Silver-screen sirens of the 20th century

20th-century screen sirens

Today is the birthday of the legendary Marilyn Monroe, the day when she would have turned 85. In honor of this iconic sex symbol we take a look at the most glamorous and seductively beautiful silver screen sirens of the 20th century, along with their dazzling films and fiery love affairs.  

Marilyn Monroe

Her fame surpassed that of any other entertainer of her generation, and she transcended the bounds of stardom to become a cultural icon. She offered the whole package -- glamour, beauty sex appeal, a sizzling screen presence and a talent for singing.

Greta Garbo

One of silent film's biggest stars this Swedish actress captivated audiences with her divine looks and natural talent for conveying emotions on-camera. After the Hollywood "talkies" were introduced, her seductive voice and mysterious persona helped her become a legend, eventually earning her an honorary Oscar for her screen career.

Brigitte Bardot

She was the first international star to be as popular as any homegrown pinup in the U.S. This sultry sex symbol is known for popularizing the bikini and also for her illustrious career as a model, singer and flirtatious actress.

Angelina Jolie

Regularly on the "world's most beautiful" lists, this silver screen goddess is known for her otherworldly beauty acting talent, eccentricities and humanitarian work. She is at home portraying tough young women on the big screen and received an Academy Award for her role as a sociopath.

Sophia Loren

This Oscar-winning actress is widely considered to be the most popular Italian actress of her time. She is famous for starring in more than 100 movies and for her hourglass figure.

Elizabeth Taylor

She was admired for her acting ability glamorous lifestyle, beauty and distinctive violet eyes. Part of her enduring fame includes two Academy Awards her pioneering AIDS activism and her many marriages.

Raquel Welch

A new international sex symbol took to the cinematic throne in the '60s when she hit the screen in a skimpy fur bikini. Her natural beauty wiped away the notion that enduring sex goddesses could only be blond, and she gained recognition as a serious actress, author and businesswoman.

Betty Grable

The No. 1 pinup girl and morale booster during World War II this American actress, dancer and singer was one of the most famous of Hollywood's blonde superwomen. Known for her luxurious legs -- famously insured by her studio she offered wholesome appeal and an alluring stage presence.

Rita Hayworth

With her signature wavy, auburn hair and charismatic smile this sexy actress became a popular pinup girl during World War II and one of the era's top stars. She left her mark on the silver screen with her sultry roles and her considerable talent as a dancer and singer.

Sharon Stone

This diva has a flair for combining brainy sex appeal and old-fashioned Hollywood glamour. Her brazen role as a femme fatale elevated her to international star status, and she has since shown her considerable range as an actress.

Gene Tierney

One of Hollywood's most luminous actresses, this striking beauty was known for her etched cheekbones, crystal-like green eyes and elegance. A successful Broadway and film career helped propel her to stardom.

Hedy Lamarr

This Austrian-born actress became a worldwide sensation in a '30s Czech film which featured her completely nude. For a decade she was cast opposite top male stars, usually as a woman of mystery and was known for her extraordinary beauty.

Farrah Fawcett

Sporting feathered blond hair this iconic entertainment figure of the '70s burst onto the scene after a poster of her in a red bathing suit sold millions of copies. Along with her wholesome look and sex appeal, she gained acclaim for her starring role in a hit TV series.

Julia Roberts

Not only has she frequented People magazine's "World's Most Beautiful" list but she quickly became one of Hollywood's highest-paid stars after headlining a '90s romantic comedy as a hooker.

Jean Harlow

Known as the original "blond bombshell," she made her mark on Hollywood with her trendsetting platinum blond hair, luminous skin, arched eyebrows and red lips. This golden girl showed talent in both her sensual and comedic performances.

Vivien Leigh

This delicate beauty is best known for her role as a Southern belle garnering a Best Actress Academy Award.

Kim Basinger

A cover girl initially, this tall, blond actress performed a breakout role as a Bond girl. She knows how to steam up the screen and is best known for her award-winning performance in a crime drama.

Ava Gardner

Amidst a sea of blond-haired bombshells, this striking, green-eyed brunette stood out and maintained a solid acting career. She was also known for her high-profile love affairs with some of Hollywood's leading men.

Jane Russell

A famous director, who cast her in an odd, psychological Western, helped bring her to fame, along with her smoldering voluptuousness. Her talents as a multifaceted actress were given more attention later in her career, when she was hailed for her comic delivery and singing talents.

Dorothy Dandridge  

Her lovely dark eyes, beauty marks and cool singing style made Dandridge a standout. She reached the pinnacle of stardom as the sultry seductress in a Hollywood musical and went on to become the first black performer ever nominated for a Best Actress Oscar.