinct from many other popular models during her time. Vogue said her “exotic looks” were unique and she helped “define the 70s.”
Jerry Hall (Born 1956)
Jerry Hall was born in Texas and rose to become one of the biggest names in modelling during the 1970s and 1980s. While she was a teenager vacationing in Saint-Tropez, a model scout noticed her, and she was subsequently invited to Paris to begin a career in international fashion without delay.
Her distinctive look, marked by her six-foot stature and cascade of blonde hair, made Hall one of the era’s most sought-after and identifiable models. Hall was shot by top fashion photographers of the time, including Norman Parkinson and Helmut Newton.
By 1977 Hall had graced over 40 magazine covers including Italian Vogue and Cosmopolitan. She was estimated to be making $1,000 dollars per day for modelling jobs. She became one of the most well-known runway models in the industry, working closely with designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake, and Karl Lagerfeld.
Mary Steenburgen (Born 1953)
Mary Steenburgen possesses expressive eyes, a captivating smile, and a distinctive voice.
She appeared early in her career as an extra alongside Jack Nicholson in Goin’ South (1978), but gained recognition from her role in Melvin and Howard (1980).
For that role she would be nominated and win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Balancing drama and comedy while showcasing her all-American charisma helped her secure roles for years to come, keeping her busy in film and on television.
Geena Davis (Born 1956)
Towerin’ at over six feet tall Geena Davis used her impressive stature to help her stand out early in her modeling career. Before she began acting, Davis was a model and appeared in Victoria’s Secret catalogs.
That combination of her tall stature, prominent features, and beaming smile gave her a truly memorable presence in Hollywood. Roles in movies like The Fly (1986) and Thelma & Louise (1991) made her a household name.
Outside of acting Geena Davis is a member of Mensa and took up competitive archery. She even made the 1999 U.S. Olympic archery trials later in life.
Ornella Muti (Born 1955)
Italian actress Ornella Muti has always been one of the most recognizable faces of European cinema. Dark hair, striking green eyes, strong features and an expressive stare gave her screen presence from her early film roles.
Internationally she may be best known for her portrayal of Princess Aura in Flash Gordon (1980), though she already had an established career in Europe at the time. Ornella Muti’s beauty would remain an intrinsic part of her image throughout her years as a popular international actress.
Chaka Khan (Born 1953)
Possessing a wild look to match her immense talent, Chaka Khan was known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence.
Performing as the lead singer of Rufus throughout the 1970s, Khan showcased her impressive voice alongside big hair, sultry good looks, and glam costumes.
Plus, transitioning into a solo career, Khan became one of the most iconic voices in R&B and funk.
Kim Basinger (Born 1953)
Kim Basinger got her start as a model with the Ford Modeling Agency in New York before transitioning into acting. Her blonde hair, full lips, expressive eyes, and classic beauty made her one of Hollywood’s most iconic faces.
She rose to superstardom starring in films like 9½ Weeks (1986), and she proved to be much more than just a gorgeous Hollywood s*x symbol with her role in L.A. Confidential (1997). For her role in that film, she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Karen Allen (Born 1951)
Karen Allen captured our hearts as Marion Ravenwood in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). She had freckles, big eyes, and a friendly smile. There was something endearing and genuine about her.
Playing Marion also cemented her status as one of the genre’s most iconic women. She exuded confidence, playfulness, and strength. And she wasn’t afraid to stand up to Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones.
Cybill Shepherd (Born 1950)
Cybill Shepherd started getting noticed when she won Miss Teenage Memphis in 1966 at age 16, and went on to Model of the Year in 1968. Her blonde hair, high cheekbones and blue eyes led to modeling success before an acting career.
Her role in Peter Bogdanovich’s The Last Picture Show (1971) launched her into a prominent film career. Shepherd became a TV star on Moonlighting during the 1980s.
Her charm wasn’t just in her appearance; it was also in her sharp sense of humor and confident attitude.
Cassandra Peterson (Born 1951)
Before achieving worldwide success as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Cassandra Peterson was a Las Vegas showgirl and model.
Peterson started performing in Vegas when she was just 17 years old. And her time as a Vegas showgirl and performer undeniably shaped the Elvira character she eventually brought to life.
Peterson’s striking looks, gothic flair, and knack for comedy turned her into one of pop culture’s most recognizable female figures. And thanks to her larger than life appearance and dedication to the character, Elvira has remained a pop culture icon for over 40 years.
Christie Brinkley (Born 1954)
American model Christie Brinkley was discovered by photographer Errol Sawyer at a post office in Paris in 1973 while she was studying art abroad. She became known for her blonde hair, sparkling smile and signature all-American look.
Brinkley was one of the most famous modeling stars of the late 70’s and 80’s. Christie Brinkley set a record in 1979, 1980, and 1981, being the very first model to land three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers.
Her partnership with CoverGirl began in 1976, making her one of their most recognizable representatives. The original contract lasted nearly 20 years. CoverGirl brought Brinkley back into the fold for her cosmetics deal in 2005.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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