Beautiful Groovy Photos That Take You Back To The Past...
By | October 4, 2017
John Lennon and his son Julian Lennon with a Rolls Royce Phantom V (custom paint job) in his garage in 1968.
There is nothing like a good ol’ fashioned stroll down memory lane to bring a smile to your face during trying times. Especially when it comes to remembering those who have contributed to American culture as a whole. Collected here are some groovy photos of iconic moments in popular culture, beloved public figures, and favorite legends of Hollywood past. Those who have contributed to some of the most meaningful moments in history. No matter what decade you lived through, you will adore this fascinating and spirited collection.
Pictured here is John Lennon and his son Julian Lennon. Julian was John’s son with his first wife, Cynthia. After his father ran off with Yoko and had another child, Julian’s relationship with his father quickly diminished.
Now fully grown, Julian speaks freely about his feelings for Lennon, "I have to say that, from my point of view, I felt he was a hypocrite. Dad could talk about peace and love out loud to the world but he could never show it to the people who supposedly meant the most to him: his wife and son. How can you talk about peace and love and have a family in bits and pieces - no communication, adultery, divorce? You can't-do it, not if you're being true and honest with yourself."
If walls could talk! Billy Idol, Sam Kinison, Madonna and David Bowie sharing a joke. (1984)
If these walls could talk they’d probably have some eye bulging, jaw-dropping conversations to share. The music industry's top innovative superstars of the time are here partying with standup comedian "Sam" Kinison, who was known for his intensely harsh sense of humor.
According to Billy Idol’s biography Dancing With Myself, this photo was taken after the HBO Young Comedian Special back in 1984. According to Idol, this was the evening that spawned his friendship with Sam. Idol pointed out that at this time, Sam was heavily into coke and “was beginning to act more like a rockstar than a comedian.” No doubt this was a crazy night for all of them.
Get your motor running...Ann Margret on a motorcycle.
There’s no topping the Hollywood legend. The onscreen chameleon has been the sweet brunette, the foxy redhead, and the blonde bombshell. Her sexy, throaty singing voice had the public referring to her as the 'female Elvis’ and her love for motorcycles earned her a daredevil reputation.
Ann-Margret is an actress, singer, and dancer. Oddly enough, George Burns helped launch her singing career, and from there she went on to conquer acting. Soon she had a seven-year film contract from 20th Century Fox and was starring alongside Elvis, Jack Nicholson, and John Wayne. She earned an Oscar nomination for Carnal Knowledge and was even invited to serenade President John F. Kennedy at his 46th birthday party (a year after Marilyn Monroe did).
A boy watching television for the first time from the shelf of a store in 1948.
Don't let his young age fool you, everyone was equally fascinated with the magical box that was quickly dubbed "the home screen" upon its arrival. The late 1940s is when color television got its start in America but it wasn't really a commercially viable option for people until the early 1950s. Even black and white televisions weren't a common sight in people homes in the mid to late 40s. Only 0.5% of households in the United States had a television in 1946, but sales started to take off as the '50s neared. By 1954 that percentage jumped to 55.7% and by 1962, 90% of the population had their very own television set at home.
Brigitte Bardot behind the camera (1965).
Brigitte Bardot still reigns supreme as an icon of fashion. Bardot won the world over with her charms, talent, and effortless beauty. Her look was so distinct and desirable, that designer's named clothing styles after her.
The French model, actress, and singer was the original blonde bombshell. Brigitte Bardot’s style, grace, and eventually her passion for animal rights heavily influenced culture as a whole. Her hair, makeup, and fashion sense has, and continues to be emulated across the world. Bardot even has a signature pose that many models have tried to reproduce in shoots over the years.
The only known photo of Marilyn Monroe and JFK taken on May 19, 1962 (after she performed her famous Happy Birthday, Mr. President song).
This particular photograph of President John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe almost never saw the light of day. It was captured just after her performance at JFK’s 45th birthday at Madison Square Garden, but photos of these two together were almost always destroyed, which is why they are so hard to come by.
They were actually photographed together many times in fact, even on this very night by White House photographer Cecil Stoughton. But according to Stoughton himself, the Secret Service confiscated all of his negatives when he was in the middle of developing them. This photograph here only survived because it was in the dryer.
Muhammad Ali trains in a pool at the Sir John Hotel in Miami, 1961.
Pictured here is Muhammad Ali training away in the Sir John Hotel pool in Miami back in 1961. The greatest boxer of all time began training at just 12-years old. At 18-years old, he took home a gold medal from the 1960s Summer Olympics in Rome.
Ali was representative for African pride during the 60s Civil Rights Movement. He was against the Vietnam War, refused to be conscripted into the military, and was arrested for draft evasion. and stripped of the boxing titles he earned.
Glen Campbell - Rest In Peace (1975).
During his 50 years in the music business, it seemed Glen Campbell could do no wrong. He accumulated 12 gold albums, four platinum albums, and one double-platinum album. He released over 70 albums and sold 45 million of them worldwide. He made history in 1967 when he won Grammys in the country and pop categories. "Gentle on My Mind" took home two awards in country and western; "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" did the same in pop.
Campbell earned a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer, after his supporting role in True Grit (1969). He also sang the film’s title song and it was nominated for an Academy Award.
She's a wheel show-off!! A skater girl working two boards. (circa 1970's)
By the time the 70’s were in full swing the California skate scene was not only making its way across the country, but it was welcoming female skateboarders into the fold. Female skaters happily joined up with the infamous Z-Boys, aerial skateboarding pioneers. Once the ladies started shredding in the streets with the guys, the way women were viewed in sporting circles changed completely.
And while you’d think the novelty of it all would ensure attention, skater chicks got far less coverage in the media than their male counterparts and they weren’t able to secure as much pay or sponsorships either.
On the set of the TV series Batman. (1966)
Onscreen the Dynamic Duo worked together, thwarting arch-nemeses and saving the city with ease on screen. However, off-screen was an entirely different story, it seemed to be a battle of the male ego. Ward felt like a sidekick in real life, he felt he was underpaid and not treated equally to his co-star Adam West. He also felt the rest of the cast was awarded more luxuries than he was. The ongoing feud between West and Ward garnered a lot of attention, Ward even bashed West in his autobiography: "Boy Wonder: My Life in Tights."
Princess Diana on May 13, 1975.
What started like a Disney fairy tale, with nearly a billion television viewers across the world watching Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, marry an English school teacher, the Lady Diana Spencer, ended up taking a more Brother’s Grimm turn in the end.
Robin Williams after he won his first Golden Globe in 1979.
Robin Williams won many awards over the span of his brilliant career, but it's probably safe to say nothing will ever feel quite as good for any actor as that very first win. His face says it all in this picture here, taken at the 1979 Golden Globes. Williams had just won the Golden Globe for lead comedy actor for “Mork and Mindy.”
This legendary role launched his entire career and propelled him towards his future greatness.
Right from the start, Williams was primarily known for his comedic bits and his demeanor was said to be usually quite in sync with his on-stage persona. But it seems Williams had long suffered from depression and eventually dementia which resulted in his death by suicide in 2014.
Lynda Carter, the original wonder woman, in the seventies.
Here she is back in the 1970s, Miss World America Lynda Carter who scored the role of a lifetime as Wonder Woman. From 1975 to 1979 Carter was the first mainstream female superhero and quickly became a household name. She rocked her own sex appeal with her character’s strength and shot all the way to pop icon status.
Even after her Wonder Woman days were over, she hardly retired her superhero cape. Lynda continued her battle for justice off-screen as an advocate for LGBT rights and eventually, she also joined efforts in finding the cure for cancer. Today she’s still the same strong, beautiful, actress and philanthropist that she was back in the groovy era.
Susanna Hoffs, c.1986.
Pictured here is the beautiful and talented Susanna Lee Hoffs, vocalist, guitarist and co-founder of The Bangles. The Bangles released their first full album titled All Over the Place in 1984 and they saw moderate success. It wasn’t until 1986 with the release of album Different Light that they reached new heights. It included the hit singles "Manic Monday", "If She Knew What She Wants", and "Walk Like an Egyptian".
Hoffs also co-wrote "I Need a Disguise" for The Go-Gos Belinda Carlisle. Before she knew it, Hoffs was appearing all over magazine covers, acting, writing, and was perfectly positioned to launch a solo career by the time The Bangles disbanded in 1988.
Kirk Douglas (center) with his 4 sons, (left to right) Joel Douglas, Peter Douglas, Michael Douglas and Eric Douglas in 1988.
The Hollywood centenarian is a director, actor, producer and author. Born in 1916, Douglas has had an active role in film and television since the early 1940s. With his established production company, he has produced many films and has received many awards and nominations for them.
Douglas married twice, he and his first wife Diana Dill, had two sons together: actor Michael Douglas and producer Joel Douglas. He and his second wife, producer Anne Buydens, also had two sons together. Strangely enough another actor, Eric Douglas and another producer, Peter Douglas. Sadly, Eric died from an accidental overdose on prescription drugs and alcohol July 6, 2004.
June Carter Cash in 1956.
A young Madonna, 1974.
Pictured here is a young Madonna, long before her days of pop music fame. At the time this photo was taken, 1974, Madonna was in her sophomore year at Adams High School in Rochester, Michigan. According to friends from this time of her life, the future pop icon wasn’t overly charismatic and most were shocked that she made it so big. She was described as athletic, aloof, and well-read. According to former boyfriend Wyn Cooper, "she was a little bit aloof. She took herself more seriously than most of us did at that age.
Adolescent Marilyn Monroe with her aunts - Sawtelle, California. 1938.
Despite her seemingly outgoing nature as a woman, Marilyn Monroe was very shy as a child and still suffered from bouts of shyness and insecurity as an adult. She was so shy that she developed a stutter, she never fully got rid of it but was able to mask it thanks to the dictation lessons by the studio vocal coaches.
According to Marilyn, her Aunt Ana was the first person she ever truly felt loved by, in fact, Ana was the first person to encourage Marilyn to become an actress. After Aunt Ana died in 1948, Marilyn’s husband at the time, Joe DiMaggio, made arrangements to ensure Marilyn would be buried in the same cemetery when she passed away.
Rush members Neil Peart, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson early in their career. (1970's)
Chris Farley..a legend.. R.I.P. Miss this guy a lot (circa 1976).
Actor and comedian Chris Farley was widely known for his energetic and rather ‘loud’ comedic style. Like many before him, his popularity began to soar after becoming a cast member of the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. He flourished on SNL from 1990 to 1995. Farley made the shift and began focusing more on his film acting career. Tommy Boy and Black Sheep
He also appeared in the films Wayne's World, Coneheads, Airheads, and was uncredited in Billy Madison. Tragically, Farley died just as he was really getting the ball rolling in his career. He was only 33-years old when he died of a drug overdose in 1997.
Christopher Walken, early 70's.
Christopher Walken has appeared in more than 100 classic films and hit television shows. Just a few of the titles under his belt are, Annie Hall (1977), The Deer Hunter (1978), The Dead Zone (1983), Batman Returns (1992), True Romance (1993), Pulp Fiction (1994), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Catch Me If You Can. Walken also starred in an episode of Kojak
Unfortunately, the award-winning actor will also always be remembered in connection with the tragic Natalie Wood drowning. Walken was on the Yacht with Wood and her husband Robert Wagner. While police never suspected Walken of any wrongdoing, it’s common knowledge that his lighthearted flirtation with Wood led to a fight between him and Wagner the night Natalie wandered off on that yacht and was never seen alive again.
Alice, Flo and Vera working at Mel's Diner, 1976.
Alice was a sitcom that aired on CBS from August 31, 1976, to March 19, 1985, and was based on the 1974 film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. The show stars Linda Lavin in the title role, who plays a widow with a son trying to start their lives over again. She gets a job at a roadside diner in Arizona, the infamous Mel's Diner, where most of the episodes are centered around. The show was famous for catchphrases such as Flo's "Kiss my grits!" and Mel would always snipe, "Stow it!" or "Bag it, Blondie!"
Janis Joplin taking a break at the Woodstock Festival. (1969)
Janis gave fused her rock with the Blues, giving it more depth. Janis was also widely regarded for her ‘electric’ stage presence and though she died at just 27-years old, she remains one of the top-selling musicians in the United States. In 1995, she was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Despite having only released three albums before her untimely death, Janis Joplin is arguably one of the most prominent female rock stars of all time and certainly the biggest of her era. She was found dead of a heroin overdose in bed. Described as having "a devastatingly original voice" and a presence that was both "overpowering and deeply vulnerable", news of her death shook the music world which was still processing the loss of Jimi Hendrix sixteen days earlier.
Debbie Harry on a rooftop, late 70's.
Pictured here is Debbie Harry, better known as “Blondie,” back in the 1970s. The iconic Punk new wave singer is also considered the first female rapper to chart at number one in the United States because of her work on "Rapture". She’s also had over 60 film roles and numerous television appearances.
The group was founded by singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein but also comprised of members Clem Burke, Gary Valentine, and Jimmy Destri. They were pioneers of the punk scene but were noted for their eclectic mix of musical styles. They incorporated elements of disco, pop, and reggae. For this, they are credited with introducing mainstream American listeners to alternative elements of Rock and Roll in the late 1970’s. Blondie has sold 40 million records worldwide, is still active, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Cybill Shepherd, 1972.
Pictured here is actress and singer Cybill Shepherd who became a fashion icon after being named “Miss Teenage Memphis” during the Memphis Model of the Year contest back in 1966. Soon after, she went on to become a spokesperson for L’Oreal and graced the covers of many popular magazines.
The American model and singer, turned actress, landed some of her better-known roles throughout the 1970s. In 1971 she was cast as Jacy in The Last Picture Show, she played Kelly in The Heartbreak Kid in 1972, and then she got the role of Betsy in Taxi Driver in 1976. From there her popularity continued to bloom, she spent a chunk of the 1980s as Maddie Hayes in the popular show Moonlighting, before landing her own show Cybill which ran from 1995–1998.
Jacqueline Kennedy and her husband, 1953.
Before becoming the First Lady, Jackie Bouvier almost married another man; World War II veteran and Wall Street Banker John Husted. She was just 22 years old at the time and quickly grew to hate the idea of becoming a housewife. By March she called the whole wedding off and mere months later started dating John F Kennedy who was a U.S. congressman at the time. She met Kennedy at a dinner-party in Georgetown, and the two hit it off. The couple had been dating for two years when he proposed, they were married in September of 1953.
Irish beauty and the Queen of Technicolor, Maureen O'Hara.
Irish-born actress and singer was famous for her fiercely passionate roles and fiery red hair, not to mention her creative alliance with Western Director John Ford. She worked with Ford on numerous films along with longtime friend John Wayne. She was one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
She co-starred alongside Charles Laughton in Alfred Hitchcock's Jamaica Inn in 1939. Then moved to Hollywood the same year to co-star with him again in the production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. After that, she was given a contract by RKO Pictures and had a long, successful career as "The Queen of Technicolor".
Some of her more famous films include; Miracle on 34th Street, Rio Grande, The Wings of Eagles, The Parent Trap, and The Rare Breed. She retired from show business in 1971, but not before starring with Wayne one last time in Big Jake. She re-emerged 20 years later to appear with John Candy in Only the Lonely (1991).
It's a good thing! Martha Stewart as a model in the 1960's.
What many don’t realize nowadays, is lifestyle guru Martha Stewart modeled in her teens and early adulthood to help pay for the portions of her education that her scholarship didn’t cover. She became very successful even though it was treated as just a part-time job. She got gigs from major brands including Chanel.
She then traded photoshoots for the stock market after landing a graduate role as a broker on Wall Street after college. It wasn’t until restoring a farmhouse from the 1800s and launching her own catering company in 1976, that really set her “lifestyle career” in motion.
Leonard Nimoy crooning on the couch (1960's).
As the LA Times so eloquently put it, “Leonard Nimoy's music blurred line between man and Vulcan.” Out of the many records that Nimoy released both under his real name and as Dr. Spock, “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins” (1968) just may be the most iconic. It’s Spock’s ode to “The Hobbit” and just may very well be the ultimate anthem for Science Fiction/Fantasy fans across the universe. It was kind of hard to tell if he was going for novelty or not but he dropped the Dr. Spock persona the same year and did his own cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” and John Hartford's "Love Is Sweeter".
The original Lynyrd Skynyrd, 1975
Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the greatest bands of the 70's. This photo was taken near the Hell House just outside of Green Cove Springs, Florida. The band originally formed back in 1964 as My Backyard in Jacksonville, Florida. Then they became The Noble Five and One Percent, before finally choosing "Lynyrd Skynyrd" in 1969.
With signature songs like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird", they popularized the Southern rock genre all throughout the 1970s. Tragically, two band members and a backup singer died in an airplane crash in 1977, at the peak of their success. But that didn’t stop the band from selling over 28 million records in the United States. The surviving band members reformed in 1987 and Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to tour and record.
Elizabeth Taylor on set of the film Giant, 1956.
Pictured here is the iconic Liz Taylor, lounging seductively on the set of the film Giant, back in 1956. Taylor has always been just as famous for her love life as her films, with the most scandalous of her relationships being with Eddie Fisher. Eddie Fisher was married to Taylor’s best friend Debbie Reynolds when they began their affair shortly after her own husband, Mike Todd died.
Fisher was more than happy to be there for Taylor in her time of grief, unfortunately, that meant completely stepping out on his wife Debbie, and leaving her to raise their children alone. All of Hollywood was stunned by Fisher and Taylor’s betrayal, they were crucified by the press.
The original Colonel Sanders hanging out with Alice Cooper in 1969.
Rocker Joan Jett enjoying some french fries on the go. (1977)
Pictured here is rocker Joan Jett munching on some fries back in 1977. Jett was a co-founder of The Runaways, in 1979 she pursued a solo career and teamed with the Sex Pistols on a few songs. Then she formed Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, recorded new material in addition to re-releasing her older fan favorites like "I Love Rock n' Roll" and "Bad Reputation".
In recent years, Jett has had her songs featured in several films and television shows including, The Runaways, Baby Mama and Shrek. While Jett still plays live, touring extensively she is actively involved in signing new musicians to her record label, Blackheart Records.
Kurt Cobain and Peter Gabriel at the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles.
Pictured here is progressive rock genius of Genesis, Peter Gabriel, and the king of grunge rock Kurt Cobain. SInce the photo was taken Gabriel has gone on to continue is enormously successful music career. But sadly the same cannot be said about Cobain. He’s become infamous as one of the most famous and shocking rock star suicides of all time.
In 1994, Lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist of “Nirvana” shot himself in the face with a 20-gauge shotgun. It was two days before his body was found and he was only identifiable by his fingerprints. At just 27-years old his battle with depression and drug use overtook him. He left behind wife Courtney Love, daughter Frances Bean Cobain, and a successful career.
18-year-old Goldie Hawn eating a sandwich in 1964.
Goldie Hawn began her acting career in the short-lived CBS situation comedy Good Morning, World. She played a stereotypical "dumb blonde" character who was dating a radio disc jockey.
It was her next role, as a regular cast members on the sketch comedy show, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, which broadened her reach and garnered her some international attention. The show ran from 1968–1973 but she had already established herself as something of an “It Girl” in the 1960s so at the show’s conclusion she had no problems landing roles.
Her first major film role was in Cactus Flower (1969), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. From there the bombshell kept churning out roles and earning awards and Goldie’s still rocking it today.
James Earl Jones in 1961.
Next up would have to be his voice role as Mufasa in Disney's The Lion King. But aside from his iconic voice, Jones is an amazing onscreen actor. Literally, one of the best actors in American history with a pile of awards to prove it. He has a career spanning more than 60 years now and has been accurately described by his peers and fans alike as, "one of America's most distinguished and versatile actors" in the industry.
Believe it or not, Jones had a stutter he forced himself to overcome in his childhood by reading poetry, acting, and public speaking. Now after winning the the Voice Arts Icon Award back in November 9, 2015, it’s safe to say Jones has conquered that stutter.
Babe Ruth in the locker room at Yankee Stadium the day his No. 3 was retired 1948.
Marvin Gaye shooting the album cover for "What's Going On" in 1971.
American singer, songwriter and record producer Marvin Gaye is credited with helping to shape the sound of Motown back in the 1960s. During the 1970s, he along with Stevie Wonder became the first artists to break away from traditional production companies. Gaye recorded the concept albums What's Going On and Let's Get It On. It was Gaye's later recordings that ended up influencing several contemporary R&B subgenres: quiet storm and neo-soul.
On April 1, 1984, tragedy struck when Gaye's father, Marvin Gay Sr., fatally shot him at their house in Los Angeles. Apparently, the two had been arguing and it escalated into a physical fight that ended with Gaye’s father shooting him three times. Then he went outside and awaited his arrest on the front porch. Gaye Sr. was given a divorce by his wife of 49-years in addition to a six-year suspended sentence and five years' probation for the shooting.
Aloha! Phoebe Cates doing a bikini photo shoot in Hawaii. (1982)
Phoebe Cates starred in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" in 1982, and she was later quoted as saying that she had the most fun in filming that movie. The following year, she co-starred alongside Matthew Modine and Betsy Russell in “Private School”. She also sang on two songs its soundtrack, "Just One Touch" and "How Do I Let You Know".
Other big roles Cates landed was the first two Gremlins movies and 90's favorite, “Drop Dead Fred”. She was a teen icon, her face was on the cover of just about every popular magazine: Seventeen, Tiger Beat, and Teen Beat to name a few.
Shirley Temple, 1950's.
With those dimpled cheeks framed in curls, little Shirley Temple sang, danced, and acted her way into the hearts of America during the Depression. By six years old she had already won an Academy Award. She even starred in a movie with future president Ronald Reagan before leaving show business to embarking on a political career of her own. She ran for Congress, served as United States Ambassador to Czechoslovakia, and played a critical role in hastening the end of communism in Czechoslovakia.
Alfred Hitchcock serving tea to Leo, the MGM Lion, 1957.
Pictured here is Alfred Hitchcock, pioneer and master of the suspense and thriller genres. Oddly enough, Hitchcock never won a "Best Director Oscar" Award in his lifetime... even though he is now widely considered one of the greatest directors of all time.
His companion here is none other than Leo the Lion, mascot for Hollywood film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as well as its predecessors, Goldwyn Pictures. Leo was featured in the studio's production logo. Since 1916 there have been seven different lions used for the MGM logo. Only the current lion (pictured here), who has been in use since 1957 (a total of 60 years), actually bore the name Leo.
Sean Connery playing with a kitten on the set of Dr. No in 1961.
Sir Sean Thomas Connery is one of the most decorated and celebrated actors of all time. The Scottish native has won Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards and Golden Globe awards. Sean Connery is most known for being the first ever actor to play the character James Bond on the big screen.
He starred in the first seven James Bond films, from the very first movie, Dr. No, to Diamonds Are Forever. Dr. No was filmed in Jamaica and England; it was adapted from a book of the same name by Ian Fleming.
Although Connery’s last appearance as James Bond wasn’t as smooth as the others. Reports say that he demanded over $1.5 million to resume the role. It took a deal with United Artists to finally make it happen. They promised to back any two films he wanted if he'd just play James Bond again. So he did.
Heather Locklear, 1989.
Elvis Presley in the US Army (1958).
It was on March 24, 1958, when the King, Elvis Aron Presley entered the United States Army. He then went through basic and advanced training and ended up serving as a member of two different armor battalions during his active military career. Presley was sent overseas to serve as a member of the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32d Armor in Germany from October 1, 1958, until March 2, 1960. On March 5, 1960, he left active duty and returned to the states. It wasn't until March 23, 1964 that he received his discharge papers from the Army Reserve and went back to his music career.
The original Catwoman Julie Newmar in 1966.
Pictured here is the beautiful Julie Newmar as Catwoman in the Batman television series. Sporting a tight one piece and armed with a bullwhip, the provocative thief had quite the love-hate relationship with Gotham’s hero. It was Newmar who was responsible for modifying the Catwoman costume. She wore the belt at the hips instead of the waist, to accentuate her hourglass figure. Now her Catwoman costume sits on display in the Smithsonian Institution.
Julie Newmar went on to establish an immensely successful career since her Batman days. She is still going strong as an actress and has become a supporter of LGBT rights. She was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing organization in 2013.
Did you watch The Gumby Show (1957 - 1969)?
Gumby, the classic claymation franchise about an oddly shaped green humanoid character and his sidekick is Pokey, a talking orange pony that everyone fell in love with–naturally. Crafted by Art Clokey, the character has gone on to have two television series and a feature-length film so far. Gumby has become a cultural icon, having spawned various tributes, parodies, and tons of merchandise. It is no surprise that a revival of the show was announced in 2015. The new Gumby series is still in the works and will be co-produced by the Jim Henson Company.
Helen Mirren, 1960's.
Helen Mirren is a Shakespearean actress and an award-winning machine. She is one of the few to have achieved the Triple Crown of Acting: Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award.
She won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2007, (after two previous nominations), for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen. She won an Olivier Award for Best Actress for her performance in The Audience in 2013, in which she also portrayed Elizabeth II. Then she took home the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play in 2015 for her Broadway performance in the play. Mirren has gone on to win three consecutive BAFTA Awards for Best Actress, several Emmy Awards, and in 2003, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for Services to the Performing Arts.
A policewoman plays duck-duck-goose with children in Harlem, NYC, New York, US in 1978.
This classic old-school photograph features an NYPD officer taking a break from chasing criminals to play an innocent game of Duck Duck Goose with a group of local kids spending their summer vacation on the streets of Harlem. Photojournalist Leonard Freed is the man responsible for capturing this awesome, smile-inducing moment in the summer of 1978.
Prince doing his best impression of a Hard Day's Night scene, being chased by screaming girls. (1993)
Prince was one of music’s great innovators, his integration of various styles like funk, R&B, rock, new wave, soul, and psychedelia helped to change the way pop music was made. His undeniable musical talents paired with his wide vocal range and his flamboyant stage presence made him a pop-culture phenomenon.
Prince is one of the best-selling artist of all time with over 100 million records worldwide. Over the course of his career he won seven Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award for his film Purple Rain. In 2004, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Smugglers blues - Don Johnson with Glenn Frey (making his acting debut) in Miami Vice. (1985)
Miami Vice had only been on the air for a few months when show creator Michael Mann heard Glenn Frey's song "Smuggler's Blues" on the radio and had an epiphany. Mann commissioned an episode with the same title, had some of the song lyrics worked into the dialogue, and then he brought in Frey himself to play pilot Jimmy Cole.
Carrie Fisher taking photos of Harrison Ford outside The Plaza Hotel in New York City - 1979.
Carrie Fisher was a Hollywood actress and writer most known for playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars series. In the 1970’s she was cast for the role of Princess Leia and starred alongside Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford. The three stars would later become lifelong friends.
She would reprise her role and appear in at least six other Star Wars films. She even appeared on the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special. She would later admit that she would not have accepted the role had she known that it would have such a major effect on the lives of her parents.
The actors doing the voices of Fred, Barney, Wilma and Betty in The Flintstones cartoon series. (1960)
The Flintstones was initially an animated sitcom produced by Hanna-Barbera for ABC but has since spawned movies, television specials, and other media. The series centers around mainly the Flintstones family but also heavily features their friends and neighbors the Rubbles.
It takes place in a Stone Age setting, in the town of Bedrock and combines elements of the prehistoric past with more modern living conveniences. It depicts dinosaurs, cavemen, and woolly mammoths all living side-by-side with pre-industrial technology.
It was the first animated series to run in a prime-time slot and was broadcast from September 30, 1960, to April 1, 1966. The Flintstones is now ranked as the second greatest cartoon of all time (behind The Simpsons) and was the most financially successful network animated franchise until The Simpsons debuted.
Mug shot of Frank Sinatra after he was arrested and charged with "carrying on with a married woman" back in 1938.
Believe it or not, Frank Sinatra was actually arrested and charged with adultery and seduction. Apparently having an affair was a crime in Bergen County, New Jersey back in 1938 and Ol’ Blue Eyes Sinatra, wasn’t about to get away with wooing a married woman.
He was 23-years old at the time of the arrest and according to reports his bond was set for $1,500 but was lowered to $500 after the charges of “seduction” was changed to “adultery”... apparently, the seduction aspect was worse? Eventually, all the charges were dismissed because sanity prevailed. More than likely her husband didn’t care to press charges.
Paul McCartney and family, circa 1969.
Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman on March 12, 1969, in a small civil ceremony—when Eastman was four months pregnant with their first of three biological children, Mary McCartney. Paul legally adopted Linda’s daughter, Heather, from her first marriage and then the couple went on to have two more kids, Stella and James McCartney.
Sadly, Linda died on April 17, 1998, of breast cancer at the age of 56-years old. According to McCartney he and Linda spent less than a week apart during their entire marriage, (aside from McCartney's incarceration for drugs in Tokyo back in 1980). Paul later credited his wife as the woman who "gave me the strength and courage to work again", referring to his depression after the break-up of The Beatles.
Stuart Sutcliffe (middle) was the original bass guitarist of The Beatles - 1960.
Pictured here are The Beatles back in 1960 after having just formed. The relatively small rock band began to make significant headway by playing in the “underground club scene” and embarking on several mini-tours throughout Hamburg Germany and all around Britain.
original bass guitarist, Stuart Sutcliffe only stuck around for two years before deciding to leave the band and focus on his artwork. Sadly he collapsed in Hamburg on 10 April 1962 after having suffered from headaches and light sensitivity for days. He died in the ambulance while in route to the hospital. The official cause of death was a cerebral hemorrhage.
Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef in the company of a Spanish policeman during the shooting of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. (circa 1965)
Clint Eastwood came from a wealthy background but did so poorly in school that he was held back; rumor has it that he never actually graduated at all. He tried his hand at acting and now he's a legend.
Between the years of 1954 and the 1960s, Clint had minor roles in numerous films and TV shows and was often uncredited. It wasn’t until the 70’s that his work finally received major and positive reviews. He had another turning point in 1971 when he made his debut as a director for the film Play Misty for Me; the New York Post praised his performance and skills as a director.
Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve hailing a cab back in 1981.
Then, in 1978, they both became aliens that crash-landed into popular culture; Williams as Mork on the hit TV sitcom Mork & Mindy, and his best friend Reeve as the Kryptonian superhero himself, in Richard Donner’s film, Superman.
Reeve later recalled first meeting Williams in his autobiography, Still Me: “I’d never seen so much energy contained in one person. He was like an un-tied balloon that had been inflated and immediately released. I watched in awe as he virtually caromed off the walls of the classrooms and hallways. To say that he was ‘on’ would be a major understatement. There was never a moment when he wasn’t doing voices, imitating teachers, and making our faces ache from laughing at his antics. His name, of course, was Robin Williams.”
An enchanting Audrey Hepburn in costume. (1954).
Grace Kelly and Clark Gable @ The 26th Annual Academy Awards in 1954.
Grace Kelly spent six years as an actress during the 1950’s before becoming the Princess of Monaco. But it wasn’t just a career she had before becoming a princess, it was a whole life, filled with friends, flings, and even a rumored engagement to fashion designer Oleg Cassini.
Letters surfaced years after her death that not only confirmed her engagement to the designer but also suggested she had a romantic relationship with Hollywood’s legendary leading man, Clark Gable.
This ‘suggestive’ passage was written in 1953 while Grace Kelly was in East Africa filming John Ford's Mogambo, in which she was co-starring with Clark Gable. 'Yesterday we had a day off,' she wrote. 'Clark and I rode in a jeep for three hours to get to Bukoba, the nearest town on Lake Victoria. We had a horrible lunch . . . then a delicious swim in the Lake. We had to go in in our underwear. It was a riot as you can well imagine . . . '
Princess Diana on a yacht in Portofino, Italy, 1997.
This is one of the most lasting images of the Princess of Wales taken just a week before her death while on holiday in Portofino.
Once news of Princess Diana’s death reached the public, conspiracy theories flooded the world almost immediately. Three people died in that accident on August 31, 1997, driver Henri Paul, Princess Diana, and her lover Dodi Al Fayed. Only her bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones survived the crash into the Pont de l'Alma tunnel. Too many questions have been left unanswered.
It didn’t help that the seemingly staged accident that took her life occurred eerily close to the anniversary of her divorce from Prince Charles August 28, 1996––which only fueled theories that he and the royal family was somehow involved.
