From the golden age of Hollywood to the rise of influential figures in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, these women defined beauty, talent, and style across three unforgettable decades. With their stunning looks, groundbreaking performances, and iconic roles, they not only became sex symbols but also cultural icons, leaving legacies that continue to captivate and inspire us today.
23. Brigitte Bardot (French, b. 1934)
Mario De Biasi / Wikipedia
Brigitte Bardot was the ultimate 1960s sex symbol, known for sultry French films like And God Created Woman. With tousled blonde hair and pouty lips, she defined the bombshell archetype. Bardot retired in 1973 and became a fierce animal rights activist. She has one son and never remarried, living reclusively in France.
22. Raquel Welch (American, 1940-2023)
Raquel Welch rose to fame after wearing a legendary fur bikini in One Million Years B.C. A smoldering Latina beauty with a commanding screen presence, she led many action and adventure films. Welch married four times and had two children. She remained glamorous throughout her life and passed away in 2023 at 82.
21. Sophia Loren (Italian, b. 1934)
Sophia Loren, Italy’s most iconic actress, won an Academy Award for Two Women. Her hourglass figure, expressive eyes, and commanding screen presence made her a global legend. Loren married producer Carlo Ponti and had two sons. Even into her 80s, she remains an enduring symbol of cinematic elegance, beauty, and resilience.
20. Jayne Mansfield (American, 1933-1967)
Jayne Mansfield was a striking sex symbol known for her platinum blonde hair and curvy figure, often compared to Marilyn Monroe. She starred in films like The Girl Can’t Help It, which cemented her status as a bombshell. Mansfield was married twice and had three children. Her glamorous lifestyle and tragic death at 34 made her unforgettable.
19. Elizabeth Taylor (American, 1932-2011)
With her mesmerizing violet eyes and legendary beauty, Elizabeth Taylor became one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses. She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress and starred in iconic films such as Cleopatra and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Taylor married eight times, had four children, and remained a global symbol of grace and talent.
18. María Félix (Mexican, 1914-2002)
María Félix was Mexico’s most revered film star, famously known as “La Doña.” Her commanding beauty, sharp cheekbones, and fierce independence defined Golden Age Mexican cinema. She married four times, including composer Agustín Lara, and had one son. Félix’s unapologetic style and elegance made her a lasting Latin American glamour and strength icon.
17. Marilyn Monroe (American, 1926-1962)
Marilyn Monroe captivated the world with her beauty, charm, and iconic roles in films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Seven Year Itch, and Some Like It Hot. Famous for her breathy voice and glamorous image, she married three times, had no children, and remains a lasting pop culture icon. Marilyn Monroe died on August 5, 1962, from a barbiturate overdose in her Los Angeles home.
16. Ann-Margret (Swedish-American, b. 1941)
Ann-Margret, a Swedish-American actress, dancer, and singer, became a 1960s sex symbol with roles in Bye Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas, and Carnal Knowledge. Known for her fiery red hair and sultry style, she married actor Roger Smith in 1967 and had no children. Her talent and charisma made her a lasting Hollywood icon.
15. Ursula Andress (Swiss, b. 1936)
Ursula Andress rose to fame for her iconic role as “Honey Ryder” in Dr. No (1962), the first James Bond film. Her unforgettable entrance in a white bikini solidified her status as a 1960s sex symbol. Andress was married twice and had one child. Her allure continues to captivate generations of fans.
14. Diana Ross (American, b. 1944)
Diana Ross became a global icon with The Supremes, shaping the Motown sound in the ’60s and ’70s. Known for her doe eyes, glamorous style, and powerhouse voice, she topped charts with hits like “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Ross was married twice and has five children, including actress Tracee Ellis Ross and another daughter with Motown founder and creator Barry Gordy.
13. Jane Fonda (American, b. 1937)
Jane Fonda was both a sex symbol and a political activist, starring in Barbarella and winning two Oscars. She became a fitness icon with bestselling workout videos and was married three times, with three children. Now in her 80s, Fonda continues to use her voice to champion climate action and social justice causes.
12. Sharon Tate (American, 1943-1969)
Sharon Tate became a prominent sex symbol of the 1960s, particularly through her roles in Valley of the Dolls and The Fearless Vampire Killers. Known for her beauty and charm, Tate’s promising career was tragically cut short when the Manson Family murdered her. She was married to director Roman Polanski and had one child.
11. Pam Grier (American, b. 1949)
Pam Grier dominated 1970s blaxploitation films like Foxy Brown and Coffy, portraying tough, stunning heroines. Her bold roles reshaped Black representation in cinema. Grier never married but dated icons like Richard Pryor and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. She’s praised for empowering women onscreen and remains active in television, film, and cancer awareness advocacy today.
10. Catherine Deneuve (French, b. 1943)
With her ethereal beauty and aloof charm, Catherine Deneuve starred in films like The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and Belle de Jour. She became the epitome of French sophistication. Though never married, she had two children. Deneuve remains a style icon and continues acting, her poise and mystique captivating fans worldwide.
9. Bo Derek (American, b. 1956)
Bo Derek became a global sex symbol with her iconic role in 10 (1979), where her braided hairstyle and beach scenes left a lasting impact on pop culture. She was married to actor John Derek and later became an advocate for animal rights. Derek’s career spanned acting, modeling, and philanthropy.
8. Diahann Carroll (American, 1935-2019)
Diahann Carroll was the first Black woman to lead a primetime network series with Julia. She shined on Broadway and in TV shows like Dynasty. Carroll’s grace and talent broke barriers. She married four times and had one daughter. Her legacy of sophistication and trailblazing impact continues to inspire generations.
7. Cher (Armenia-American, b. 1946)
Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian, is an Armenian-American superstar known for her bold style and decades-long career. She rose to fame with Sonny Bono, whom she married and had one son with. Later, she had another son with Gregg Allman. Cher won an Oscar and remains a pop culture legend known for reinvention and resilience.
6. Tina Turner (American-Swiss, 1939-2023)
With unmatched energy, Tina Turner rocked the world with hits like Proud Mary and Private Dancer. Her wild hair, iconic legs, and powerful voice made her a legend. She overcame an abusive marriage to Ike Turner, later marrying Erwin Bach. A mother of four sons, she passed away in 2023, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
5. Rita Moreno (Puerto Rican-American, b. 1931)
Rita Moreno is a showbiz legend and one of the few EGOT winners. Her groundbreaking role in West Side Story earned her an Oscar and helped reshape Latinx representation in Hollywood. She married Leonard Gordon until his death and had one daughter. Moreno remains a vocal, passionate advocate for inclusion and representation in entertainment.
4. Debbie Harry (American, b. 1945)
Debbie Harry, the bleach-blonde punk goddess, fronted Blondie and delivered hits like Heart of Glass and Call Me. Her edgy mix of glamour, cool detachment, and raw talent defined an era. A symbol of female rebellion and rock swagger, she never married and remains an enduring, beloved icon in music, fashion, and counterculture history.
3. Lynda Carter (American, b. 1951)
Lynda Carter embodied female strength as Wonder Woman in the 1970s series. Her beauty queen background and Amazonian looks made her a household name. Carter married attorney Robert Altman, had two children, and stayed active in music, acting, and advocacy for addiction and mental health awareness.
2. Iman (Somali-American, b. 1955)
One of the first Black supermodels, Iman graced countless magazine covers with her regal features and long limbs. She launched her own beauty line and married music legend David Bowie. They had one daughter. Iman remains a style icon, businesswoman, and humanitarian dedicated to African development causes.
1. Farrah Fawcett (American, 1947-2009)
Farrah Fawcett rose to fame on Charlie’s Angels, becoming the 1970s beauty ideal with her feathered hair, dazzling smile, and girl-next-door charm. Her red swimsuit poster became a cultural phenomenon. She had one son with actor Ryan O’Neal and bravely battled cancer before passing away in 2009, leaving behind an enduring legacy.