Through the years, Hollywood has produced several icons, screen queens who have personified glamor, sultriness, and yes, sexuality. They include icons like Rita Hayworth, Jayne Mansfield, Mae West, Jean Harlow, and the all-time sex symbol of Hollywood, Marilyn Monroe. Long before people became more open and accepting of sexuality — when orgasms and desires were spoken in whispers, and the adult industry was criminalized or held underground — these women were proud seductresses who showed how beautiful and empowering it was to embrace one’s inner sex goddess.
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Rita Hayworth was a popular pin-up girl for GIs during World War II. Her claim to fame was being featured in what became an iconic photograph in Life magazine. In that photo—which ended up on the bedroom walls of many of that era’s gentlemen—Hayworth was wearing a black lace negligee that sold for more than $25,000 at a 2002 auction. There was no doubt that Hayworth radiated sex appeal both onscreen and off; her lips were voted Best in the World, while she herself was called “The Love Goddess”. She became known for her many film roles, including the iconic film noir Gilda in which she performed a striptease that had that era’s censors keeping an eye on her.
Elizabeth Taylor’s beauty was nothing short of legendary, her luminous violet eyes casting a spell that seemed to hold the world captive, their rare, almost mystical hue shimmering with a depth that transcended the silver screen. Her radiant presence, framed by flawless features, made her an icon of timeless allure, but it was her fierce advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness that truly defined her legacy. In an era when stigma silenced many, Taylor fearlessly championed the cause, co-founding amfAR in 1985 and raising millions through her AIDS Foundation, proving her heart was as captivating as her gaze.
Jayne Mansfield was an American film, stage and television actress—who was one of the earliest Playboy playmates—was one of the leading sex symbols of the 1950s and 60s. Mansfield was renowned for her curvaceous and busty figure, and during her student days had worked as a nude model. She made no secret of her sex appeal, and film producers made no effort to conceal or hide it either.
Outspoken, cheeky, and bawdy are words that come to mind when you think of Mae West. This Hollywood actress, playwright and sex symbol became famous not just for her roles, her looks or her sex appeal, but for her quotes, which included such famous ones as the one that expressed her taste in men: “Personally, I like two types of men – domestic and foreign” or “Sex is emotion in motion.”
Jean Harlow was one of the earliest sex symbols in Hollywood, tracing her roots all the way back to the 1930s. She was known as the original “Blonde Bombshell” — and there’s no doubt that her looks and her curves certainly qualified her to be called one. She appeared in such films as Platinum Blonde, but was most well-known for Hell’s Angels, where she delivered her now famous line, “Would you be shocked if I put on something more comfortable?”
Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French beauty of the 1950s and '60s, captivated the world with her tousled blonde hair, sultry gaze, and effortless allure that redefined sensuality on screen. Beyond her timeless glamour, Bardot’s greatest legacy lies in her fierce dedication to animal welfare; in 1986, she founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, using her fame to champion the protection of animals worldwide. From film siren to fearless activist, Bardot remains a symbol of both captivating beauty and compassionate strength.
Lana Turner’s stunning beauty—blonde hair, blue-green eyes, and a flawless figure—made her a Hollywood icon, dubbed the "Sweater Girl" after her discovery at 16. Rising from Idaho to MGM stardom in films like The Postman Always Rings Twice, her life was a rollercoaster of seven marriages, a scandalous tragedy involving her daughter and mobster Johnny Stompanato, and personal struggles with alcoholism. Yet, her talent and charisma earned her an Oscar nod and a lasting legacy as a resilient silver-screen legend.
Saving the best for last, the legendary and ethereal beauty Marilyn Monroe. No list of sex icons or sex symbols of the Hollywood glam era would be complete without her. She was, without doubt, the most famous of the sex symbols of her era, well-known throughout the world. Her screen roles—such as Seven Year Itch—and the iconic photograph of her with her dress being blown by the wind, and she, trying to hold it down, boosted her status as a sex symbol. She was controversial, too, for her rumoured love affairs, and for her controversial death in 1962.
Author: Anna
For: Langtrees.com
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“What a nostalgic and beautifully written piece! Classic Hollywood and its iconic sex symbols exude timeless glamour and elegance. This blog captures that golden era perfectly and reminds us why these stars still inspire us today.”
“Thanks for this wonderful post. Looking forward to reading more from you soon!”
“These women walked so today’s sex symbols could strut. Bold, glamorous, and unapologetically sensual—Rita, Marilyn, Mae, and many more, didn’t just light up the screen, they redefined what it meant to own your power and pleasure. Total goddesses.”
“This is a beautifully crafted and nostalgic tribute to Hollywood's golden age, celebrating the pioneering women who transformed the notions of glamour and sensuality. These icons were not only breathtakingly beautiful; they embodied boldness, confidence, and authenticity during an era when expressing one's sexuality was considered taboo.”
“Don't forget the small screen beauties - Elizabeth Montgomery, Diana Rigg, Barbara Feldon.”
“Not to forget the legendary Brigitte Bardot - actress, singer and model. She used her fame and fortune for a good cause after she retired from the big screen. She became an animal rights activist and created the Brigitte Bardot foundation.”
“These women weren't just 'sexy' they paved the way for many women and shaped the way the normal women body was viewed. Showed us its okay to have gorgeous curves and to feel comfortable in your own skin. They are so inspiring. ”
“Hard for me to separate Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly from the movies. And Elizabeth Montgomery (Bewitched) and Dawn Wells (Mary-Ann from Gilligan's Island) from the TV. All perfectly summed up by the word "pretty".”
“I don't think that any such list could be valid without a mention of Lauren Bacall. She had it in spades. ”
“Darling, reading your words is like stepping into a scene from a classic film—effortlessly captivating, with a beauty that transcends time. Your writing has the kind of grace and allure that would have left even the brightest stars of Hollywood in awe”
“I agree they are all Hollwood Goddess, but, there are others. Let not forget 2. Sophia Loren, Sophia Loren was born as Sofia Scicolone at the Clinica Regina Margherita in Rome on September 20, 1934. Her father Riccardo was married to another woman and refused to marry her mother Romilda Villani, despite the fact that she was the mother of his two children (Sophia and her younger sister Maria Scicolone). Growing up in the slums of Pozzuoli”
“The penultimate Marilyn Munroe had it all and shoved it up Hollywood's proverbial by starting up her own production company (first woman to do it). An ode to this beauty! BTW wrong author!”
“Love this throwback to Hollywood’s golden age! These women weren’t just stunning; they redefined confidence and empowerment. Such timeless icons who still inspire today. Thanks for sharing!”
“They weren’t just sex symbols, they were pioneers who showed us how to embrace our inner goddess long before it was cool.”
“Such a good tribute to Hollywood's golden era and the trailblazing women who redefined glamor and sensuality! These icons weren’t just stunning; they were bold, confident, and unapologetically themselves in a time when embracing your sexuality was taboo. They set the stage for empowerment and showed the world that being a ‘sex symbol’ could also mean being an icon of strength and individuality. This post beautifully captures their legacy and reminds us of the timeless allure of classic Hollywood!”
“Yes famous icons... We still have the same issues now as back then. Guys asking for natural or bad hygiene, bad breath. Thank God at Langtrees we have all the answers or we know where to point you in the right direction.”
“What a nostalgic and beautifully written piece! There’s something truly timeless about classic Hollywood and its iconic sex symbols—the glamour, elegance, and charisma they embodied are unmatched even today. This blog does a fantastic job of capturing that golden era and reminding us why these stars continue to inspire so many. I especially loved how the post highlighted not just their physical beauty but also their confidence and uniqueness. It’s a refreshing take that goes beyond the surface and celebrates what made these individuals so memorable.”
“Monroe is such an influential person and it goes far beyond her looks too! She was an avid reader and an activist. When African-American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald faced racism in venues, Monroe accompanied Fitzgerald and sat front and centre for her performances. Fitzgerald said it was because of Monroe's actions that she 'never had to play a small jazz club again.' Monroe also called out a critic who said her beauty was only because of her pricey clothes and realised a photoshoot wearing a potato sack! But by far my favourite photos of Monroe are by Eve Arnold from 1955. She isn't dressed to the nines with marbles sewn into her bra to look perkier, she is just a young woman enjoying a quiet afternoon with a friend.”
“We have forgotten to add Sofia Loren - An Italian actress who gained international fame in the 60s, known for her stunning looks and performances. Elizabeth Taylor - A celebrated actress known for her beauty and talent; she won multiple Academy Awards and was a major box office draw. Audrey Hepburn - Renowned for her elegance and charm, she starred in classics like "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "My Fair Lady." ”
“I love Monroe so much! She wasn't petite, she had curves, cellulite and rolls but her self-confidence oozed out of her, which made her so sexy. She broke social norms in her time with her sexy nude dress that she sang Happy Birthday Mr. President. ICONIC ”
“I think Lana Turner should be added she was a Sexy Classic Hollywood Sex Icon She had a career spanning at least five decades, she achieved fame as a pin up model and film actress. In the 1940's she was one of the highest paid American actresses.. And for the younger generation Dita Von Teese a vey classic Sex Icon”
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