Hollywood’s “Golden Age” is commonly thought to have occurred in the 1930s and 1940s, despite most films from those years being in black and white. Both the audio and visual industries saw radical changes in the 1930s. It has produced Talkies and advanced filmmaking in a distinct genre direction (such as action films, musical films, documentaries, and cinematic realism films).
Movies include pleasant moments, comedies, and even a few terrifying ones. Several notable actors, like Vilmy Banky, John Gilbert, and Norma Talmadge, met their untimely ends when silent films faded to black and white and then color. The actress’s good looks are as well-known as her acting skills. This article provides a list of the top 20 actresses of the 1930s.
1. Katharine Hepburn
| Katharine Hepburn | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Katharine Houghton Hepburn |
| Birthdate | May 12, 1907 |
| Birthplace | Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1928–1995 |
| Spouse | Ludlow Ogden Smith (m. 1928; div. 1934) |
| Partner | Spencer Tracy (1941–1967) |
| Awards | Four Academy Awards for Best Actress |
| Education | Bryn Mawr College (BA) |
| Notable Works | Morning Glory (1933), Bringing Up Baby (1938), The Philadelphia Story (1940), The African Queen (1951), Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967), The Lion in Winter (1968), On Golden Pond (1981) |
| Legacy | Named the greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema by the American Film Institute, remembered as an important cultural figure and embodiment of the “modern woman” |
| Breakthrough Role | “The Warrior’s Husband” on Broadway in 1932 |
| Challenges Overcome | Series of commercial failures in the 1930s, personal insecurities and self-doubt, navigating early theatrical experiences |
| Lifestyle | Shunned the Hollywood publicity machine, defied societal expectations by wearing trousers before they were fashionable for women, lived independently |
| Early Life | Raised in Connecticut by progressive parents involved in social activism, joined mother in women’s suffrage demonstrations |
| Passions and Interests | Avid golfer and swimmer, love for films from a young age, organized plays and performances for charitable causes |
American film legend Katharine Houghton Hepburn (born May 12, 1907; died June 29, 2003) was known as Katherine Hepburn. Hepburn is the actress with the most Oscars, with four victories out of twelve nominations. The American Film Institute named Hepburn the best actress in Hollywood’s first hundred years in 1999.
If you are a fan of Katharine Hepburn, you might also appreciate learning about the Top 21 Famous Movie Stars of the 1950s revealed in this article. It contains some of the most iconic actresses of the time, including Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.
2. Bette Davis
| Bette Davis | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bette Davis |
| Birthdate | April 5, 1908 |
| Birthplace | Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Death | October 6, 1989 |
| Resting Place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1929–1989 |
| Spouses | Harmon Oscar Nelson (m. 1932; div. 1938) |
| Children | 3, including B. D. Hyman |
| Academy Awards | 2 wins |
| Academy Award Nominations | 10 nominations |
| Critical Breakthrough | Role in “Of Human Bondage” (1934) |
| Iconic Performances | “Jezebel” (1938), “All About Eve” (1950) |
| Last Oscar Nomination | “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962) |
| Later Career Success | “Death on the Nile” (1978), “The Whales of August” (1987) |
| Acting Style | Noted for playing unsympathetic, sardonic characters |
| Personal Life | Married four times, raised children as a single parent |
| Legacy | Enduring influence on acting styles and portrayal of complex roles |
| Lasting Reputation | Regarded as one of the greatest actresses in the history of cinema |
Bette Davis’s stardom peaked in the 1940s in the previous century. The theater audience to view the film and hear his analysis and presentation. Betty was already a movie star when she actively contributed to the evolution of cinema from black and white to color. She was appointed Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president in 1941.
3. Jeanette MacDonald
| Jeanette MacDonald | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeanette MacDonald |
| Birthdate | June 18, 1903 |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | January 14, 1965 |
| Resting Place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer, Radio Host, Philanthropist |
| Years Active | 1909–1959 |
| Spouse | Gene Raymond |
| Partner | Nelson Eddy |
| Relatives | Blossom Rock (sister) |
| Awards | 2 RCA Red Seal Gold Records |
| Genres | Opera/Operetta, Musical Theater |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals (soprano) |
| Labels | RCA Victor, RCA Red Seal Records |
Actress and vocalist Jeanette MacDonald have performed in several cinema musicals, including Maytime and The Love Parade. She also had roles in The Girl of the Golden West and Sweethearts films. She moved from Broadway to other musicals like The Love Parade, An Hour With You, Naughty Marietta, and San Francisco as she grew up in Philadelphia.
If you’re a fan of Jeanette MacDonald, you might be interested in checking out this list of celebrities with big noses too. It’s a well-known fact that Jeanette had a prominent nose that became a signature part of her look. This article provides a list of other well-known figures with similar features, proving that big noses can be just as striking and beautiful as any other feature.
4. Judy Garland
| Judy Garland | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Judy Garland |
| Born | June 10, 1922 |
| Birthplace | Grand Rapids, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Known For | Playing Dorothy Gale in “The Wizard of Oz” |
| Occupation | Actress, singer, dancer, vaudevillian |
| Years Active | 1924-1969 |
| Achievements | Academy Juvenile Award, Golden Globe Award, Special Tony Award, Grammy Award for Album of the Year |
| Notable Films | “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “A Star Is Born” |
| Collaborations | Mickey Rooney, Gene Kelly, Vincente Minnelli |
| Television Series | “The Judy Garland Show” |
| Legacy | Ranked as the eighth-greatest female screen legend by the American Film Institute |
| Personal Struggles | Early stardom pressures, physical and mental health challenges, substance use disorder |
| Death | Accidental barbiturate overdose in 1969, at age 47 |
Judy Garland was born in 1922 and died in 1969. Life span: June 10, 1922-June 22, 1969. She won Album of the Year at the Grammys and is one of the top 10 female cinema stars of all time, according to the American Film Institute. She’s one of the top 10 female movie stars, according to the American Film Institute.
5. Carmen Miranda
| Carmen Miranda | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carmen Miranda |
| Birthdate | February 9, 1909 |
| Birthplace | Marco de Canaveses, Kingdom of Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese-born Brazilian |
| Occupation | Singer, dancer, actress |
| Nickname | The Brazilian Bombshell |
| Rise to Stardom | Popularized samba music and Brazilian culture worldwide |
| Films | Starred in 14 Hollywood films |
| Career Achievements | Voted third-most-popular personality in the United States |
| Cultural Impact | Increased public awareness of Latin culture |
| Legacy | Rio de Janeiro museum built in her honor |
| Family | Parents: José Maria Pinto da Cunha and Maria Emília Miranda |
| Education | Convent of Saint Therese of Lisieux |
Famous samba singer and actress in Brazil known for her signature hats. Both That Night in Rio (1941) and All of the Gang Here (1943) featured Carmen Miranda. She had a heart attack while dancing on national television and was born in Portugal.
6. Anna May Wong
| Anna May Wong | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anna May Wong |
| Birthdate | January 3, 1905 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | February 3, 1961 |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1919-1961 |
| Notable Achievements | First Chinese-American film star in Hollywood |
| Films | The Toll of the Sea (1922) |
| Contributions | Became a fashion icon and top fashion icon in the 1920s and 1930s |
| Television | Starred in the television show “The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong” (1951), the first-ever U.S. television show starring an Asian-American series lead |
| Legacy | Her life and career were re-evaluated in the years around the centennial of her birth, in three major literary works and film retrospectives |
Anna May Wong is a notable actress who first gained attention in 1922 for her role in the silent film The Toll of the Sea. Anna May Wong was born Hoang Lieu Suong on January 3, 1905, in Chinatown, Los Angeles, California, USA. The area is populated by people of many different cultural backgrounds, including Chinese, Irish, German, and Japanese.
7. Dorothy Lamour
| Dorothy Lamour | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dorothy Lamour |
| Born | December 10, 1914 |
| Birthplace | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer |
| Career Highlights | Starred in the successful “Road to…” comedy film series with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope |
| Notable Films | The Jungle Princess, Road to Singapore, The Hurricane, My Favorite Brunette, and more |
| Stage and TV Work | Focused on stage and television work in the later years of her career |
| Autobiography | Released “My Side of the Road” in 1980 |
| Personal Life | Married Herbie Kay and William Ross Howard III |
| Final Movie | Made her last movie appearance in 1987 |
| Legacy | Popular pin-up girl during World War II, known for selling war bonds |
Dorothy Lamour is responsible for bringing Bing Crosby and Bob Hope together for a string of successful movies, including “Road to…”, which features a blend of adventure, humor, ad-lib, and Hollywood in-jokes. The Biggest Show on Earth and Creepshow 2 are two of her other outstanding flicks. In 1940’s “The Road…” about traveling to Singapore, she made her cinematic debut.
8. Janet Gaynor
| Janet Gaynor | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Janet Gaynor |
| Birthdate | October 6, 1906 |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Death | September 14, 1984 (aged 77) |
| Resting Place | Hollywood Forever Cemetery |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1924–1939; 1950s-1981 |
| Known For | Academy Award-winning performances in “7th Heaven,” |
| Spouses | Jesse Lydell Peck, Adrian, Paul Gregory |
| Children | 1 |
| Achievements | First recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actress |
In addition to her roles in A Star Is Born (1937) and 7th Heaven (1927), Janet Gaynor was one of the most well-known silent film actresses of all time. She took home the statuette for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for the first time. She made history by being the first performer to win an Oscar for more than one role in the same year.
9. Jane Wyman
| Jane Wyman | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jane Wyman |
| Birthdate | January 5, 1917 |
| Birthplace | St. Joseph, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | September 10, 2007 |
| Resting Place | Forest Lawn Mortuary and Memorial Park, Cathedral City, California |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer, Dancer, Philanthropist |
| Years Active | 1932–1993 |
| Known For | Academy Award-winning actress, Soap opera success on Falcon Crest, Golden Globe Awards and Primetime Emmy Award nominations |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Spouses | Ernest Wyman (1933–1935) |
| Children | 3, including Maureen Reagan and Michael Reagan |
The actress is most known for being Ronald Reagan’s first wife. Falcon Crest and Johnny Belinda are two of her previous works. Although Jane Wyman received an Academy Award for her performance in Johnny Belinda, she didn’t gain widespread acclaim until her 1980s stint as the lead on the hit TV series Falcon Crest.
10. Lucille Ball
| Lucille Ball | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lucille Désirée Ball |
| Birthdate | August 6, 1911 |
| Birthplace | Jamestown, New York, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actress, Comedian, Producer |
| Known For | Co-creator and star of “I Love Lucy” |
| Years Active | 1929–1989 |
| Awards and Honors | Primetime Emmy Awards winner (5 wins) |
| Career Highlights | Ran Desilu Productions, the first woman-led TV studio |
| Personal Life | Married Desi Arnaz (1940-1960) |
| Children | Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr. |
| Death | April 26, 1989 |
| Legacy | Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame |
Lucille Ball came into this world on August 6, 1911, in the little community of Jamestown, New York, in the state of New York. At the age of 15, she launched her career in the entertainment industry, initially working as a model in New York and then going on to perform on Broadway under the name “Diane Belmont.”
If you loved Lucille Ball’s performances, you may want to check out our list of 20 most popular actresses of the 1950s. Discover some of the legendary actresses that captivated audiences during the golden age of Hollywood and get to know the history behind their success.
11. Marlene Dietrich
| Marlene Dietrich | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marlene Dietrich |
| Birthdate | December 27, 1901 |
| Birthplace | Berlin, Germany |
| Citizenship | Germany (until 1939), United States |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer |
| Years Active | 1910s – 1980s |
| Known For | The Blue Angel, Morocco, Shanghai Express, Blonde Venus |
| Hollywood Success | Became one of the highest-paid actresses of the era |
| Humanitarian Efforts | Supported German and French exiles, received honors |
| Notable Performances | The Blue Angel, Morocco, Dishonored, Shanghai Express |
| Significant Films | A Foreign Affair, Stage Fright, Witness for the Prosecution |
| Legacy | Named ninth greatest female screen legend by AFI |
A large part of Dietrich’s success can be attributed to her masculine yet sensual appearance. The Berlin nightlife of the 1920s shaped Dietrich’s ability to communicate effectively in Hollywood.
12. Jean Harlow
| Jean Harlow | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jean Harlow |
| Birthdate | March 3, 1911 |
| Birthplace | Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1928–1937 |
| Nicknames | Blonde Bombshell, Platinum Blonde |
| Famous Films | Red-Headed Woman, Red Dust, Dinner at Eight, Reckless, Suzy |
| Legacy | Ranked 22nd on the American Film Institute’s greatest female screen legends list |
| Hair Color | Platinum Blonde |
| Screen Persona | “Bad girl” characters with a “Laughing Vamp” persona |
| Popularity | One of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars |
| Cause of Death | Kidney failure |
The female star’s mother’s name was Harlean Harlow Carpenter, better known by her stage name, Jean Harlow. She adopted a pseudonymous performing identity before her first audition to distinguish herself from other hopefuls. Even though Jean is now a famous actor, many people still refer to her as “The Baby,” a childhood moniker she has carried throughout her life.
13. Gloria Swanson
| Gloria Swanson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gloria May Josephine Swanson |
| Birthdate | March 27, 1899 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress, Producer |
| Years Active | 1914–1983 |
| Famous Films | Sunset Boulevard, Male and Female, Zaza |
| Academy Award Nominations | 3 |
| Golden Globe Awards | 1 |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Spouses | Wallace Beery, Herbert K. Somborn |
| Children | 3 |
From silent films to the mainstream success of Sunset Boulevard, Gloria Swanson was a star to behold. Both “The Trespasser” and “The Love of Sunya” included her as an actress. She contributed to both silent and talking pictures, and she also served as the film’s producer.
During the 1930s, Gloria Swanson became one of the most prominent actresses in Hollywood. Famous for her beauty and talent on-screen, she also supported the Republican Party. If you want to learn more about other celebrities in Hollywood who support the Republican Party, check out this article on Republican Celebrities.
14. Carole Lombard
| Carole Lombard | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carole Lombard |
| Birthdate | October 6, 1908 |
| Birthplace | Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Known For | Energetic, off-beat roles in screwball comedies |
| Highest Rank | Ranked 23rd on AFI’s list of greatest female stars |
| Spouse(s) | William Powell, Clark Gable |
| Years Active | 1921–1942 |
| Famous Films | “Twentieth Century,” “My Man Godfrey,” “Nothing Sacred” |
| Academy Award Nomination | Nominated for Best Actress for “My Man Godfrey” |
| Legacy | Icon of American cinema, definitive actress of screwball comedy genre |
She appeared in her 1932 film, No Man alongside Clark Gable and acted in 1942’s To Be or Not to Be. When Carole Lombard was only 33, her massive Hollywood career was cut short by her death in a plane tragedy.
15. Ginger Rogers
| Ginger Rogers | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ginger Rogers |
| Birthdate | July 16, 1911 |
| Birthplace | Independence, Missouri, U.S. |
| Death | April 25, 1995 (aged 83) |
| Resting Place | Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery |
| Occupations | Actress, Dancer, Singer |
| Years Active | 1925–1987 |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Spouses | Jack Pepper (m. 1929; div. 1931) |
| Relatives | Phyllis Fraser (cousin), Vinton Hayworth (uncle) |
| Academy Award | Best Actress for her role in Kitty Foyle (1940) |
| Collaborations | Nine musical films with Fred Astaire (1933-1939) |
| Broadway Debut | Girl Crazy |
| Career Highlights | Stage Door, Vivacious Lady, and more |
| Box-Office Success | One of the biggest box-office draws of the 1940s |
| Autobiography | “Ginger: My Story” published in 1991 |
| Legacy | Ranked number 14 on the AFI’s 100 Years…100 Stars list |
Ginger Rogers danced with Fred Astaire in several of the best-known film musicals of all time, including Top Hat, Swing Time, and Gay Divorce. The iconic phrase “cigarettes for me, big lad” was first spoken by her in the 1930s Manhattan film Young Man and became a catchphrase of the era. She had connections to Broadway and the vaudeville scene. Before heading to Hollywood, he performed as a dancer and an actor.
If you’re drawn to the sparkling appeal of 1940s actresses, you might want to read up on the life and career of Ginger Rogers. She was a triple threat—actor, dancer, and singer—and was often paired with Fred Astaire in dance films. Get to know this iconic actress and her signature moves, which have influenced countless performers over the years.
16. Myrna Loy
| Myrna Loy | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Myrna Loy |
| Birthdate | August 2, 1905 |
| Birthplace | Helena, Montana, U.S. |
| Died | December 14, 1993 |
| Resting Place | Forestvale Cemetery, Helena, Montana, U.S. |
| Other Names | The Queen of Hollywood |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1925–1982 |
| Spouses | Arthur Hornblow Jr. |
| Political Party | Democratic |
Myrna Loy, featured in The Thin Man in the 1930s, has been a Hollywood icon ever since. She also had roles in Manhattan Melodrama and The Mask of Fu Manchuria. She began her career as a movie star in the 1930s, and in 1937 she crowned the “Queen of Hollywood.”
17. Mae West
| Mae West | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mae West |
| Birthdate | August 17, 1893 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | November 22, 1980 |
| Resting place | Cypress Hills Cemetery |
| Occupations | Actress, singer, comedian, screenwriter, playwright |
| Years active | 1907–1978 |
| Spouse | Frank Wallace (1911-1943) |
| Partner | Paul Novak (1954-1980) |
| Notable Achievements | Voted 15th greatest female screen legend of classic American cinema |
| Career Highlights | Known for breezy sexual independence and lighthearted bawdy double entendres |
| Literary Works | Wrote books and plays, including the controversial play “Sex” |
| Support for Causes | Early supporter of women’s liberation and gay rights |
| Broadway Success | Notable Broadway productions include “Diamond Lil” and “The Constant Sinner” |
| Transition to Film | Started film career with Paramount Pictures in 1932 |
As an American actress, screenwriter, and singer, Mae West is regarded as one of the most iconic figures in the history of classic Hollywood. She was a sex icon of her day, revered for her ability to play raunchy characters and intense scenes with ease. Her brazen sexuality was the source of her fame and her notoriety. Mae’s passion for the entertainment industry began at an early age.
In the midst of the Great Depression, Mae West was a star known for her risqué humor and confident demeanor. She is among the 31 most attractive women throughout history. Her boldness was showcased not only in her individualistic style and sexuality, but also in her determination to write and produce her own plays and movies.
18. Irene Dunne
| Irene Dunne | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Irene Dunne |
| Birthdate | December 20, 1898 |
| Birthplace | Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Other Names | The First Lady of Hollywood, Irene Dunne Griffin |
| Alma Mater | University of Indianapolis, Chicago Musical College |
| Occupations | Actress, singer, philanthropist |
| Years Active | 1920–1987 |
| Notable Films | Cimarron, Theodora Goes Wild, The Awful Truth, Love Affair, |
| Co-Stars | Cary Grant, Charles Boyer |
| Awards | Academy Award nominations (5), Kennedy Center Honor |
| Genres | Popular, Show tune |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Labels | Decca Records |
| Philanthropy | Delegate to the United Nations, advocacy for world peace, |
Irene Dunne, nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal in The Truth Awful, played a powerful Norwegian mother in the film I Remember Mama. Her career lasted three decades, and she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors in 1985. Her performances in Cimarron, Wild Theodora Goes, and Love Affair earned her three Academy Award nominations, including Best Actress.
19. Rita Hayworth
| Rita Hayworth | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rita Hayworth |
| Birthdate | October 17, 1918 |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Died | May 14, 1987 (aged 68) |
| Resting place | Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City |
| Occupations | Actress, dancer, producer |
| Years active | 1931-1972 |
| Spouses | Edward C. Judson (m. 1937; div. 1942) |
| Children | 2, including Yasmin Aga Khan |
| Parents | Eduardo Cansino (father) |
| Relatives | Richard Cansino (nephew) |
| Famous Films | Gilda |
| Recognitions | Listed as one of the top 25 female motion picture stars of all time by the American Film Institute |
| Illness and Advocacy | Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 1980 |
| Film Career | Known for her dancing and on-screen chemistry with Fred Astaire |
| Legacy | Remembered as one of the most iconic actresses of the 1940s |
In previous films, an attractive performer has played the charming Astaire You Were Never. In her 37 years in the industry, she has been in more than 60 films. Because she was too young to perform in Hollywood when the recession hit, she and her father crossed the border to find work in nightclubs.
With her signature auburn locks, Rita Hayworth is considered one of the most popular red headed actresses of all time. She rose to fame in the 1940s and became a beloved pin-up girl for American soldiers during World War II. Hayworth’s charisma and beauty made her an icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
20. Greta Garbo
| Greta Garbo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Greta Garbo |
| Birthdate | September 18, 1905 |
| Birthplace | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Nationality | Swedish-American |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Career Highlights | Regarded as one of the greatest screen actresses of all time |
| Years Active | 1920–1941 |
| Notable Films | Flesh and the Devil (1927), Grand Hotel (1932), Camille (1936) |
| Awards | 3 Academy Award nominations, 1 Honorary Award |
| Art Collection | Paintings by Renoir, Bonnard, and van Dongen |
Greta Garbo’s impact was felt at the close of the silent film period and the start of Hollywood’s “Golden Age.” Greta Lovisa Gustafsson is her given name; she was born in Stockholm to a low-income household. She got a job at the neighborhood barber shop as a foamy shaver so she could help out financially. She attended her local town’s Royal Dramatic Acting School as a student.