Top 20 Famous Movie Stars Of The 1930s

Although the preceding crash of the stock market and the beginning of the Great Depression, the 1930s were regarded as the Golden Age of Hollywood, and current knowledge of famous actors from the era embodied the phrases “glitz” and “glamour.” A period when “actors” were cinema stars and “films” were genre-defining classics. Talented performers from this era are among the industry’s finest. Several of these performers won the Academy Award for Best Actor or Actress in a Leading Role.

Who was the biggest movie star of the ’30s? Keep reading to learn more about the most prominent figures of the 1930s.

1. Laurence Kerr Olivier

One of three male performers who dominated the British stage in the mid-20th century, Laurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier, OM, was an English actor and director. On May 22, 1907, his life began; on July 11, 1989, he died away and was also prolific in the film business, with over fifty film appearances spread across his career. Later in his career, he had great success in television roles.

Olivier received a knighthood in 1947 and was elevated to the peerage for life in 1970. Olivier was also awarded the prestigious Order of Merit (1981). He won ten awards for his work in front of the camera, including five Emmys, three Golden Globes, four Oscars, and two BAFTAs. The Society of London Theatre annually presents the Laurence Olivier Awards in his name, and the National Theatre’s main auditorium is named the Laurence Olivier Auditorium in his honor.

Laurence Kerr Olivier	Information
Full Name	Laurence Kerr Olivier
Birthdate	May 22, 1907
Birthplace	Dorking, Surrey, England
Death	July 11, 1989 (aged 82)
Occupations	Actor, Director, Producer
Years Active	1925–1989
Spouses	Jill Esmond (1930-1940), Vivien Leigh (1940-1960), Joan Plowright (1961-1989)
Children	4
Awards	Academy Awards: 4, British Academy Film Awards: 2, Emmy Awards: 5, Golden Globe Awards: 3
Famous Films	Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, Henry V, Hamlet, Richard III, Spartacus
Television Career	Brideshead Revisited, King Lear
Legacy	National Theatre’s largest auditorium named in his honor, Laurence Olivier Awards

 2. Clara Gordon Bow

It’s well known that American actress Clara Gordon Bow (July 29, 1905 – September 27, 1965) achieved fame in the 1920s as a leading lady in silent films and then successfully transitioned to “talkies” in 1929. Her portrayal of a fearless shopgirl in the film propelled her to international stardom, earning her the moniker “The It Girl.” The Bow has become an icon of the Flapper era and is sometimes cited as the decade’s foremost sexual emblem.

In 1928 and 1929, Clara Bow was ranked as the top box office attraction, while in 1927 and 1930, she was ranked as the number two draw. At the height of her fame, she received more than 45,000 admirer letters in a single month, and her appearance in a film was reported to have guaranteed investors a “safe return” by over two to one odds. After marrying fellow actor Rex Bell in 1931, Bow decided to retire from show business and start a new life as a rancher in Nevada. In 1933, she starred in her final picture, Hoop-La.

Clara Gordon Bow	Information
Full Name	Clara Gordon Bow
Born	July 29, 1905 – September 27, 1965
Birthplace	Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Other Names	“The It Girl”
Occupation	Actress
Rise to Stardom	Rose to stardom during the silent film era of the 1920s and successfully transitioned to “talkies”
Iconic Film	“It” (1927)
Filmography	Appeared in 46 silent films and 11 talkies, including hits like “Mantrap” (1926) and “Wings” (1927)
Box-Office Success	Named first box-office draw in 1928 and 1929, and second box-office draw in 1927 and 1930
Retirement	Retired from acting in 1933 after marrying actor Rex Bell and became a rancher in Nevada
Cause of Death	Heart attack at the age of 60 in September 1965
Childhood Challenges	Overcame a difficult childhood marked by poverty, her mother’s illness, and family instability
Personal Struggles	Battled with her mother’s mental illness and experienced a traumatic incident with her father
Athletic Abilities	Skilled athlete with a passion for sports and won medals in cinder track competitions
Early Acting Career	Made her screen debut in “Beyond the Rainbow” (1922)
Breakthrough Role	Cast as a tomboy in “Down to the Sea in Ships” (1922)

If you want to emulate Clara Bow’s iconic beauty, check out Hood MWR’s article on the 31 Most Attractive Women Throughout History. This article showcases stunning women from all eras, including Cleopatra and Marilyn Monroe, and can provide inspiration for your next look.

 3. Bela Lugosi

Bela Lugosi (born Béla Ferenc Dez’s Blaskó; October 20, 1882 – August 16, 1956) was a Hungarian-born American actor who is most famous for his portrayal of Count Dracula in the 1931 English-language film of the same name.

In 1927, he played the title role in a Broadway production of Bram Stoker’s Dracula; by 1928, he had relocated to Hollywood with the show. Later, in 1931, he played the title role in Tod Browning and Universal Studios’ film adaptation of Dracula. His reputation as “Dracula” and his ominous, thick Hungarian accent drastically limited the jobs offered to him during the 1930s, despite his best efforts to avoid being typecast.

Bela Lugosi	Information
Full Name	Bela Lugosi
Birthdate	October 20, 1882
Birthplace	Lugos, Kingdom of Hungary, Austria-Hungary
Nationality	Hungarian-American
Occupation	Actor
Known For	Portraying Count Dracula in the film “Dracula”
Active Years	1902–1956
Spouses	Ilona Szmick, Ilona von Montagh, Beatrice Woodruff Weeks,
Children	Bela George Lugosi
Notable Films	“Dracula,” “Son of Frankenstein,” “The Black Cat,”
Height	6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m)
Citizenship	Hungarian (until 1931), United States (naturalized in 1931)
Resting Place	Holy Cross Cemetery, Los Angeles, California, U.S.

 4. Irene Dunne

Known for her roles in films during Hollywood’s Golden Age, Irene Dunne DHS (born Irene Marie Dunn; December 20, 1898 – September 4, 1990) was an American actress. Although she has appeared in films across genres, she is most recognized for her humorous parts.

Lovely Irene Dunne, affectionately dubbed “The Iron Maiden,” initially set her sights on a career in opera, but her vocal powers took her to Broadway and Hollywood. Even though she had many outstanding performances, Dunne was never nominated for an Academy Award. As a result, she is now considered the best American actress who was never recognized for the award.

During her retirement, Dunne focused on humanitarian work. President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed her to represent the United States as a delegate to the United Nations. She spoke out in favor of international cooperation to promote peace and raise awareness about humanitarian aid for refugees.

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
Title	Dame of the Holy Sepulchre, Delegate to the United Nations, President of Santa Monica’s St. John’s Hospital Guild, Chairman of the Field Army American Cancer Society, Co-Chairman of the American Heart Association, Co-Chairman of the American Red Cross
Political Party	Republican
Board member of	Technicolor, California Arts Commission
Spouse	Francis Dennis Griffin
Children	1
Awards	Multiple awards and honors for her philanthropy and contributions to the arts
Notable Films	Cimarron, Theodora Goes Wild, The Awful Truth, Love Affair, I Remember Mama
Collaborations	Cary Grant, Charles Boyer
Philanthropy Work	Delegate to the United Nations, advocate for world peace, refugee-relief programs

5. Gary Cooper

American actor Gary Cooper (born Frank James Cooper on May 7, 1901, and passing away on May 13, 1961) was recognized for his calm strength on film. Regarding American performers, Gary Cooper was up there with the best of them. Cooper received praise from film reviewers, moviegoers, and his peers for his subtle performances. Cooper, a leading actor throughout Hollywood’s Golden Age, was named by the American Film Institute as the eleventh most excellent male star of classic Hollywood films.

Gary Cooper	Information
Full Name	Gary Cooper
Birthdate	May 7, 1901
Birthplace	Helena, Montana, U.S.
Other Names	Coop
Education	Dunstable Grammar School, Gallatin County High School, Grinnell College
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	1925–1961
Academy Awards	2 wins, 3 nominations, 1 Honorary Award
Filmography	84 feature films
Screen Persona	Strong, quiet, and understated
American Film Institute Ranking	Number 11 on the list of the 25 greatest male stars of classic Hollywood cinema
Box Office Success	One of the top money-making stars for 18 years
Iconic Roles	The Virginian, Mr. Deeds, Sergeant York, High Noon
Acting Style	Natural, authentic, and projecting own personality
Personal Life	Married to Veronica Balfe; 1 child

6. Jean Arthur

Born Gladys Georgianna Greene on October 17, 1900, and passing away on June 19, 1991, Jean Arthur was a Broadway and cinema actress whose career spanned from the early 1920s through the early 1950s.

The historian James Harvey documented the development of romantic comedy with the following words: “Jean Arthur was more synonymous than anybody else with the screwball comedy genre. The star’s personality was so closely tied to the screwball aesthetic that it’s hard to picture the genre without her.” The phrase “the archetypal humorous leading woman” has been used to describe her. In 1953, she portrayed the homesteader’s wife in George Stevens’ Shane, the final picture in which she did not play a humorous role.

Jean Arthur	Information
Full Name	Jean Arthur
Birthdate	October 17, 1900
Birthplace	Plattsburgh, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Actress
Years Active	1923–1953

7. James Cagney

James Cagney was an American dancer and actor born on July 17, 1899, and died away on March 30, 1986. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 1942 musical film Yankee Doodle Dandy. Because of his achievements in the entertainment sector, he was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1984. The president of the United States has given his approval. He was featured on the list of the Greatest Male Stars of Classical Hollywood Cinema, prepared by the American Film Institute in 1999.

James Cagney	Information
Full Name	James Francis Cagney Jr.
Birthdate	July 17, 1899
Birthplace	New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, Dancer, Film Director
Notable Films	The Public Enemy, Taxi!, Angels with Dirty Faces, The Roaring Twenties, City for Conquest, White Heat
Awards	Academy Award winner for Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
Legacy	Ranked 8th on the American Film Institute’s list of greatest male stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood
Notable Quote	“Maybe the greatest actor who ever appeared in front of a camera.” – Orson Welles
Acting Career	Stage debut in 1919, transitioned from vaudeville to Broadway, influential gangster film roles
Warner Bros.	Contract disputes, lawsuit victory, return to the studio
Retirement	Retired in 1961, returned for Ragtime (1981) after a stroke
Screen Actors Guild	Served as the 6th President for two years
Personal Life	Married Frances Vernon in 1922, had two children
Other Ventures	Founded Cagney Productions, involved in USO troop tours during World War II

8. Katharine Hepburn 

Katharine Hepburn was an American actress who appeared in film, on stage and television. She was born on the 12th of May in 1907 and died on the 29th of June in 2003. Throughout her six-decade career, Hepburn was a top Hollywood actress. She built a film persona that mirrored this public image, and she typically portrayed parts requiring a strong will coupled with intelligence. She was renowned for her fierce independence, vibrant personality, and outspokenness. Her work encompassed a wide range of genres, from screwball humor to literary drama, and earned her countless accolades, including a record-breaking four Academy Awards for Best Actress. Her achievements set a bar that no other actor has yet to surpass. In 1999, the American Film Institute awarded Hepburn the title “Greatest Female Star of Classic Hollywood Film” in her honor.

Katharine Hepburn	Information
Full Name	Katharine Hepburn
Birthdate	May 12, 1907
Birthplace	Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
Died	June 29, 2003
Resting place	Cedar Hill Cemetery
Education	Bryn Mawr College (BA)
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1928–1995
Academy Awards	Four wins for Best Actress
Greatest Star	Named the greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema
Screen Persona	Headstrong, spirited, and outspoken
Genre Range	Screwball comedy to literary drama
Partnership	Long-term partnership with Spencer Tracy
Shakespearean Plays	Tackled Shakespearean stage productions
Late Career	Three more Academy Awards for later performances
Legacy	Important figure in portraying the “modern woman”
Childhood	Raised to exercise freedom of speech and challenge barriers
Activism	Joined mother in “Votes For Women” demonstrations
Educational Path	Graduated with a degree in history and philosophy
Breakthrough Role	Acclaimed performance in “The Warrior’s Husband”

9. William Horatio Powell

William Horatio Powell, an American actor who died on March 5, 1984, was a major star at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio. He was born on July 29, 1892. His most famous role was opposite Myrna Loy in the Thin Man movies. William Horatio Powell’s efforts in The Thin Man, My Man Godfrey, and Life with Father earned him three nominations for Best Actor at the Academy Awards. The Hollywood community had a lot of respect for Powell. Marion Shilling, who starred with him in the film Shadow of the Law, called him “a great guy to work with.” “He was one of the nicest individuals I’ve ever encountered; humble, respectful, and incredibly considerate of others. He could see I was intimidated by him, so he made an effort to put me at ease right away.”

William Horatio Powell	Information
Full Name	William Horatio Powell
Birthdate	July 29, 1892
Birthplace	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation	Stage Actor, Movie Actor
Years Active	1911–1955
Spouses	Eileen Wilson, Carole Lombard, Diana Lewis
Children	William David Powell
Collaborations	Paired with Myrna Loy in 14 films, including the Thin Man series
Academy Award Nominations	Nominated for Best Actor for The Thin Man, My Man Godfrey, and Life with Father
Significant Films	The Thin Man, My Man Godfrey, Life with Father
Contributions	Portrayed Philo Vance, Francis I, Nick Charles in Thin Man series
Notable Relationships	Romantically involved with Jean Harlow and starred with her in Reckless
Health Journey	Diagnosed with rectal cancer, achieved full remission through treatment
Awards and Recognition	New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor

10. Carole Lombard

Carole Lombard was a famous American actress who lived from October 6, 1908, until her untimely death on January 16, 1942. Lombard’s breakout role as the lead in Howard Hawks’ groundbreaking screwball comedy Twentieth Century was a watershed moment in her career (1934). She became known for her roles in films including Hands Across the Table (1935), My Man Godfrey (1936), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, and Nothing Sacred (1937). (1937). At the time, Lombard wed “The King of Hollywood,” Clark Gable, and the celebrity pair became a cultural phenomenon. At the end of the decade, Lombard desperately wanted an Oscar and started taking on increasingly dramatic roles. A legend of American cinema and the screwball comedy genre, she is now recognized as a true Hollywood legend.

Carole Lombard	Information
Full Name	Carole Lombard
Birthdate	October 6, 1908
Birthplace	Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
Occupation	Actress
Years Active	1921-1942
Spouses	William Powell (m. 1931; div. 1933), Clark Gable (m. 1939)
Notable Films	Twentieth Century (1934), My Man Godfrey (1936), Nothing Sacred (1937), To Be or Not to Be (1942)
Awards	Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress (My Man Godfrey, 1936)
Legacy	Ranked 23rd on the American Film Institute’s list of the greatest female stars of Classic Hollywood Cinema
Cause of Death	Airplane crash
Age at Death	33

11. Herbert Marshall

In theater, cinema, and radio, English actor Herbert Brough Falcon Marshall was a mainstay from May 23, 1890, until his death on January 22, 1966. His memorable appearances in blockbuster Hollywood pictures of the 1930s and 1940s have made him a legendary English actor. During the pinnacle of his career, he was one of the most in-demand performers in Hollywood. Herbert Marshall was honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star for his services to the motion picture business in 1960. Later in life, he specialized in portraying offbeat characters.

Herbert Marshall	Information
Full Name	Herbert Brough Falcon Marshall
Birthdate	May 23, 1890
Birthplace	London, England
Death	January 22, 1966
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	1911–1965
Spouses	Mollie Maitland (m. 1915; div. 1928) Edna Best (m. 1928; div. 1940) Lee Russell (m. 1940; div. 1947) Boots Mallory (m. 1947; died 1958) Dee Anne Kahmann (m. 1960)
Notable Films	Trouble in Paradise (1932) Murder! (1930) The Letter (1940) The Razor’s Edge (1946) The Fly (1958)
Famous Co-Stars	Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis
Radio Series	The Man Called ‘X’ (1944-1952)
Humanitarian Efforts	Rehabilitation work for injured troops during World War II
Recognition	Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1960)
Personal Challenges	Overcame the loss of a leg due to injuries sustained in World War I

If you’re interested in the Hollywood Golden Age, you might want to check out the Top 25 Famous Chicago Rappers article. One of the many versatile actors that was holding the camera in that era was Herbert Marshall and he was born in London, England.

12. Norma Shearer

Edith Norma Shearer (August 10, 1902 – June 12, 1983) was a Canadian-American actress active on film from 1919 through 1942. For her contribution to the motion-picture industry, Shearer has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6636 Hollywood Boulevard. Even for a pampered star, her output in the sound era is strikingly meager. And yet this was part of her undeniable aura that she did not make movies lightly and frivolously but with great care, sincerity and conviction.

Norma Shearer	Information
Full Name	Norma Shearer
Born	August 11, 1902
Birthplace	Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Died	June 12, 1983
Resting place	Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale
Citizenship	Canada, United States
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1919–1950s
Spouses	Irving Thalberg (m. 1927; died 1936)
Children	2, including Irving Thalberg Jr.
Parent	Andrew Shearer (father)
Relatives	Athole Shearer (sister)
Notable Achievements	– First five-time Academy Award acting nominee

13. Lionel Barrymore

American stage, cinema, and radio actor and director Lionel Barrymore (April 28, 1878 – November 15, 1954) was born Lionel Herbert Blythe. While his portrayal in A Free Soul (1931) earned him an Oscar, he is most remembered today for playing the evil Mr. Potter in Frank Capra’s 1946 film. It’s a Wonderful Life.

Lionel Barrymore, the eldest actor in the famed Barrymore family, is remembered as Mr. Potter in the 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life. Unlike many of his offspring, Barrymore was a musician who also created music. Barrymore was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in both film and radio.

Lionel Barrymore	Information
Full Name	Lionel Barrymore
Birthdate	April 28, 1878
Birthplace	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, Film Director
Academy Award	Best Actor for “A Free Soul” (1931)
Notable Role	Mr. Potter in “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
Annual Tradition	Portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol”
Dr. Kildare Series	Played Dr. Leonard Gillespie in MGM’s film series
Marriages	Doris Rankin, Irene Fenwick
Children	Two daughters: Ethel Barrymore II, Mary Barrymore
Artistic Interests	Talents in painting and composing music
Transition to Film	Successful transition from stage to silent film
Notable Collaborations	Worked with Griffith, Garbo, and John & Ethel Barrymore
Theatrical Legacy	Member of the Barrymore family

14. Marlene Dietrich

Marie Magdalene “Marlene” Dietrich was a German-born American actress and singer whose career extended from the 1910s up to the 1980s. She was born on December 27, 1901, and died on May 6, 1992. She became one of the era’s highest-paid actresses by effectively capitalizing on her beautiful character and exotic beauty, which allowed her to do so. Dietrich was ranked as the ninth greatest female screen legend in the history of classic Hollywood films by the American Film Institute in 1999. Dietrich was considered an icon in the fashion world and the entertainment industry. Edith Head once stated that Marlene Dietrich was the only actress who understood more about fashion than she did. Marlene Dietrich adored Dior.

Marlene 1942 in NY

Marlene Dietrich	Information
Full Name	Marlene Dietrich
Birthdate	December 27, 1901
Birthplace	Berlin, Germany
Died	May 6, 1992
Citizenship	Germany (until 1939), United States
Occupations	Actress, Singer
Years Active	1910s-1980s
Spouse	Rudolf Sieber (1923-1976)
Children	Maria Riva
Famous Films	The Blue Angel, Morocco, Dishonored, Shanghai Express, Blonde Venus
Contributions	High-profile entertainer during World War II, humanitarian efforts, notable film performances
Accolades	Honors from the United States, France, Belgium, and Israel
Legacy	Named the ninth greatest female screen legend of classic Hollywood cinema by the American Film Institute

Marlene Dietrich was one of the most popular actresses in the 1930s. She was known for her unconventional style and her androgynous look. To achieve a similar look, consider trying out a short hairstyle for women. This style can give you a bold and modern look.

15. Spencer Tracy

American actor Spencer Bonaventure Tracy was born on April 5, 1900, and died on June 10, 1967. He was widely regarded as one of the best performers to grace vintage Hollywood films. Spencer Tracy’s adaptability enabled him to win Best Actor at the Academy Awards twice a row. The American Film Institute voted him the seventh best male star of Hollywood’s Golden Age in 1999. To many, Tracy represents the pinnacle of 20th-century acting.

Critic Leonard Maltin labels Tracy “One of the main stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age.” At the same time, cinema historian Jeanine Basinger calls Tracy’s career a “golden record of movie achievement,” both accolades from the 21st century. “Tracy deserves to be known for himself, as a master of acting technique,” writes The Washington Post’s Charles Matthews.

Spencer Tracy	Information
Full Name	Spencer Bonaventure Tracy
Birthdate	April 5, 1900
Birthplace	Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Death	June 10, 1967
Place of Death	Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
Burial Place	Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale
Alma Mater	Ripon College, Wisconsin
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	1921–1967
Known For	Natural performing style and versatility
Academy Awards	Two consecutive Best Actor awards from nine nominations
Major Studios	Fox Film Corporation, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Collaboration	Nine films with Katharine Hepburn
Cannes Film Award	Best Actor for Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)
Last Film	Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)
Personal Struggles	Severe alcoholism and guilt over his son’s deafness

16. Bette Davis

More than 50 years and 100 roles into her career, Ruth Elizabeth “Bette” Davis (April 5, 1908 – October 6, 1989) was a legendary American actress. Her greatest triumphs were in romance dramas, although she was known for her performances across various cinema genres, including modern criminal melodramas, historical pictures, suspense horror, and the occasional comedy. She won two Oscars and set a record by being the first actress to be nominated for the award ten times.

Davis was the first female recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award when she received it in 1977. An industry-wide vote was taken to select the “50 Greatest American Screen Legends.” That list, “AFI’s 100 Years…100 Stars,” was released in 1999 to increase the general public’s familiarity with and enthusiasm for old cinema. Following Katharine Hepburn in second place among the top 25 actresses was Viola Davis.

Bette Davis	Information
Full Name	Bette Davis
Birthdate	April 5, 1908
Birthplace	Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation	Actress
Years Active	1929–1989
Spouses	Harmon Oscar Nelson (m. 1932; div. 1938)
Children	3, including B. D. Hyman
Awards and Recognitions	2 Academy Awards (Best Actress)
Career Highlights	Noted for playing unsympathetic, sardonic characters
Notable Films	Of Human Bondage (1934)
Personal Relationships	Married four times, divorced three times, and widowed once
Early Life	Born as Ruth Elizabeth Davis on April 5, 1908
Career Beginnings	Started in theater, moved to Hollywood in 1930
Last Films	All About Eve (1950)
Legacy	Known for forceful and intense style of acting

If you’re a fan of the legendary actress Bette Davis, you may also be interested in exploring some of the other famous actresses of the 1930s. Check out this list of top 20 actresses of that era to discover more brilliant performances and classic films. From Katharine Hepburn to Jean Harlow, this list has it all.

17. James Stewart

American actor and World War II aviator James Maitland “Jimmy” Stewart was born on May 20, 1908, and died on July 2, 1997. James Stewart, who played the everyman onscreen better than anyone else, was named the third-greatest American male actor by the American Film Institute in 1999. He exemplified the ideal American man of the 20th century because of the high moral standards he demonstrated during his 55-year acting career.

Stewart was an instinctive actor, according to his biographer Scott Eyman. Despite his reserved nature away from the spotlight, he acted like a pro in front of the camera. Stewart’s co-stars appreciated working with him because Stewart was easy to get along with and eager to improvise during production, which was consistent with his casual and conversational acting approach. He said that playing out a scenario in front of a soundstage’s lights and cameras felt unnatural.

James Stewart	Information
Full Name	James Maitland Stewart
Birthdate	May 20, 1908
Birthplace	Indiana, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	July 2, 1997 (aged 89)
Resting Place	Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California, U.S.
Alma Mater	Princeton University (AB)
Occupations	Actor, military pilot
Years Active	1935–1991
Spouse	Gloria Hatrick McLean (m. 1949; died 1994)
Children	4
Awards	Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, AFI Life Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honor, Academy Honorary Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom
Military Career	United States Army, Army Air Forces, United States Air Force
Rank	Brigadier General
Notable Films	You Can’t Take It with You, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Philadelphia Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, Rear Window, Vertigo, Anatomy of a Murder
Legacy	Ranked third on AFI’s list of the greatest American male actors, Received numerous prestigious honors and awards

18. Barbara Stanwyck

The American actress, model, and dancer Barbara Stanwyck (born Ruby Catherine Stevens on July 16, 1907, and passed away on January 20, 1990) was born on this day in history. Because of her powerful and lifelike performances and flexibility, she was a household name during her 60-year career in the film and television industries. She produced 85 films over 38 years before switching to television and was a favorite of directors like Cecil B. DeMille, Fritz Lang, and Frank Capra.

By the early 1950s, the star’s success had dwindled. By the 1960s, Stanwyck had switched to television, where she was quickly recognized with three Emmys. She received several honorary lifetime honors, including an Honorary Oscar in 1982 and the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1986. The American Film Institute named her the eleventh most excellent female star of the golden age of Hollywood. Stanwyck spent her retirement years doing volunteer work quietly.

Barbara Stanwyck	Information
Full Name	Barbara Stanwyck
Birthdate	July 16, 1907
Birthplace	Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Occupations	Actress, model, dancer
Years Active	1923–1986
Notable Directors	Cecil B. DeMille, Fritz Lang, Frank Capra
Memorable Performances	Stella Dallas (1937), Ball of Fire (1941), Double Indemnity (1944)
Academy Award Nominations	Best Actress nominations for Stella Dallas (1937) and Ball of Fire (1941)
Spouses	Frank Fay (m. 1928; div. 1935), Robert Taylor (m. 1939; div. 1952)
Children	1
Highest-Paid Actress	Became the highest-paid actress in the United States by 1944
Transition to Television	Won three Emmy Awards for The Barbara Stanwyck Show (1961), The Big Valley (1966), and The Thorn Birds (1983)
Honorary Awards	Received an Honorary Oscar in 1982 and the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1986
Legacy	Ranked as the 11th greatest female star of classic American cinema by the American Film Institute

Born in 1907 in Brooklyn, New York, Barbara Stanwyck rose to fame as an actress in the early 1930s. She was known for her strong female roles and her ability to portray emotion on screen. With a career spanning nearly six decades, Stanwyck is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of all time. Learn more about other famous actresses of the 1940s in this article on Hood MWR.

19. Henry Fonda

American film and stage actor Henry Jaynes Fonda (May 16, 1905 – August 12, 1982) had a career spanning five decades on Broadway and Hollywood. In numerous iconic films, Fonda established himself as a regular guy.

Many people consider Fonda to be one of the all-time greats in Hollywood. On his centennial birthday, May 16, 2005, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) aired a marathon of Fonda’s films. The Nederlander Organization renamed the Carter DeHaven Music Box theater the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood in 1985 in honor of the actor. The United States Postal Service produced a 37-cent stamp featuring an artist’s rendering of Fonda in May 2005 as part of their “Hollywood legends” series.

Henry Fonda	Information
Full Name	Henry Jaynes Fonda
Birthdate	May 16, 1905
Birthplace	Grand Island, Nebraska, U.S.
Death	August 12, 1982
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	1928–1981
Spouses	Margaret Sullavan (m. 1931; div. 1933) Frances Seymour Brokaw (m. 1936; died 1950) Susan Blanchard (m. 1950; div. 1956) Afdera Franchetti (m. 1957; div. 1961) Shirlee Mae Adams (m. 1965)
Children	3, including Jane and Peter
Relatives	Bridget Fonda (granddaughter) Troy Garity (grandson)
Career Highlights	Acclaimed performances in films like “The Grapes of Wrath” and “12 Angry Men”
Legacy and Recognition	Named the sixth-Greatest Male Screen Legends of the Classic Hollywood Era by the American Film Institute

20. Ginger Rogers

After being born on July 16, 1911, Ginger Rogers became a famous Golden Age Hollywood actress, dancer, and singer before passing away on April 25, 1995. In the 1930s, she appeared in RKO’s musical films alongside Fred Astaire, and in 1940, she received the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Kitty Foyle. Throughout much of the 20th century, she had a successful career in theater, radio, and television.

Rogers’ nine films with Fred Astaire in the 1930s were enormous hits for RKO Pictures and are widely considered to have revolutionized the genre at the time. However, after her first two films with Astaire were bombed at the box office, she began focusing on dramatic and comedic roles. Oscar’s success catapulted Rogers to the ranks of the 1940s’ highest-paid and most popular actresses.

Rogers had a prolific career, appearing in 73 films during it. She is ranked as the fourteenth best female classic Hollywood film star by the American Film Institute.

Ginger Rogers	Information
Full Name	Ginger Rogers
Birthdate	July 16, 1911
Birthplace	Independence, Missouri, U.S.
Death	April 25, 1995 (aged 83)
Occupation	Actress, dancer, singer
Years Active	1925–1987
Academy Award	Best Actress for “Kitty Foyle” (1940)
Notable Films	“Flying Down to Rio” (1933)
Broadway Debut	“Girl Crazy” (1929)
Significant Films	“42nd Street” (1933)
Notable Awards	Kennedy Center Honors (1992)
Autobiography	“Ginger: My Story” (published in 1991)