What Happened to These Iconic ‘50s Actresses?

Marilyn Monroe

The Golden Age of Hollywood can't be imagined without this glam girl! With her iconic golden curls, wispy voice, and natural beauty, Marilyn Monroe ruled the silver screen in the 1950s. The Seven Year Itch (1955) helped to solidify her iconic sensual image.

Rising above the stereotypical 'dumb blonde' image created by her on-screen roles, Monroe earned a Golden Globe, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and many other accolades. But, in 1962, her life was tragically cut short at only 36 years of age.

Jane Russell

Another leading lady of the 1940s and '50s was Jane Russell, who started her career as a singer. This star of Hollywood starred alongside Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). No doubt the film was a smashing hit!

Russell was active in both genres of film and music throughout her later career. Like her co-star of the 1953 blockbuster, Russell also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her hand and footprints are immortalized in the forecourt of Grauman's Chinese Theater. The actress passed away in 2011, aged 89.

Audrey Hepburn

With an on-screen spunky yet graceful persona and collaboration with Givenchy, Audrey Hepburn was a prominent film and fashion icon of the 1950s. She rose to fame with Roman Holiday (1953), becoming the first actress to win a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar for a single role.

Hepburn earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was also inducted into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame. The influential actress passed away in 1993, aged 63, leaving her legacy as an actress and humanitarian behind.

Grace Kelly

Talking about 1950s American cinema is incomplete without this Hollywood royalty. Before becoming Princess Grace of Monaco and retiring from acting, this beauty was a successful actress and a Hitchcock muse. She starred in three consecutive Hitchcock thrillers - Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, and To Catch a Thief.

Grace Kelly was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. After getting married, she concentrated mostly on her royal duties as well as social work. In 1982, at the age of 52, the diva tragically passed in a fatal car crash.

Elizabeth Taylor

Starting her career as a child actress, Elizabeth Taylor made her position as a Hollywood star by the 1950s. She was one of MGM's most bankable stars, starring in critically and commercially successful films like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Suddenly, Last Summer, and more.

Taylor gained even more popularity throughout the 1960s with many award-winning performances. She was also one of the first celebrities to get involved and advocate for the research and prevention of HIV and AIDS - so much so that she chaired AIDS Project Los Angeles' Commitment to Life fundraiser in 1985. For her efforts, Taylor was honored as 'Dame,' and was presented the title of DBE. The actress passed at 79 years old in 2011.