Vintage Photos From Hollywood History We Never Knew Existed

One such figure is the legendary Brigitte Bardot, who rose to fame in the 1950s as an international sex symbol. Born into a wealthy family, Bardot was discovered at just 15 years old, when she posed for the cover of Elle. It was at this point in her life that she came under the guidance of French director Roger Vadim, who is said to have prepared her to become the embodiment of beauty on film.

Bardot defied societal norms of the time and appeared in two French films, breaking box office records in both Europe and the United States. Keep reading to discover more exciting and fascinating stories from Hollywood's past!

While Lugosi will always be known for his frightening yet sensational portrayal of the world's most dangerous vampire in the 1931 movie, Dracula, he has a not-so-exciting past as a member of the Austro-Hungarian army during World War I. He rarely talked of his time in the Great War, and now we know why. As he was filming The Black Cat, he revealed to cast and crew members that he was a hangman for the Austro-Hungarian army and the war-time experience had left him feeling "thrilled and guilty all at once."

"Gable was self-centered and never felt it necessary to have self-discipline when it came to sex outside the relationship because he had a sense of what a catch he was."

Unfortunately, Lombard died in 1942 while flying home to save her marriage with Gable.

Most of us know about the untimely and mysterious death of Natalie Wood, who played Susan Walker in Miracle on 34th Street and Maria in West Side Story. In 1981, her death was classified as an accidental drowning, but years later — 40 to be exact — in 2011, the Los Angeles County sheriff's office officially reopened the investigation. In 2013, her death was changed to "drowning and other undetermined factors." The new coroner had found physical evidence of a possible assault the day she died.

Liza Minelli pretty much had no choice when it came to entering stardom. Her mother, Judy Garland, was performing in London when Minelli came out on the stage next to her, and that's when she realized her daughter would one day become a star. But fame takes its toll and it certainly did on their relationship. Minelli stood by while watching Garland fall victim to overdue bills, addictions, and suicide attempts, but the Wizard of Oz star was still her mother, and said of her,

"I thought my mother was perfect, perfect. Every little thing she did."

It seems this publicity photo of Greta Garbo and Leo the Lion was a bit more nerve-racking for Garbo than Leo. The King of the Jungle was actually MGM's third lion mascot, with both Slats and Jackie appearing before, who were trained by MGM's animal wrangler, Volney Phifer. Ms. Garbo arrived in the U.S. from Sweden in 1926, and the production company wanted to create some excitement about their new star, thus the famous picture of 19-year-old Great Garbo with Leo the Lion.

Bette Davis was an independent and fierce woman who had the ability to play a wide range of difficult yet powerful roles. She was truly a leader for women in the early film industry. That didn't mean she didn't have a few rivalries with fellow actresses. She and Joan Crawford clashed for several years with their feud coming to a peak during the making of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? when Davis installed a Coca-Cola machine on set as a jab to Crawford, whose late husband was the CEO of Pepsi.

But the movie business has changed so much since I was there.

During World War II, Audrey Hepburn lived in Nazi-occupied Holland with her mother as her father left the family when she was only six years old. Her mother was initially a supporter of the Nazi regime, but when they killed Hepburn's uncle, her mother took her daughter and they fled to a nearby town, where her mother joined the resistance. Many years later, Hepburn recalled that time of hardship, which included being a volunteer nurse in an Allied hospital and being so hungry her and her family had to eat tulip bulbs. 

Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks were one of those Hollywood couples that actually made it. They were married for 41 years until her death in 2005. The two made several films together, and in a 2013 interview for Sirius XM, Brooks noted that his favorite film was 1942's To Be Or Not To Be because he got to hang out with Bancroft for 24 hours. 

"How many people could stand their wives for 24 hours? I could cry now," he said. "She was easy ... she was fun ... I liked her so much. I couldn't get enough of her."

Buster Keaton, born Joseph Francis Keaton, got his name in a most peculiar way. At six months, he met Harry Houdini when he fell down the stairs with no injuries and fairly undisturbed, the world-renowned magician said he could take a fall or a "buster." At three years old, Buster joined his family's vaudeville act where he was knocked over, dropped down stairs, and thrown through windows, which pretty much prepared him for his knockabout comedic timing during the silent movie era.

Activist, United Nations delegate, and breast cancer survivor, Shirley Temple lived her incredible life to the fullest up until her death in 2014. Her older adult life was remarkable compared to her problematic start in show business. At the beginning of her childhood career, Temple appeared in several cringe-worthy films titled Baby Burlesques, where she exchanged kisses for candy and played an exotic dancer at the age of three. In her biography, Temple denounced the series calling them,

a cynical exploitation of our childish innocence that occasionally were racist or sexist. 

It's probably obvious from this photo that Randolph Scott was an animal enthusiast. This well-known actor was featured in several Western movies from the 1930s through the 1960s and rode many horses throughout his career but his favorite, by far, was Stardust. With his striking palomino coat and full white mane and tail, Stardust appeared in over a dozen films with Scott as his rider. The two worked so well together that fans wrote letters asking Scott questions about his movie partner.  

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello have gone down in history as one of the best comedy duos of the 20th century, thanks in part to the routine they're best known for, "Who's On First?" This celebrated and familiar wordplay was indispensable to the duo's popularity, and if their radio producers had the final say, it never would've happened. They believed that listeners wouldn't get the joke and "Who's On First?" would've gone right over their heads. Boy were they wrong.

Groucho Marx was born as Julius Henry Marx and was the third of five brothers to Sam "Frenchie" Marx and Minnie Schonberg. The Marx Brothers made themselves famous as one of Hollywood's funniest comedy troupes, but Groucho's life was not as enjoyable as their shows were to audiences. Initially, Marx did not want to pursue entertainment but rather had dreams of becoming a doctor. His mother pushed him towards Hollywood as their family lived in poverty and they could no longer afford his schooling by the age of 12.

Leslie Caron began a bright and successful Hollywood career at a young age, but this lively and elegant young actress had a personal life that was never free from past ghosts. Her mother became an alcoholic and committed suicide following WWII. Caron also recalled how the war caused great shame to the people of France, including herself.      

Everyone talks about the solidarity of the war, and it may have happened in England, but not in France. We were ashamed to have given up and to have the German enemy right there.

All you have to do is say their names and immediately people start singing "I Got You, Babe." They had a rather tumultuous relationship that ended in divorce, but even from the beginning, their marriage was overshadowed by her daddy issues and his unrelenting infidelity. As Cher's mother once said,

I think the father image had a great deal to do with Cher’s feelings, but I didn’t think it would have helped if I’d told that to Cher. When a girl is as much in love with a man as she was, not much can be done about it.

Walt Disney was not the type of man to let success and wealth keep him from being generous and thoughtful. He drove his daughters to school every day and the Disney family housekeeper was like a member of their family. Once he reached the pinnacle of success, he bought his parents a brand-new house and sent his own studio repairman to fix anything in need of repair. Unfortunately, in 1938, the furnace broke down, and due to it not being repaired correctly, his mother died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Who doesn't love watching Clint Eastwood in a movie, and with an ape co-star nonetheless? Manis the orangutan was definitely the main attraction in Every Way But Loose, and when the ape returned to his day job at a Vegas show for the sequel, Any Which Way You Can, a younger orangutan named Buddha was cast. This sweet and docile ape was tragically in the care of an abusive trainer who beat him to death for eating a doughnut. We can rest assured this would never happen had Buddha been featured in a film today.

Louise Brooks was a talented and smart beauty of the silent film and flapper era, but a horrendous event when she was young left a lasting mark on her soul. A neighbor of the family sexually abused Ms. Brooks at the young age of nine, and later she commented that this tragedy caused her to never fully be able to commit to men either in her marriages or many affairs.

[This man] must have had a great deal to do with forming my attitude toward sexual pleasure.

Myrna Loy had an impressive film career, working with such leading men as Cary Grant, Spencer Tracy, Henry Fonda, and Paul Newman. She was known for keeping her personal history, well, personal. She was so private that, of the archival papers she left to Boston University, she carefully removed several personal letters. What we do know of the Queen of Hollywood is her political activism, primarily her work in World War II relief campaigns and as an advocate for the United Nations. 

The "Queen of Teens" quickly became a box-office hit with her film Gidget and A Summer Place. She married pop idol Bobby Darrin in 1960, but their divorce seven years later started her journey away from film and movie stardom. The Hollywood couple had one child together, Dodd Mitchell Darrin, who later wrote a book about his parents, Dream Lovers: The Magnificent Shattered Lives of Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee. Within its pages, he shares about his mother's sexual abuse as a child and her struggle with anorexia, drugs, and alcohol, as an adult.

The beloved and wickedly funny Robin Williams was a once-in-a-lifetime gem for many movie goers. Beyond his fatal struggle with depression, Williams is known for several life successes, some more quiet than others. He was instrumental in getting Ethan Hawke (Dead Poet's Society) a Hollywood agent and helped Steven Spielberg handle the emotional heaviness of filming Schindler's List by calling him once a week for an over-the-phone stand-up routine. Williams also quietly donated $50,000 to the Seattle Food Bank during the 2007 financial crisis, and never once asked for any recognition.

While Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang is a lighthearted, family-friendly musical, its origin is filled with tragedy. Although adapted by Roald Dahl for film, this children's classic was written by 53-year-old Ian Fleming while recovering from a heart attack. At that time, his son, Caspar, told Fleming he loved James Bond more than him, and in response, Fleming wrote a series of children's stories called, The Magical Car. Fleming passed away when Caspar was 12, and it affected him so deeply that the event was instrumental in his intentionl deat via drug overdose at the age of 23.

The Godfather actor is known for his tremendous acting talent, but did you know he also had a knack for being a storyteller of nonsense? It began when he was playing a small role in I Remember Mama, when he told Playbill he was born in Calcutta, and then changed it to Bangkok, Thailand, and China. He also claimed that he had a Greate Dane who ate dehydrated dog food, and as Brando aged, he took to the Internet and joined chat rooms simply to begin arguments with strangers. Apparently, he never did retire from acting.

We all remember Leave It To Beaver and the Cleaver family. Tony Dow played the role of Beaver's big brother Wally, the responsible All-American son of June and Ward. As Dow entered his 20s, depression began to take hold of him. While he did have a genetic predisposition to this mental illness, he also noted that the show did play a part.

But certainly, Leave It to Beaver had something to do with it. Certainly, it had something to do with raising one’s expectations and establishing a certain criteria that you would expect to continue in life.

In the '80s, Judd Nelson and Rob Lowe were unofficial members of The Brat Pack, which left Michael J. Fox out of the exclusive group. Not wanting to be left out, Fox, who was gaining fame from Back to the Future, Teen Wolf, and Family Ties, asked Lowe about his invitation to the group when the two first met at a boxing match.

"Your invitation? Invitation to what?" Lowe asked. 'To join the Brat Pack," said Fox. "I guess it was just lost in the mail," Lowe said.

Various celebrities could be seen at Studio 54 any night of the week, however, Margaux Hemingway, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, became a staple there in the 1970s. She was the world's first million-dollar supermodel at only 21 years old. The fame and fortune of her successful career and her struggles as a teen — depression, alcohol abuse, and eating disorders — were altogether too much for her to handle and she died of an intentional overdose in 1996. She was the fifth member of the Hemingway family to commit suicide.

Ask anyone, even those who have never seen an episode of Star Trek, and they'll know exact who this man is in the above picture. William Shatner started out as a normal joe who thought this new sci-fi show was just another gig, but he, along with Nichelle Nichols (Lieutenant Uhura), broke some pretty huge boundaries early in their careers. The famous interracial kiss between Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura rocked a lot of people's worlds back in the '60s. But kudos to both of them for playing a huge role in one of television's most important moments.

Business partners who became lovers, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks began a whirlwind romance when they wed in 1920. Their European honeymoon started with swarms of fans surrounding them as they disembarked the Red Star cruise liner in London. They spent a weekend on the Isle of Thanet, bought a car in Switzerland and hired a chauffeur to drive them around, visited the ex-Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany, and were honored at a dinner in Paris with 200 other French actors in attendance. The pair divorced in 1936, and Fairbanks died shortly after, with Pickford following in 1979.

One of the earliest sex symbols of film, Theda Bara was a popular and oft-imitated silent film actress. She portrayed several femme fatale roles that earned her the nickname "The Vamp" which soon became a buzzword for a woman who was a sexual predator. She had many other female partners who also helped to develop the seductress character, including Valeska Suratt and French actress, Musidora. While the origin of her stage name still remains a mystery, some thought at the time it was an anagram of "Arab Death."

Recognized as one of Hollywood's leading men, Steve McQueen had a laid-back yet counterculture persona about him. Before he became the celebrated film star he is today, he found himself in juvie after stealing hubcaps with neighborhood gang members in Los Angeles. After a few attempts at trying to, yet unsuccesfully, escape the California Junior Boys Republic school, a sympathetic staff member took McQueen under his wing, reining in some of his rebellious behavior. After becoming a hit Hollywood star, he would often return to the school to give inspirational talks to the students there.

While Ali McGraw gained success as the co-star of Love Story, along with Ryan O'Neal, she had never felt comfortable in her own skin and endured a kind of imposter syndrome throughout her acting career. Between that and her tumultuous marriage to Steve McQueen, she found solace in alcohol, love affairs, and several other personal challenges. it wasn't until she checked in to the Betty Ford Clinic that she finally find peace.

 . . . I began to feel an underlying peace and sense of order that I had yearned for forever.

Cesar Romero, nicknamed the Latin Lover, was in a variety of acting roles that included westerns, dramas, and comedies. He became known for his signature moustache, which had to be painted over, not shaved, for his appearance as the Joker on Batman. Romero was known as "the bachelor" among Hollywood stars and was the go-to date for many actresses at movie premieres and other events. He did reveal he was gay two years before his death, although this part of his life was apparently not a secret among fellow actors and actresses. 

If you ever turned on the television in the 1980s then you most likely recognize this lovely lady as Melissa Sue Anderson, who played Mary on Little House on the Prairie. Outside of this popular family series, she pursued many roles unlike those of the sweet oldest sister from Walnut Grove. She was a guest star on The Love Boat, Murder She Wrote, and The Equalizer. She was also offered the main female role in The Blue Lagoon, but was not comfortable with the nudity, so the part went to Brooke Shields instead.

Check out this iconic image of William Shatner as Captain Kirk in 1968, standing proudly by his customized “Jupiter 8” sports car. This picture captures the timeless appeal of Star Trek and the beloved character of Captain Kirk, whose optimism and enthusiasm for the future were contagious. Note the iconic Starfleet uniform - I=it reminds us of a simpler time when sci-fi fandom began to take off. We gotta go back!


So come and take a trip down a very groovy memory lane with us, and discover a whole new side of history that you've never seen before. You won't be disappointed!

This is one of the most iconic selfies of all time! It’s a selfie taken in space by astronaut Buzz Aldrin during the historic Apollo 11 mission - the first manned mission to land on the moon in 1966. It captures the awe-inspiring spirit of space exploration. At a time when space travel was still relatively new, this image is a reminder of the brave pioneers who first ventured into the unknown. For those who have always dreamt of exploring the stars, this image is a perfect tribute to the spirit of adventure. It’s a reminder of the incredible achievements of mankind and a source of inspiration for generations to come.

It was 1984, and a young Drew Barrymore was living it up! She had just starred in her first hit movie, E.T., and quickly became one of Hollywood's most sought-after up-and-coming stars. But her teenage years were still full of mischief and fun, so when she heard that Billy Idol was playing a show at a local nightclub, she jumped at the chance to hang out and let loose. At the show, Drew danced the night away with her friends, letting the infectious energy of Idol's performance take her away. She was one of the lucky few to meet Idol backstage and snap a few photos with him. It was a night she would never forget, marking the start of a long and successful career for Drew Barrymore.

It was 1978, and ABBA was groovin'! This Swedish pop quartet had just taken the world by storm with their hit single "Dancing Queen" and had become one of the most recognizable bands on the planet. With their bright and colorful outfits, catchy melodies, and vibrant choreography, ABBA was the epitome of 70s style and sound. Their success skyrocketed with the release of their third studio album, Voulez-Vous, which featured many tracks that would become classics. ABBA's music brought joy to people worldwide, and their style still inspires fashion trends today.

It was 1959, and the world was captivated by the beauty and charisma of Gloria Vanderbilt. This iconic American artist, author, actress, fashion designer, heiress, and socialite was at the height of her fame. She was the epitome of sophistication and grace, hosting glamorous parties and rubbing elbows with the likes of Truman Capote and Salvador Dali. She was also a devoted mother to her son, Anderson Cooper. She was a great source of inspiration and support to him. Her incredible style, innovative fashion designs, and self-made success made her an icon of the 1950s and a role model for many who followed.

In 1959 Bob Denver made waves as TV's favorite beatnik, Maynard G. Krebs. Denver was cast in the hit sitcom The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, playing the role of the goofy, laid-back, beatnik sidekick to the show's main character. Denver's natural comedic timing and zany energy brought the character to life, and audiences everywhere were enthralled. The show was a huge success and ran for four seasons, solidifying Denver as one of TV's most beloved characters. His portrayal of Maynard G. Krebs was so iconic that it earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and continues to bring joy to audiences to this day.

It was the summer of 1975, and the streets were filled with kids and their groovy banana-seat bikes. These two-wheeled wonders were the perfect way for kids to get around town and were fun to show off their style. Their banana seat bikes were decked out with all kinds of cool accessories, like tassels and streamers, and kids would cruise around town with the wind in their hair and the music in their ears. For those carefree summer days, nothing could beat the thrill of riding their bikes with their friends, a time of freedom and adventure. 

In 1987 Brian Warner was just like any other high schooler. But little did anyone know that this quiet, introverted teen was the future shock-rocker Marilyn Manson. Though he kept a low profile, Brian was already starting to explore his darker side. He was an avid reader of dark and controversial books and loved exploring goth and punk subcultures. Brian had an intense interest in music and was already starting to write songs and poems. Little did anyone know that this misfit teen was destined for greatness and that he would eventually become one of the most notorious musicians of all time. 

In 1961 Chubby Checker was captivating audiences with his moves. The King of the Twist had just released his hit single, "The Twist," and dance halls across the country were filled with fans eager to learn the dance. Chubby Checker was a showman on stage, and his signature moves were full of energy and joy. He was known for inviting fans on stage to dance with him, and his infectious enthusiasm filled the room. It was a time of fun and freedom, and Chubby Checker was the perfect ambassador of it all. He was a star, and his legacy continues to live on through his music and moves.

It was 1966, and Clint Eastwood was captivating audiences as the mysterious stranger in the spaghetti film classic The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Eastwood had already made a name for himself in the Western genre, but this role put him on the map as one of the most iconic movie stars of all time. His portrayal of the mysterious gunslinger was gruff and stoic yet full of charisma. His performance was so powerful that it earned him the nickname "The Man With No Name," and he was soon a household name. Eastwood's performance in the film cemented his status as an international star, and his legacy continues to live on to this day.

In 1969, the comedy world was forever changed by the introduction of Steve Martin. This wild and crazy guy was quickly making a name for himself with his unique brand of absurdist humor and surreal physical comedy. His first comedy album, Let's Get Small, was a huge success and established him as one of the most popular stand-up comedians in the business. Martin's wit, charm, and energetic performances had audiences everywhere on the edge of their seats, and his career continued to soar in the decades to come. His impact on comedy is still felt today, cementing Steve Martin's legacy as one of the most beloved and iconic comedians of all time.

In 1971 Cybill Shepherd quickly became a star with her mesmerizing performance in The Last Picture Show. Shepherd played the role of Jacy Farrow, a brave and bold woman in a small Texas town. With her stunning beauty and captivating presence, she captivated audiences everywhere. 

Her performance earned her vast critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Shepherd's stunning portrayal of Jacy Farrow became an iconic moment in cinema history. It established her as one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. She would have a long and successful career, and her impact on the film industry remains today.

It was 1961, and Dan Blocker, most well-known for his role as Hoss on the TV show Bonanza, was living it up with his family. At home on their ranch in Los Angeles, he spent quality time with his wife Dolphia and four children: Dirk, David, Danna, and Debra Lynne. The whole family radiated a wholesome picture of the life of a Hollywood star – an industrious father providing for his loving wife and children. His gentle giant persona resonated off-screen too; even when not playing Hoss on television or film sets around town - Dan Blocker remained adored by fans everywhere as an example of goodness above all else.

In 1977, Studio 54 was the hottest spot in town, and Diana Ross and Richard Gere were leading the charge. It was the golden era for this infamous New York City nightclub, when its vibrant atmosphere made it a place of wonder where celebrity sightings were commonplace. Its signature disco beats echoed through its walls as Ross, dressed to impress in her iconic 70s attire, dancing alongside Gere, dazzled everyone on the floor with their slick moves! As one of New York's most famous power couples at that time, they appeared larger than life - embodying effortless luxury and style as no other couple could. 

It was the early 1960s, and women everywhere were dressed in their Easter best for church. It was a time when fashion trends were changing rapidly, and everyone wanted to look their best on this special day. Women wore colorful spring dresses adorned with delicate lace and playful prints that fit perfectly into the spring season. They also donned stylish hats with large brims, often decorated with vibrant flowers or feathers, to complete their look. Whether headed out for Sunday service or gathering together as friends, these fashionable ladies embodied gracefulness while celebrating the holiday in style!

It was the 1970s, and Elton John's outrageous style was making a statement. With his signature red glasses and colorful ensembles, he quickly established himself as one of music's most flamboyant stars. But it wasn't just his jacket that made him stand out from the crowd – it was also his jeans! From bell-bottoms to flared legs and embroidery, John's jeans were always full of personality – making him an icon for fashion-forward folks everywhere who wanted to express themselves through their style. His unique look inspired countless trends over the years, proving that Elton John knew how to make a statement with every outfit!

It was 1982, and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and Erik Estrada were causing a stir on the set of CHiPs. The dynamic duo had just been cast in an episode together, playing a couple who got into serious trouble with the law! With their larger-than-life personalities, they made for one unforgettable performance as they raced through city streets, trying to escape from Officer Ponch (Estrada). Their chemistry onscreen was undeniable, making them instant fan favorites among viewers. No wonder, this memorable scene still stands out as one of the most iconic moments in TV history.

An iconic image of Elvis Presley, taken in 1967 during an Easter egg hunt at his home in Memphis, Tennessee. Even with all the fame and success from his rockabilly music and larger-than-life stage presence, he still enjoyed spending time with family on special occasions like Easter. His blue suit adorned with white piping was a classic look for him — it also showed off that famous twinkle in his eye! This photo captures a moment between Elvis and those closest to him and serves as a snapshot of simpler times. 

The 1977 release of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours album was a classic example of an iconic music moment. The record features the angelic voice and songwriting genius of Stevie Nicks alongside timeless guitar riffs from Lindsey Buckingham, immersing listeners in an unforgettable sonic journey. No wonder this album remains one of the most famous rock albums ever released today! Together, they took their live performances to another level - Stevie would captivate audiences with her heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals. At the same time, Lindsey wowed everyone with his technical proficiency on the guitar. Their electrifying chemistry onstage was undeniable; it made every performance feel like something special that you had to be there for!