Famous Women of the 60s: Then and Now

Age is an interesting thing. It can either make you look better, or far worse than you looked when you were younger.

Famous Women aren’t immune to this phenomenon, namely your favorite stars from the 60s. Here are 35 women from the 60’s then…and today: 

35. Barbara Feldon

While a majority of her work was known to be in the theatre, she was also quite famous for having appeared on “Get Smart”. This was a popular TV show in the 60s.

Barbara Feldon was also a successful model at the time, and is still remembered for her mascara tricks that made her eyes stand out. Give them a try!

34. Donna Douglas

Have you ever seen the show, “The Beverly Hillbillies”? If so, then you definitely remember Elly May Clampett.

Donna Douglas was a major icon of this decade, and can be recognized by her massive, blonde mane. Unfortunately, she passed away in January of 2015, but she’ll always be remember for following her heart, especially when it comes to style  

33. Meredith MacRae

If there was anyone who always maintained a simple, but classy look, it was none other than Meredith MacRae. She was best known for her roles in “My Three Sons” and “Petticoat Junction.”

 If you want to mimic her makeup routine, don’t forget to moisturize, and don’t overdo the eyeliner, mascara, or anything else that you might do to your eyes. Remember, less is always more!

32. Jeanne Moreau

This French beauty had her acting roots on stage, but made her big debut in 1949, as she began to star in film, in addition to theatre.

Her most famous film was the critically acclaimed “Elevator to the Gallows”, in which she played the lead female role, and boy did she own it. She continued on to play many more leading ladies throughout her lifetime.  

31. Claudia Cardinale

Claudia Cardinale is one of the best known actresses in Italy, and that’s saying a lot, because there were quite a few of them. She has done her share of American, French, Italian, and British films, and has done multiple transitions between them.

That shows a lot about her diversity as an actress, as she never left any stone unturned when seeking a good role. More leading ladies and their fascinating stories still to come!

30. Anouk Aimée

Anouk Aimée was only 14 years old when she first hit the limelight as a film actress. She is French, and one poll in a magazine that was done in 1995, confirmed that she was one of the hottest stars of her time, as well as all of film history.

Well, just look at her! She had these roles that made her the femme fatale, so with her talent and looks, we’re not surprised of her reputation that followed such roles.

29. Catherine Deneuve

Catherine Deneuve has been on a roll since the 60s, and hasn’t stopped for a second. This French star has obtained numerous awards for her work, so much, that she is an icon in the world of French cinema.

This woman did it all, including English films, such as Dancer in the Dark and The Musketeer. Today, she continues to act, and participates in an array of philanthropic organizations.

28. Monica Vitti

Monica made her big debut through her major role in “L’avventura.” 

This really kick-started her career, and although she never managed to transition into English-speaking movies, her work in Italian cinema is quite memorable, and considered to be among the greatest classics in film, especially in Italy. Unfortunately, she been battling Alzheimer’s in recent years, but she’ll always be remembered for contributing to Italian film.

27. Vera Miles

Anyone who was alive during the 60s, or who appreciates films from the decade remembers “Psycho.” Vera Miles starred in it, making her a familiar face of 60s film. 

She actually worked often with Alfred Hitchcock, even outside of “Psycho”, and throughout her acting career, managed to star in a few hit TV shows and other movies. In 1995, Miles retired, but her talent has made the deepest impact on Hollywood, so she is deserving of immense amounts of respect.

26. Shirley MacLaine

Remember watching “Around the World in 80 Days?” That’s one of the classics that Shirley MacLaine will always be remember for. 

One of her more recent works has included “Steel Magnolias”, and “Downton Abbey”, which has been a massive hit as of lately. Regardless of what era her movies took place in, she’s a true Hollywood gem, and should be regarded as such.

25. Katharine Ross

Katharine Ross has been in a ton of films that most remember since the beginning of her career. 

Some of these flicks include “The Stepford Wives” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, which we assume you have seen, or at least heard of. Her role in “The Graduate” is what got her an Academy Award.

24. Julie Christie

Movies like Doctor Zhivago and Madding Crowd are what made Julie Christine truly famous and part of the Hollywood film community.

Despite all of her amazing work of the past, she still acts, and you’ve probably seen her in more recent films, like “The Company You Keep” and “Red Riding Hood.” This woman will always remain a jewel to the industry.

Coming up, one of the biggest, most influential leading ladies of the Sixties.

23. Vanessa Redgrave

If there is anyone who will be remembered for their stage acting during the 60s, it’s Vanessa Redgrave. Like many actors, she went from stage to cinema during a common transition of testing the waters.

She ended up winning an Academy Award later for her role in “Camelot”, “Mission: Impossible”, among others. Such awards have established her place in Hollywood.

22. Sophia Loren

Who could possibly forget the beautiful Sophia Loren? When she is talked about, everyone knows her name, and in addition to remembering her talent, her astonishing beauty is also noted.

Loren is a major star in the realm of Italian cinema, and despite her age, she still acts today, looks more fabulous than ever, and continues to bring in awards.

21. Stefania Sandrelli

Stefania Sandrelli is best known for her parts in comedic films, and well as adult ones. Regardless of what you recognize her for, it’s pretty much agreed upon that this woman was beautiful, and also one heck of an actress.

One of her most impressive awards that she has won was the “Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres”, which is a huge honor in the arts. Stefania definitely rocks, but perhaps you’ll recognize this next one better…

20. Maggie Smith

Professor McGonagall, is that you? Yes, it is.

Maggie Smith is currently known for her roles in “Harry Potter” series, as well as on Downton Abbey. While these are both excellent examples of her work, she also managed to do some pretty incredible things during the 60s, such as “Othello”, as well as her timeless performances on the West End and Broadway.

19. Rita Tushingham

This british star can be recognized in several films from the 60s, such as “Smashing Time”, “The Bed Sitting Room”, and “Doctor Zhivago.” Her original debut was made in 1961, when she made her appearance on “A Taste of Honey.” 

Since then, her career took off in full force, and she can be remembered for her contributions to cinema, even today.

Wonder which of your favorite stars also made the list? Keep on reading to find out!

18. Claire Boom

Claire Boom maintained a bold career, boasting roles in both films, as well as on stage. 

Charlie Chaplin was the one to discover her, originally, but even after the 60s, she has one heck of a repertoire of films that came out more recently. The one you’ll probably best recognize, is 2010’s “The King’s Speech”, which she totally rocked.

17. Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury first made her appearance in limelight, when she began acting in films such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” This movie in particular, is one that got her a ton of award nominations, as well as actual awards. 

You probably didn’t know that she was voice of Mrs. Potts in Disney’s version of “The Beauty and the Beast.” Cool, right?  One of her newer roles includes “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.”

16. Shirley Jones

Shirley Jones was best remembered in the 60s as the actress who owned the world of musicals.

She has starred in a few incredibly famous musicals, such as “Carousel”, “The Music Man”, and “Oklahoma!” Other works of hers include “The Partridge Family”, which really made her appearance memorable in both Musicals, as well as TV shows.

15. Stéphane Audran

Stéphane Audran is a very famous French actress, and is most known for her excellent work in movies like “Le Charme Discret De La Bourgeoisie” and “The Big Red One.” Critics love this woman, as there is quite a bit to say about her performances.

But how many ways can one say “amazing”, because there’s really no other way to describe her acting. Hold on tight, we saved the best for last!

14. Jacqueline Bisset

Although she is British, Jacqueline Bisset’s work was of such high quality, that she even received the honorable French award of “Légion d’honneur.” 

She has starred in movies like “Airport”, “The Deep”, and “Murder on the Orient Express.” Today, she continues to act, and was awarded a Golden Globe for her role in “Dancing on the Edge.”

13. Shirley Knight

Known for her striking good looks and award winning acting, Shirley Knight is an actress of film, television, and stage. 

Her best known roles include The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, Sweet Bird of Youth, and Dutchman. She still acts today, and has been in both comedic and dramatic films.

12. Sarah Miles

Sarah Miles is also British, and she starred in both film and theatre. Her peak years of fame were from the 60s-80s.

Although she’s retired, she is still memorable, and has definitely made her mark in the film industry. Miles’ most remembered roles were in “Blowup”, “Ryan’s Daughter”, and “The Servant.” This woman was honestly astonishing in those classics, and still is today.

11. Julie Andrews

The lovely Julie Andrews is a unique and incredibly famous British actress that really impacted film in the 60s. You might recognize her as the beloved Mary Poppins, although she had many roles that were icons in and of themselves, and these roles are remembered today.

She also joined Anne Hathaway in the “The Princess Diaries” in 2001, and her glow from her youthful years is still intact. Coming up, A leading lady from the 60s who’s recently made a surprising comeback.

10. Diana Rigg

You probably know Diana Rigg from her unforgettable performance in the TV series, “The Avengers”. This show’s peak was from 1965 until 1968, but that wasn’t Rigg’s only outstanding performance.

She also has an elaborate history in the world of theatre acting, and played in a variety of shows in London, as well as NYC. Relative to her age, her skin looks pristine, and you can tell that this woman really takes care of herself.

9. Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols was actually a singer before transitioning into an actress. Her big debut was on “Star Trek”, and she really defied some major stigmas of the time, by being a black actress, surrounded by white men (you go, girl!).

Her feature that is probably best noticed by everyone, is her gorgeous set of eyebrows. Nichols knew how to take care of them, and boy, did we take note.

8. Mary Tyler Moore

You’ve most likely seen her on her show called the “Mary Tyler Moore Show”, in which she had the role of Mary Richards. She was a major star for having appeared on the “Dick Van Dyke Show”, and after that, continued her career in TV shows, as well as a few good films.

One thing that really made her stand out, was that smile of hers. It’s truly contagious and makes everyone look even better.

7. Ann Margret

The Swedish-American actress, singer and dancer, born on 1941, doesn’t seem to age! She is mostly famous for her roles on Bye Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas and Carnal Knowledge, as well as numerous other Hollywood classics. 

She’s even appeared on The Who’s 1975 rock opera, Tommy! Margaret has won one Emmy Award, and was nominated for several Oscars, Emmy awards, SAG awards and even a few Grammy awards! Talk about diversity.

6. Betty White

Can you believe that this funnywoman was born on 1922? On top of being a well loved comedian, White is also an actress, singer, radio host, author and animal rights activist. She also seems to never leave the spotlight, and was the first woman to ever produce a sitcom!

White won an Emmy Award for her role on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, as well as for her role as Rose on The Golden Girls. The strangest title she’s earned, though, is honorary Mayor of Hollywood!

5. Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch, born Jo Raquel Tejada, is one of the biggest sex symbols of the 20th century. Her doe-skin bikini clad physique has sold millions of posters, that are still being adored by men to this day. 

She was also voted #3 on Playboy magazine’s “100 Sexiest Stars of the Twentieth Century”. Welch has definitely managed to keep her beautiful looks, even at 75. Her unique persona, on and off screen, her helped her stay in the headlights, and on men’s minds, for decades.

4. Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda is a is a well known actress, model and activist, as well as daughter of Hollywood legend, Henry Fonda. She started her career in 1960, in a Broadway play that got her two Tony award nominations. Later on, Fonda appeared in many silver screen classics, such as Barbarella, They Shoot Horses, Don’t They and Coming Home.

Fonda is also an exercise video guru, which is something that certainly helps her looking youthful well into her 70’s. She’s also admitted to going under the knife a few times, which according to her, made her look a decade younger.

3. Barbara Eden

“I Dream of Jeannie” is one of the most famous TV shows from the 60s, and what made it oh-so wonderful, was Barbara Eden’s role as “Jeannie.” No one else could have made the role better. 

Not only was Eden a great actress, but she had amazing makeup every time she was seen on TV. It’s safe to say that she is the best example of how to properly use highlighter on your face. Take note, ladies!

2. Dawn Wells

Dawn Wells is most famous for her part on “Gilligan’s Island”, which was a major hit TV show on CBS. In terms of her style and appearance, she was usually seen with dark makeup and lipstick, which really made her already stunning features stand out.

Today, she is 77 years old, and still has that spunk that she had when she was at her prime in the 60s. And, last but certainly not least, we have…

1. Tina Louise

This American Star began her career in theatre, but eventually landed a huge role in a film called “God’s Little Acre”. This role ended up giving her a Golden Globe award for New Star of the Year, which is an utter success.

And while it’s pretty apparent that she’s had some work done to maintain her youthful appearance, she is still beautiful and will always be remembered as a major contributor to the industry.