They say that we always look to the past as if in search of better times. While the celebrities of this present day are adored greatly, we still love to look back at other celebs who were the epitome of chic and cool more than 50 years ago. Some of them are still with us while others have passed away.

Let’s journey through memory lane and reminisce on some of Hollywood's Golden Age stars. We sometimes can’t believe how well some of them have aged or the things we have forgotten about their pasts. This flashback is bound to make us quite nostalgic!

Brigitte Bardot, 1968, In Her Limousine

Brigitte Bardot is one of the most remembered actresses of the ‘60s. Her talent and unique beauty drew the attention of anyone that encountered her. Here, we can see her sitting in her limousine during the peak of her career. Brigitte has a history of making certain cars famous.

One of those cars was a Rolls-Royce that she used to own. This car was put up for auction for over $300K. The elevated price had a lot to do with Brigitte’s prior ownership of the vehicle. Furthermore, according to reports, Ferrari named their Berlinetta Boxer as a very secret homage to Bardot.

Paul Newman, 1960, Playing Tennis

Paul Newman was a very successful and versatile artist. He became known worldwide as an actor, starring in films such as The Color Money. This role earned him an Academy Award. He was always into athletic endeavors as well; here, we can see him having some fun while playing tennis.

Newman’s passion for sports led him to participate in racing. He became a competitive driver but he would also participate in television specials regarding the subject. Furthermore, he eventually created his own racing team, the Newman Freeman Racing Team, which became one of the strongest competitors.

Lucille Ball, 1960, On the Set of The Facts of Life

Lucille Ball is a well-remembered actress who dominated television for numerous years. Her show, I Love Lucy, was an absolute hit and many other shows branched from this sitcom. She also starred in the film The Facts of Life, which was nominated for five Academy Awards.

The Facts of Life was a full movie that had a funny take on a middle-aged couple trying to cheat. Lucy herself was nominated for a Golden Globe. The film also earned an Academy Award for Best Costume. Here, we can see Lucy eating a delicious-looking cake while on set, alongside her co-stars.

Doris Day, 1961, At Her Imprint Ceremony

Doris Day could do it all. She rose to fame as a singer but shortly after, she began a career in the movie industry. Day participated in numerous movies from the end of the 1940s until the end of the 1960s. Afterward, she had her own television show.

Day received one of Hollywood’s highest honors. We can see her caught on camera as she puts her handprints on cement during her ceremony at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Doris joined around 200 artists who have done the same, which is evidence of her talent and how appreciated she was.

Sophia Loren, 1965, At A Cornfield

Sophia Loren is an Italian actress and both her talent and image made her an iconic figure in Hollywood. Here, we can see her wearing little makeup while laying in a cornfield; looking absolutely stunning. Although she has not acted much throughout the last decade, she’s often a reference for pop culture.

Sophia was already a household name when she starred in the film Two Women. This role earned her an Academy Award and further worldwide recognition. Additionally, she set a precedent, as she was the first actress to win the award for a film in a foreign language. She is one of the last survivors of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Goldie Hawn, 1966, At the Park With Her Dog

Goldie Hawn is seen here eating ice cream and enjoying her time under the sun with her adorable dog. This shows the immense love she has always had for animals. According to reports, she currently owns an entire pack of pets in the home she shares with her husband, fellow actor Kurt Russell.

Some of Goldie’s pets include a bulldog that goes by the name of Mojo, two Labradors, and a malamute, among others. They must spend a fortune at the vet! Hawn rose to stardom for her role in the show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In and for winning an Academy Award for Cactus Flower.

Jack Nicholson, 1969, At His California Home

Jack Nicholson is one of the most famous faces in Hollywood. His last project was released in 2010, however, his name continues to be a subject for celebrity news outlets. Nicholson rose to fame for appearing in films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Batman, in which he played an unforgettable Joker.

Jack was married once, to Sandra Knight. Here, we can see him with his daughter Jennifer. He has stated that he loves being a father and regrets not spending more time with her. He had four other children with other women; two of them were with actress Rebecca Broussard.

Sam Elliott, 1978, On the Set of The Legacy

Sam Elliott made a name for himself as a result of his frequent appearances in Western films. With his unforgettable mustache, his face was recognized anywhere he went. Here, we can see him on the set of the film The Legacy. This film was the beginning of a romantic relationship with actress Katharine Ross, seen in this picture.

They had worked alongside each other in another project before but it was The Legacy that brought them together. Ross and Elliott got married six years later and have been together ever since. They had a daughter together, the same year of their wedding. Their daughter's name is Cleo and she became a musician.

 

Jane Fonda, 1963, Family Photo

Jane Fonda started making waves after her Broadway debut in There Was A Little Girl. A talent for acting was bound to flow through her veins, as this picture shows. Here, we see her with her father, Henry Fonda and her brother, Peter Fonda. Both of them were actors as well.

Henry was a successful Broadway and Hollywood actor with a career that spanned over five decades. Some of his biggest films were 12 Angry Men and Mister Roberts. Peter was a prolific artist as well, with an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay Easy Rider. Peter died in 2019 from lung cancer.

 

Toni Morrison, 1985, Discussing Her Recent Pursuit of Playwriting

As we attempt to find the words to describe just how extraordinary Toni Morrison’s impact on society has been, we believe it may be an impossible task. Through her books she has revolutionized the lives of many. This picture above is from an interview in Albany, New York in 1985.

She was discussing her recent pursuit of playwriting. By this time, she had already earned a reputation for being one of America’s most important fiction authors; through her four previously released novels. Sadly, Morrison died in 2019, after suffering from pneumonia. The last novel she had written was titled, God Help the Child, published in 2015.

Kirk Douglas, 1949, On the Set of Champion

Kirk Douglas grew up in poverty but after his rise to fame, his earnings definitely made up for his difficult childhood. In this picture, he seems to be taking a break from filming the boxing movie, Champion. This was the role that skyrocketed him to success.

Douglas is one of the last actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Another one of his most iconic roles was in the film The Bad and the Beautiful, which earned him an Academy Award nomination, just like Champion. Kirk is the father of the famous actor Michael Douglas.

Joanne Woodward, 1963, Family Photo

This is a picture of Joanne Woodward with her then-husband, Paul Newman, back in 1963. Woodward is a very talented actress and one of her most important roles was in the film The Three Faces of Eve. This role earned her an Academy Award, which she received the same year she became Newman's bride.

Joanne and Newman met each other in 1953 but it would be four years later, on the set of The Long, Hot Summer that they would start a relationship. They exchanged vows in 1958 and were together for five decades until Newman passed away. Woodward's last project was Lucky Them, in 2013.

Nancy Sinatra, 1966, At A Recording Studio

1966 was one of the most successful years for Nancy Sinatra. Daughter of the legendary Frank Sinatra, she continued her father’s legacy by becoming a singer as well. Her style was much more contemporary and appealed to a younger audience. This picture was taken while she was at a recording studio.

This might have been the day she recorded one of her biggest hits, These Boots Are Made for Walkin’. Nancy had other hit songs such as You Only Live Twice, which was part of the James Bond soundtrack, and Sugar Town, which she released in 1967.

Billy Dee Williams, 1971, On the set of Brian's Song With Gale Sayers

Many people might know Billy Dee Williams for his role as Lando Calrissian, which he portrayed in the Star Wars franchise. However, Williams has a very extensive career, with movies as heartwarming and successful as Brian’s Song. This film was initially released as a full movie for television.

However, the film was so successful that it was shown in theaters as well. In this picture, we can see Billy with Gale Sayers. Sayers is a former football player that was part of the Chicago Bears team. Billy had the task of portraying him in the film, showing how he was there for his friend, Brian Piccolo, during his terminal illness.

 

Maggie Smith, 1969, Unknown Location

Maggie Smith has been working as a performer for over 60 years. She has done everything from theater to movies and television. This picture was taken in 1969, the year in which she won her first Academy Award; the first of the two she has earned during her career.

Her first Oscar was for her performance in the film The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. This was an adaptation from a book with the same name written by Muriel Spark. Smith has continued to act in films like the Harry Potter saga and the show Downton Abby, after winning a battle against cancer.

Robert Conrad, 1977, At The Battle of the Network Stars

Robert Conrad had a very successful career. Although he’s now retired, many remember him for his role in the TV show The Wild Wild West, where he portrayed James T. West, a secret service agent. In 1977, almost a decade after the end of this show, Conrad participated in a new TV series.

It was titled The Battle of the Network Stars and he was the captain of the team representing NBC. His team won against stars from CBS and ABC. Robert’s intentional workout schedule allowed him to be in shape for this competition, which was sports-based.

Katharine Hepburn, 1930s, Holding A Gibbon Monkey

Katharine Hepburn was a lover of animals, however, this one might not have been her favorite. Movie executives decided it would be good for Hepburn to be caught on camera with this monkey. It was all part of a bigger goal. The studio wanted to bring publicity to a project that was in the making.

However, this monkey allegedly wasn’t a fan of women. We hope someone was on standby in case they needed to calm him down! Katharine was no stranger to animals though. In fact, she had a fawn as a pet and she called it Pippin; a very unusual pet to have, might we add.

James Stewart, 1966, On the Set of The Rare Breed

James Stewart is remembered as one of the most beloved actors of his generation. His down-to-earth attitude and his strong morals, which he also portrayed on the screen, made him extremely popular. In this picture, we can see him taking a break from shooting The Rare Breed.

Juliet Mills, seen on the other chair, was part of the cast and she played the role of the daughter of Stewarts’s love interest. The movie was one among many successful films in which Stewart starred during those years. Sadly, he suffered from depression after his wife’s death and died only three years later.

Carole Lombard, Year Unknown, Eating A Watermelon With Clark Gable

Carole Lombard was a recognized actress with a special talent for comedy. She made a name for herself during the ‘30s for her energetic roles. She met Clark Gable on the set of No Man of Her Own in 1932. However, it would be years before a romance sparked between them.

During their relationship, they became media darlings. They eloped while Clark was shooting one of the most successful films of his career, Gone With the Wind. Here, we see them eating watermelons together. They were very happy together until Carole’s passing in 1942.

Humphrey Bogart, Year Unknown, Playing With His Daughter

Humphrey Bogart was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. The role that allowed him to shift from gangster portrayals was the iconic film Casablanca. Boggart was married four times. His daughter, Leslie, who can be seen in this picture, was born during his second marriage with Lauren Bacall.

Bogart and Lauren met on the set of To Have and Have Not and he eventually decided to get a divorce from his first wife and marry Bacall. They had two children, Leslie and Stephen, with Bogart becoming a father at the age of 49. Leslie was named after Leslie Howard, Bogart’s friend and colleague.

Cary Grant, 1950s, Location Unknown

Cary Grant was known as one of Hollywood’s leading men. Originally from England, Hollywood became his home and he eventually received U.S citizenship. Grant starred alongside the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly. In this picture, he looks thoughtful. Given that it was taken during the ‘50s, Grant had a lot to think about.

This decade was a definitive time for Grant. During the early ’50s, his films didn’t have much success and he almost decided it was time for retirement. However, his film with Alfred Hitchcock and Grace Kelly, To Catch A Thief, made him fall in love with the industry once again.

Fred Astaire, Year Unknown, At The Brown Derby

Fred Astaire was one of the most influential figures in Hollywood films during his time. His talent for dancing made him easily stand out from the rest. He had a strong presence and was considered a fashion icon, even well into his years. This is one of the rarest pictures of Astaire.

What makes this photo so unique is that it was taken as he was arriving with his wife, Phyllis, at The Brown Derby. This was a place frequented by stars; the type of place Astaire generally avoided. Nonetheless, he enjoyed his family outing and dedicating his free time to his hobbies over partying.

Ingrid Bergman, 1930s, Tanning On A Boat

This picture of Ingrid Bergman was probably taken when she was just getting started in her career. She became known in 1932 in her native land Sweden. However, by the end of the ‘30s, she started to appear in American films, starting with the project Intermezzo.

She was the main star in the iconic film Casablanca and she won two Academy Awards. After she got married to director Roberto Rossellini, which was a scandalous affair, she resided in Europe for a few years. Her comeback to Hollywood in the ‘50s was with the film Anastasia.

Judy Garland, 1940, At A Publicity Shoot

Judy Garland rose to stardom from a very young age. Her role in The Wizard of Oz made her an international figure, admired throughout the world. This is a picture of her at a young age, in which the studio wanted to show her having fun with dogs, like the regular next-door girl.

Grace Kelly, 1956, At Fencing Practice

Grace Kelly had a short but very successful career in Hollywood. She rose to fame for her role in the film Mogambo and her performance in Country Girl earned her an Academy Award. Here, we can see her practicing her fencing skills in preparation for one of her last roles in The Swan.

In this film, she portrayed the part of Princess Alexandra. This was very close to her personal life, as she became the Princess of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier. They were very happy together and had three children. However, Grace died in 1982 due to injuries she suffered from a traffic accident.

Maureen O'Hara, 1946, At Her Home

Maureen O’Hara was born in Ireland and she started her studies in the performing arts from a very young age. She reached worldwide fame for her roles in Hollywood films. Her intense on-screen chemistry with actor John Wayne caused them to co-star in numerous films together, including Rio Grande.

Here, we can see a picture of Maureen taking some time off from the spotlight at her home, in 1946. During this time, she was married to William Price and they had become parents to Brownyn, O'Hara's only child. However, the marriage was a troubled one due to Price’s alcoholism.

Bette Davis, 1947, With Her Dog

The public knows Bette Davis for her roles in several movies in which she often depicted an unsympathetic character. She also played parts in which she had romantic leads. She received 10 Academy Award nominations, winning two of them; one for her role in Jezebel and the second for the film Dangerous.

Bette had a great love for dogs and she had various pets throughout the years. Here, we can see her snuggling with a spaniel. Another one of her dogs was a terrier called Tibby. Tibby would often go with Bette to the film set and they even gave him his own chair and dog food as well.

Spencer Tracy, 1948, State of the Union Lobby Card

Lobby cards are the smaller version of film posters. Here, we can see actor Spencer Tracy on a lobby card from the film State of the Union. This film was released in 1948 and he starred alongside Katharine Hepburn. Hepburn and Tracy had a relationship until the day he died.

Despite this, Tracy never left his wife and his infidelity with Hepburn was known throughout Hollywood. However, Hepburn never pressed him to get divorced from his wife, Louise. Tracey won two Academy Awards in two consecutive years for Captain Courageous and Boys Town.

Burt Lancaster, 1949, On the Set of Criss Cross

Burt Lancaster had great charisma and many people consider him as one of the biggest stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Furthermore, he made an investment and created his own production company which had great success. Here, we can see him on the set of Criss Cross.

This movie was released in 1949 and it was a film adaption from a novel with the same name. Here, we see Lancaster enjoying a banana split alongside his co-star, Yvonne De Carlo, and director, Robert Siodmak. The film received mixed reviews but it looks like they had a great time creating it!

Audrey Hepburn, 1950, Sledding In the Snow

Audrey Hepburn led a very successful Hollywood career and she became a synonym of sophistication and grace. One of her most iconic roles in Breakfast at Tiffany’s immortalized her image wearing a black designer dress and a pearl necklace. Hepburn was beloved by her peers and film fans, worldwide.

She was no stranger to winter, in fact, she stated that she had always enjoyed sledding. Therefore, we’re not surprised to see her sledding with all the grace in the world. She lived in Switzerland with her children and her partner. Switzerland is known for its beautiful mountains and wide expanses of snow for winter sports.

 

Marlon Brando, 1954, On the Set of On the Waterfront

People remember Marlon Brando not only as a great actor but also as a person who cared for others. He was deeply involved with the civil rights movement and he used his platform to bring visibility to it. In addition, his talent was indisputable and he won two Academy Awards during his career.

One of these awards was due to his performance in the film On the Waterfront. Here, we can see him with his co-star, actress Eva Marie Saint. He played the part of Terry Malloy in the crime drama that received complete critical acclaim. His second Academy Award was for his unforgettable role in The Godfather.

Robert Redford, Year Unknown, With His Cat At Home

Robert Redford’s love for animals is undeniable and it’s not limited to letting the family cat chill on his abdomen while he reads a script. One time, Redford rescued a horse! During the filming of Pete’s Dragon in New Zealand, he couldn’t stand seeing the neglected animal and made sure it was taken care of.

During his lifetime, Robert has had numerous pets, one of them is Spinee, his Labrador. Spinee had to undergo surgery in 2019 and Redford kept his fans in the know about his dog’s health through the social media platform, Twitter.

Steve McQueen, 1963, Dancing At Home

Steve McQueen developed an anti-hero persona in his films that earned him the love of the public. Although he often had creative differences with directors and producers, his popularity allowed him to secure a fortune of $30 million. McQueen was married three times.

His first marriage was to fellow actress, Neile Adams. In this picture, we can see them dancing in their home. During their marriage, they had two children together but the relationship ended with divorce papers in 1972. Years later, Neile released an autobiography titled My Husband, My Friend.

Sidney Poitier, 1961, On the Set of Paris Blues

Sidney Poitier is one of the most groundbreaking actors in Hollywood. He broke through racial boundaries by becoming the first African-American to win an Academy Award. Furthermore, he was never afraid of portraying roles in films that addressed racial issues and his work has been recognized worldwide.

Here, we can see Poitier on the set of Paris Blues, a film adaptation. He played the part of a musician alongside fellow actor Paul Newman. This movie confronted racial conflicts, contrasting the difference between the United States and France. Additionally, Poitier starred in another film that year, A Raisin’ In the Sun.

Clint Eastwood, 1960s, Sharing A Ride With His Wife

Clint Eastwood is one of Hollywood’s darlings and he has shown immense talent both as an actor and as a director. One of his most recent roles was in the 2018 film The Mule, which he said might be one of his last projects before going into retirement. Throughout his life, Eastwood has been married twice.

His first marriage was with Maggie Johnson. During their relationship, Eastwood also had relationships with other women. Here, he can be seen riding his very stylish vehicle with his wife, Maggie. The couple had two kids together. Eastwood's last marriage was to Dina Ruiz and they had one daughter together.

Marilyn Monroe, 1960, On the Set of The Misfits

Marilyn Monroe was a true animal lover ever since she was a young girl. Her role in the film The Misfits, written by her third husband, Arthur Miller, was related to this. In this movie, she portrayed a character that was intensely opposed to animal cruelty. More specifically, she would defend the lives of horses.

Marilyn, born Norma Jean, owned dogs since she was a child. Tippy was the name of her very first pet while she was in foster care. Along with seven other dogs, there was Maf. Maf was Marilyn’s last pet and he was a gift from Frank Sinatra. After her death, Sinatra’s secretary kept the dog.

Frank Sinatra, 1965, At Home With His Dog

Frank Sinatra was one of the most legendary singers and actors. He’s often cited as an inspiration by many singers and he sold over 100 million records worldwide. One of Sinatra’s most endearing qualities was his love for dogs. In this picture, we can see him with his pet, Ringo, at his California home.

According to reports, Sinatra wasn’t allowed to have dogs when he was a child. Therefore, when he became an adult he had a huge number of pets. He was big on animal protection and both cats and dogs could be found residing in his home at any time.

 

Burt Reynolds, 1982, At Buffalo's Central Terminal

By the time Burt Reynolds started filming Best Friends, he was already a box-office star. This was one of his many successful films. His co-star in this comedy was actress Goldie Hawn. In this picture, we can see Burt greeting fans at Buffalo’s Central Terminal, where some scenes from the movie would be filmed.

The film was a hit and many people considered it one of the best comedies of the year. That year, people voted him as the most popular Hollywood actor as well. During this time, Burt ended his relationship with actress Sally Field after five years together.

Sean Connery, 1965, Cannes Film Festival

Sean Connery became a worldwide legend for being the first actor to land the role of James Bond. Based on Ian Fleming’s books, Connery's portrayal became one of the most beloved ones by the public. His depiction of the character is hailed as one of the best and most authentic to this day.

In this picture, we can see Connery smiling as he arrives at the Cannes Film Festival in 1965. This is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. It previews projects that have been produced in different countries and they include any genre, from drama to documentaries.

Toni Morrison, 1985, Discussing Her Recent Pursuit of Playwriting

As we attempt to find the words to describe just how extraordinary Toni Morrison’s impact on society has been, we believe it may be an impossible task. Through her books she has revolutionized the lives of many. This picture above is from an interview in Albany, New York in 1985. She was discussing her recent pursuit of playwriting. By this time, she had already earned a reputation for being one of America’s most important fiction authors; through her four previously released novels. Sadly, Morrison died in 2019, after suffering from pneumonia. The last novel she had written was titled, God Help the Child, published in 2015.

John Wayne, 1967, At A Family Dinner

John Wayne was one of the most famous actors of his generation. He was especially famous for his roles in Western films, with Stagecoach giving him his big break in the acting industry. John Wayne was married on three different occasions and he had seven children.

In this picture, he is going out for dinner with two of his children from his second marriage, Alyssa and John Ethan. Ethan has sought to continue his father's legacy by pursuing an acting career as well. He has starred in numerous projects including a TV show titled Adam-12 during the ‘90s.

Dolly Parton, 1977, Standing By Her Tour Bus

Dolly Parton is one of the most successful country singers of all time. She has been able to have a fruitful career for decades, with authenticity as her signature mark in all of her performances. Parton can be seen here next to her tour bus. It is believed that this picture was taken just before a concert in Detroit.

Dolly released two albums in 1977. The first one was titled New Harvest… First Gathering. Unfortunately, this project didn't do too well on the charts. Her second album of the year, Here You Come Again, was a smashing success and she had hits in the Top 20 chart.