The history of motion-pictures dates back to the late 1800’s where the first film was only 2.11 seconds in length – a pivotal moment for the world as only a few decades later, motion-pictures showed full stories and by 1939 viewers were wowed in Technicolor with legendary movies like The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind.
Motion-pictures today look radically different than that first 2.11 second clip, however influential women have captivated viewers on the screen for over a century. This list compiles 10 of the greatest actresses in film from the last 130 years, who are known for their iconic roles and paving the way for women in the film industry, as well as their off-screen cultural and humanitarian efforts.
Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962)
Born in LA as Norma Jeane Mortenson, Marilyn Monroe had an inconsistent childhood in and out of her mother’s care and foster homes. Her short career was impactful, becoming the ‘Blonde Bombshell’ still seen in pop culture to this day. Best known in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ and ‘Some Like It Hot,’ she is historically described as a legend, but her career ended too soon as she died due to an overdose in her LA home at 36 years old.
Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993)
Born Audrey Kathleen Ruston in Ixelles, Belgium, Audrey Hepburn grew up between the UK and the Netherlands, experiencing hard times during the Nazi occupation of Arnhem. Post-liberation, she made her way first as a ballet dancer and model, then moving into film, first in Europe then in America. She is most famous for her roles in ‘Roman Holiday,’ ‘Sabrina,’ and ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ and is considered a global icon. Once retiring from acting in the last 60’s, she became a spokeswoman for UNICEF dedicating her time to helpful children in Latin America and Africa. She died in 1993 from appendicular cancer.
Julie Andrews (1935 – Present)
Julia Elizabeth Wells was born in England, where her singing career took off in her early teens and twenties. Her impressive career spans across decades, with ‘Mary Poppin’s’ and ‘The Sound of Music’ becoming her two most iconic roles to date. Her voice is recognizable and famous, continuing to this day to do voice-overs for animation, film, and series.
Jane Fonda (1937 – Present)
Born in New York, Jane Fonda is an actress, political activist, anti-war protestor, and environmentalist who has also had a savvy career in modelling and fitness, with her world-renowned Jane Fonda workout videos in the 80’s. Her most famous role includes ‘Barbarella’ and can most recently be seen in ‘Grace & Frankie’ on Netflix.
Meryl Streep (1949 – Present)
Mary Louise Streep was born in New Jersey and has since grown to be known as one of the greatest actresses of all time. Her career spans across decades and genres including ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ ‘The Iron Lady,’ ‘It’s Complicated,’ and ‘Little Women.’ She’s earned 21 Academy Award nominations and 32 Golden Globe nominations, winning three and nine respectively.
Viola Davis (1965 – Present)
Born in South Carolina, Viola Davis continues to provoke and push the boundaries of what it means to be a black woman in Hollywood, by calling out the ethnicity pay gap in activations and speeches. As an extremely talented actress, she can be seen across genres and decades in movies such as ‘Fences,’ ‘The Help,’ and ‘Ma Rainy’s Black Bottom’, as well as the Netflix series ‘How to Get Away with Murder.’
Halle Berry (1966 – Present)
Born Maria Halle Berry in Cleveland, Ohio, Halle Berry’s career started in pageantry, modelling, and a TV series, lending way to her breakthrough role in Spike Lee’s ‘Jungle Fever.’ Her career only grew in this century with films like ‘Swordfish’ and ‘Monster’s Ball’ where she continues to be nominated for most of her roles and was the first ever black female to win the Best Actress Award at the Academy Awards in 2001 for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball.’
Julia Roberts (1967 – Present)
One of the most iconic actresses of our time, Julia Roberts’ contribution to box office records over $3.8billion globally. Her list of famous films includes her breakthrough role in ‘Pretty Woman’ as well as ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding,’ ‘Notting Hill,’ ‘Erin Brockovich,’ ‘Mona Lisa Smile,’ and ‘Eat Pray Love.’
Angelina Jolie (1975 – Present)
Born in LA, Angelina Jolie is as famous for her movies as she is for her humanitarian efforts, being cited as one of the most powerful and influential people in the American entertainment industry. She starred in ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,’ ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith,’ ‘Wanted,’ and ‘Salt,’ and continues to work as a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and promotes causes concerning conservation, education, and women’s rights.
Kerry Washington (1977 – Present)
Born in New York, Kerry Washington acts, produces, and directs in both the TV and film industries. She has gained increasing popularity with her series ‘Scandal’ and ‘Little Fires Everywhere,’ and in movies such as ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and ‘Django Unchained.’ She is a powerful woman in the industry and actively participates in DNC political movements and supports LGBTQIA+ and human rights campaigns.
Moving Forward
While the last century provided iconic and powerful women, there are undoubtedly more upcoming female icons in the making. Keep an eye out for new names to come in 2021, including:
- Talia Ryder in Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ remake
- Jayme Lawson in ‘The Batman’
- Jessica Rothe ‘Body Broker’s’
- Taylour Paige in ‘Zola’ and ‘Boogie’
