10 Stunning Women From The 1960s Every Old-School Fan Should Know

Hollywood in the 1960s shimmered with unforgettable women who rewrote the rules of beauty and talent. Their performances lit up silver screens and shaped pop culture in various ways that are still relevant today.

Ann-Margret

Popularly known as the Female Elvis, Ann-Margret stole scenes with magnetic energy. Did you know she also performed motorcycle stunts? The redhead became a 1960s pop culture icon after starring in “Bye Bye Birdie” (1963), where she redefined teenage rebellion. Similarly, “Viva Las Vegas” (1964) matched her charisma against Elvis Presley’s.

Carroll Baker

Bold performances defined Carroll Baker’s stardom, and she was known for her subtle, cool, but confident demeanor. After stirring attention in “Baby Doll” (1956), she portrayed Jean Harlow in 1965, a role layered with vulnerability and sensuality. She had a power that audiences and studio execs alike could not ignore. 

Angie Dickinson

Angie was a successful television artist before getting a breakthrough in films with “Gun The Man Down” (1956). She had an ambition that complemented her performances perfectly. Playing Frank Sinatra’s love interest in “Ocean’s 11” (1960), she exuded poise and smarts. Plus, her turn in “The Killers” (1964) was a sultry and unforgettable treat. 

Natalie Wood

Her early demise raised significant questions in the film industry, but it could not erase the lasting impact she had left as a young actress. By 25, she had three Oscar nominations and roles in “West Side Story”, “Splendor in the Grass” (both released in 1961), and “Love with the Proper Stranger” (1963). Critics often praised her emotional depth. 

Elke Sommer

Born in Berlin, Elke Sommer brought an exotic charm to American screens. Her breakout role in “A Shot in the Dark” (1964) paired slapstick with sensuality. Fluent in seven languages, she was an internationally intriguing figure. But interestingly, in the ’90s, she shifted her focus to her lifelong passion, painting. 

Barbara Eden

Did you know network censors banned her navel on-screen? And despite that, Eden’s playful charm became pop culture magic, which is still referenced in memes today. Floating out of a bottle in “I Dream of Jeannie” (1965–1970), Barbara Eden enchanted millions. Her genie costume sparked debates over modesty, pushing TV boundaries.

Shirley Jones

Winning Best Supporting Actress for “Elmer Gantry” (1960), Shirley Jones proved she was more than a musical lady. While “The Music Man” (1962) showcased her soprano voice, “Elmer Gantry” (1960) revealed her dramatic force. Her versatility stunned critics, and it led to her successfully breaking Hollywood’s leading lady mold.

Katharine Ross

“The Graduate” (1967) cemented Katherine Ross as the voice of intelligent youth, while “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969) added quiet strength. She was a graceful woman on screen, and the roles she played exuded power without her needing to raise her voice. The actress was the face of elegance and a subtle rebellion.

Jill St. John

If you’re a fan of James Bond, you’ll love Jill (or maybe already do). As Tiffany Case in “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971), her red hair, killer gowns, and icy wit made her the American Bond girl. Plus, her earlier role in 1967’s “Tony Rome” brought an interesting turn to the genre of spy movies.

Connie Stevens

Shooting to fame in “Hawaiian Eye” (1959–1963), Connie Stevens mixed innocence with Hollywood glam. Her 1961 role as an unmarried mother in “Susan Slade” (1961) added dramatic depth and rebellion to her on-screen personality. Off-screen, she sang and recorded chart-topping singles, which proves that stardom came naturally to her, even beyond the camera.