Unedited Historical Photos That Expose The Unexpected
By Jack Ripley | March 14, 2023
Johnny Cash eating cake, 1971.
It is the people that make the past what it was. The lives people live, decisions they make, and things they accomplish are all woven into the tapestry of history and tell the story of the time period. That is true with the people shown in this collection of photos. These people – all icons of the groovy era – have left their imprint on the era. Let’s see how many of them you can remember.
Johnny Cash, the iconic country music star, was captured on camera enjoying a handful of strawberry cake with unapologetic gusto. Known for his struggles with drugs and alcohol, Cash openly admitted to taking every drug and drinking heavily throughout his life.
In his autobiography, Cash detailed his downward spiral, saying, "I took pills because I liked them. I took everything I could get my hands on, including glue and cocaine, and I drank." Despite his reputation for hard living, Cash continued to produce music and perform for decades, remaining a beloved and influential figure in the world of country music until his death in 2003. This image of the "Man in Black," enjoying his cake with reckless abandon, serves as a reminder of his larger-than-life personality and his enduring impact on American music.
A 19-year-old Princess Diana looking like she would like to be elsewhere in 1980
Lady Diana Spencer was not yet Princess Diana when this photo was taken. The 19-year-old former nursery school teacher was awkward, shy, and quiet when she first caught the eye of Prince Charles. As this photo shows, she was still learning the ins and outs of life as a royal. There are so many rules and restrictions placed on the royal family that, whenever Lady Diana inadvertently broke protocol, like yawning and rolling her eyes at various events, the press had a field day. These minor faux pas, however, only endeared her to the British people.
Two of the three Charlie’s Angels Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd and their pompoms, 1970s.
Do you remember the ‘Pom Pom Angels” episode of TV’s Charlie’s Angels? This episode, which aired in 1978, had the gorgeous private detectives going undercover to investigate the mysterious disappearances of three LA Bulldogs cheerleaders by a fanatical religious cult. As this photo shows, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd, as Kelly and Kris, become undercover cheerleaders while Kate Jackson’s Sabrina pretends to be a choreographer. This episode came on the heels of the incredible popularity of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
The Price Is Right host Bob Barker with Janice Pennington and Anitra Ford, 1972
Daughter Holly Joined her Famous Dad, Jack Palance, as Co-Hosts of "Ripley's Believe It or Not!"
Tough guy actor Jack Palance, who had already enjoyed a long and successful career in films and on television, was tapped to host a documentary-style television series, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” which debuted in 1982 on ABC. The show introduced viewers to the strange, mystifying, and bizarre oddities, people, and events that defy explanation. The series ran from 1982 to 1986. During that time, Palance had three co-hosts. The first was actress Catherine Shirriff and the last was singer Marie Osmond, but he had a special connection with the middle one. It was his own daughter, Holly Palance. Like her famous dad, Holly Palance was an actress. You might remember her from her role in The Omen.
Al Pacino's mugshot. (1961)
Yes, this is a mugshot from the time that Al Pacino was arrested, long before the actor starred in The Godfather, Scarface, and Scent of a Woman. But its not what it looks like. In January of 1961, Pacino and two of his fellow acting buddies were on their way to an acting job when they were stopped and arrested. They had inadvertently drawn the attention of the police because they were slowly circling a city block. The cops thought they were casing the joint. When they were stopped, the police found gloves, black stocking masks, and a .38 caliber pistol in the car. They were arrested and spent three nights in jail before they were able to convince the police that the items were props for a play and that the gun was a fake designed to look real. The charges were dropped and the men were released.
Tom Laughlin and His Wife, Delores Taylor, in a scene from the 1971 movie "Billy Jack"
Actor Tom Laughlin and his wife, Dolores Taylor, both started in Billy Jack, a movie that was conceived, written, directed, and produced by the couple. Laughlin attended the University of Wisconsin, then transferred to Marquette University, before transferring again to the University of South Dakota. It was there that he met Dolores Taylor, a graphic design student who would become his wife. It was also in South Dakota that Laughlin witnessed the mistreatment of Native Americans. It inspired him to write the screenplay for Billy Jack which they made into a movie in 1971. It was followed by The Trial of Billy Jack in 1974 and Billy Jack Goes to Washington in 1976.
Bo Diddley and The Clash on a tour bus during The Clash's 1979 U.S. tour, Diddley was the opening act for them
It might seem like an odd combination for American blues artist Bo Diddley to be hanging out on a tour bus with the British punk rock band, The Clash, but that exactly what this photo, taken in 1979, depicts. Bo Diddley, whose real name was Ellas McDaniel, was an eclectic artist. He incorporated African rhythms, hambone beats, and traditional blues elements into his music. He was a key player in the transformation of rhythm and blue to rock and roll. Because of this, many artists cite Bo Diddley as influencing their own musical styles, including the Beatles, Elvis, the Rolling Stones, and – you guess it – The Clash. When The Clash toured the U.S. in 1979, they invited Bo Diddley to be their opening act.
"Sailor Beware" was a 1952 comedy film starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis
Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were comedy magic when they were together. They partnered for 16 movies together, including Sailor Beware, which was their fifth movie collaboration. It was adapted from a stage play of the same name and debuted in February 1952. Martin and Lewis star as bumbling, inept Navy recruits who are in way over their heads when they enlist in the Navy. There is a bet that involves one of them getting a kiss from the sexy nightclub singer so the two must bumble their way through sailor life while plotting to get the coveted kiss to win the bet.
A 15 year-old Matt Dillon makes his film debut in Over the Edge 1979
Matt Damon was just 15 years old in this photo, taken in 1979 as a publicity pic for the movie Over the Edge. The film was released in May of that year but had a limited release, so it did not garner much attention. Still, it got Dillon enough praise that he was cast in two films the following year, My Bodyguard and Little Darlings. Now a teen heartthrob, Dillon proved that he was more than just a pretty face by appearing in three movie adaptations of S.E. Hinton books, Tex in 1982, The Outsiders in 1983, and The Flamingo Kid in 1984.
Actress Lee Meriwether in her Catwoman costume, 1966.
Actress Lee Meriwether has a unique place in the history of the Batman entertainment canon. As you can see in this photo from 1966, Meriwether played Catwoman in the Batman movie, which was based on the hit TV series, however she was the only performer in a major role that wasn’t in the TV series. Adam West, Burt Ward, Cesar Romero, Frank Gorshin, Burgess Meredith, Alan Napier, Neil Hamilton, Madge Blake, and Stafford Repp al reprised their roles in the film version of Batman, but Julie Newmar who played Catwoman in the television series opted not to appear in the film, opening the door for Lee Meriwether.
Audrey Hepburn, 1954.
There is no denying that Audrey Hepburn was a fashion icon. Even barefoot and wearing shorts and a button-down, she looks stylish and classic. But the Breakfast at Tiffany’s actress is more closely associated with the LBD, or ‘little black dress.’ Designer Coco Chanel is credited with creating the little black dress, however Audrey Hepburn’s fondness for the style helped to turn the little black dress into a must-have for every woman. In addition to her clothing, Hepburn’s short cropped hair style created a fad.
Bob Dylan on his Triumph in Woodstock, 1969.
This photo of singer Bob Dylan on his motorcycle in Woodstock may make you assume that he was one of the many performers at the famous three-day music festival in upstate New York, but you would be wrong. First of all, the Woodstock Music Festival was actually held in Bristol, New York, about fifty miles from Woodstock. In 1966, three years before the Woodstock Festival, Bob Dylan was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that nearly cost him his life. He moved to Woodstock, a hippie mecca in the Catskill Mountains to recover. He was geographically close to the mega-festival but opted not to perform. He preferred to stay out of the spotlight.
John Belushi in "National Lampoon's Animal House", the 1978 American comedy film directed by John Landis.
National Lampoon’s Animal House was filmed on location at the University of Oregon in 1978, but it was almost a miracle that it happened. The producers sent the film’s script to more than 250 colleges and universities around the country, asking for permission to film on their campus. Every college rejected the offer, explaining that the script was in such bad taste that they didn’t want their campus associated with the movie. All except one, that is. About a decade before, the University of Oregon’s president rejected another studio that wanted to shoot on campus. That film, The Graduate, ended up being a big hit. The president didn’t want to miss out on another sleeper hit so he granted permission.
Ann Margaret, the original redhead bombshell wearin' the green for St. Patrick's Day, 1960s
Gorgeous ginger Ann-Margret starred with Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas in 1963, the same year that Elvis’s young girlfriend, Priscila, moved in with the King in his Graceland home. Although Elvis and Priscila were a couple and would eventually marry, Elvis carried on an affair with his co-star, Ann-Margret. When Priscila found out about the affair, she was naturally upset and furious. As for Ann-Margret, Elvis was falling hard for the sultry Swedish-American star although he remained with his girlfriend.
Sen. Edward Kennedy and his wife march in Holyoke St. Patrick's Day parade in 1960s
In this snapshot, we see Senator Edward Kennedy and his wife, Joan, in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. A member of the Kennedy political dynasty which included the ill-fated John F. Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy, there were high hopes for Edward Kennedy. It was hoped that he, like his brother, John, would climb the political ranks to the White House. But in 1969, Edward Kennedy and a young lady who was not his wife were in a tragic car accident that became known as the Chappaquiddick incident. The young lady died, and Kennedy failed to report the accident. In fact, he left the scene. This event ruined his chanced of becoming president.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Marilyn Monroe photographed by Baron, 1954
In 1954, noted photographer Nahum Baron was in the United States to promote his ballet photography book when he visited Hollywood as the guest of wealthy socialite Harry Crocker. For more than two weeks, Baron had photo shoots with some of Hollywood’s hottest leading ladies, including Elizabeth Taylor, Kim Novak, and Anita Ekberg. On the last day of his visit, he photographed Marilyn Monroe. Baron chose an outdoor setting, Crocker’s lush garden, and took advantage of the California sun. He snapped about 50 images and later said, “They were some of the best pictures I have ever taken.”
Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger talking things over, 1960s
Photographer Alec Byrne captured this photograph of the first meeting between Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger. The two rock legends met for the first time at the Top of the Pops Studio in London in May of 1967. Byrne later noted that saw Mick Jagger standing off to the side behind a curtain, watching Hendrix perform. Jagger later said he was “checking out the competition”. Byrne asked if he could get a photo of Jagger with Hendrix and was able to snap just one photo of their first meeting.
Folk singer Joan Baez on the beach near her home in Carmel, California in 1962.
Folk singer Joan Baez’s music was symbolic of the 1960s counterculture movement. She was a true hippie chick who blended rock, gospel, and country influences into the folk genre. In addition to recording her own songs, she sang covers of songs by other artists including, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, the Beatles, the Allman Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, and more. In fact, she in the early 1960s, she was one of the first singers to cover Bob Dylan’s songs. It was instrumental in bringing Dylan’s early songwriting into the international spotlight.
Sammy Davis, Jr. tearing it up on the drums on "The Ed Sullivan Show", 1963.
Sammy Davis, Jr. was a mega-talent. He could do it all … and do it all well! He never received any formal musical or acting training, although he did study tap dancing under Bill ‘Bojangles” Robinson, yet he was an accomplished singer, dancer, comedian, mime, and musician. As we see in this photo of one of Davis’s appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, he excelled on the drums. He also played the piano, trumpet, and the vibraphone. An all-around gifted performer, Davis’s popularity helped other Black entertainers break into the largely segregated entertainment industry in the 1950s and 1960s.
Patty Duke, a legendary actress and Oscar Winner, 1960s
For all her outward success, actress Patty Duke had a tumultuous life, especially as a child star. She was just eight years old when her parents turned over her care to her talent managers, John and Ethel Ross. They exploited the young actress. They took a large percent of her earnings, lied on her resume, and tried to pass her off as being younger than she truly was. Even worse, she was given alcohol and prescription drugs to keep her complacent and subjected her to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Later in life, Patty Duke was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has worked as a mental health advocate.
Elvis Presley Cutting Johnny Cash's Hair? Take Another Look.
This photo gets circulated a lot. In many cases, folks claim that this pic shows Elvis Presley giving Johnny Cash a trim, but that’s not accurate. This photo was snapped in 1957 on the set of Loving You, Elvis’s first major movie role. But it is not Johnny Cash, it is Elvis’s cousin, Gene Smith. He was on hand for the filming to provide moral support for Elvis, and apparently needed a trim. In Loving You, Elvis performed his song “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear”, a single that went platinum.
Gregory Peck with his 1962 Oscar for Best Actor for his role as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird
It is hard to imagine another actor playing the pivotal role of Atticus Finch in the 1962 movie, To Kill a Mockingbird, based on the Harper Lee novel of the same name. Gregory Peck did such a fabulous job tackling the role of the wise single father and small-town lawyer thrust into the middle of racial injustice in the 1950s South that he won an Academy Award for Best Actor for the part. But did you known that Gregory Peck was not director Robert Mulligan’s first choice to play the role? In fact, he wasn’t even the second choice. Initially, he wanted James Stewart to play Atticus Finch but he declined because he thought the film was too controversial. Next, the studio tapped Rock Hudson for the role, but the film’s producer, Alan J. Pakula, didn’t think Hudson was a big enough star. He wanted a bigger name.
Peter Falk as Lieutenant Columbo
Peter Falk made the perfect Columbo. The average-man detective in the 1968-1971 TV detective series gave the appearance of being disheveled, disorganized, and lower middle-class, but he was much more observant, intelligent, and clever than he led people to believe. The format of Columbo was unique. Rather than being a traditional ‘who-dun-it’, it had an inverted storyline. At the beginning of each episode, the audience was shown the crime and the criminal. Through the course of the episode, the audience learned how Columbo was able to track down the perpetrator and pin the crime on him.
Did you know Bob Marley, the world renowned musician, also loved to play soccer 1970s
Did you know that music wasn’t Bob Marley’s only passion? The Jamaican reggae singer and musician was also involved in association football, which we know better as soccer. In fact, soccer played an important role in his life. He played the sport whenever he could and sometimes even kicked the ball around in the recording studio. He was a huge fan of the English football organization, the Tottenham Hot spurs and the team’s midfielder, Ossie Ardiles, an Argentinian. He immersed himself in the soccer scene and hung around professional soccer players. In 1970, he hired former Jamaican footballer Allan ‘Skill’ Cole to be his tour manager.
Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan...letting the spirits flow...1960s
There were no rivalries between the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. In fact, Bob Dylan was pals with the members of the Rolling Stones. Dylan even attended Mick Jagger's 29th birthday party in New York City where this photo of the two of them with Rolling Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards, was taken. Bob Dylan once called the Rolling Stones “the greatest rock and roll band in the world and always will be.” Keith Richards did his own share of gushing, saying “I’d work with Bob anytime, anywhere. I’d work with Bob in hell or heaven. I love him.”
Robert Redford and Paul Newman in the movie The Sting. It won the Best Picture Oscar in 1973
Paul Newman and Robert Redford reunited once again in 1973 for The Sting after starring together in the 1969 movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. In fact, both movies were directed by George Roy Hill. The Sting, which followed the story of two con men and their complicated, elaborate sting operation to swindle a swindler, was based on the 1940 David Maurer book, The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man. The Sting was released on Christmas Day in 1973 to much critical acclaim and praise. It was nominated for ten Academy Awards and won seven of them, including Best Picture.
Cheryl Ladd in Charlie's Angels (1976)
Did you know that one of Cheryl Ladd’s early Hollywood gigs was providing the singing voice for one of the Pussycats in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon Josie and the Pussycats? She also had minor guest roles in TV shows like The Muppet Show, The Partridge Family, and Police Woman. Her big break came when beautiful blonde Farrah Fawcett stepped down from her role as Jill on the mega-hit TV series Charlie’s Angels. The shows creators wanted to smoothly bring in another character, so they cast Cheryl Ladd to play Kris, Jill’s younger sister. Ladd remained in the role through the duration of the show.
Gene Hackman as Jimmy Popeye Doyle in The French Connection 1971
Considered to be one of the greatest movies ever made, the 1971 action thriller The French Connection starred Gene Hackman as Jimmy ‘Popeye” Doyle, an NYPD narcotics detective who, with his partner Buddy ‘Cloudy’ Russo (Roy Scheider) attempt to thwart a French heroin smuggler. The French Connection earned eight Academy Award nominations and won five of the categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Hackman won the Oscar for Best Actor.
California surfers on their groovy car in the 1960's
Surfing, a long-time activity in the Hawaiian Islands, was first introduced in California by three Hawaiian princes in 1885, but the sport took a long time to catch on. People began to take notice when Duke Kahanamoku helped to make surfing more mainstream. In 1907, Ohau-born surfer, George Freeth, moved to California and spent his days surfing at Venice Beach. He caught the attention of resort developer Henry Huntington who soon hired Freeth to give surfing demonstrations and lessons at his resort. Fast forward to the 1950s and 1960s and we see that surfing was becoming quite popular. The plethora of surfing movies and songs further boosted the sport.
Backstage at the ‘Serious Moonlight’ Tour- David Bowie with Bette Midler on his lap, Michael Jackson, Georganne LaPiere (Cher's sister) and Cher at the Forum in Los Angeles, 1983
What an eclectic mix of artists all in one photo! This pic was taken in 1983 at the Forum in Los Angeles during David Bowie’s Serious Moonlight Tour. That’s Bette Midler sitting on Bowie’s lap. On the other side of Michael Jackson, we see Cher and her sister, Georganne LaPiere. The Serious Moonlight Tour marked Bowie’s first tour in five years. He had planned to embark on a concert tour in 1980 for the release of his Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) album but after John Lennon was gunned down in New York in December of 1980, Bowie retreated to his Swiss home and kept quiet for a few years. That didn’t mean he wasn’t working. When he was ready, he released Serious Moonlight and resumed touring.
Cute photo of Mark Hamill with his wife Marilou and son Nathan during the filming of Return of the Jedi, 1983
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill once dated a fellow actor who was on the soap opera, General Hospital, with him, but that relationship did not work out. He married for the first and only time – a Hollywood rarity – his wife, dental hygienist Marilou York, on December 17, 1978. Their oldest child, a son named Nathan, was born during the filming of The Empire Strikes Back in 1979. He was given a special cameo role in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Hamill and his wife have two other children, Griffin who was born in 1983 and Chelsea who was born in 1988. Mark Hamill says that the secret to his long and happy marriage was to marry someone who did not work in show business.
Paul Newman and Lee Marvin in a publicity still for the 1972 comedy-western "Pocket Money"
Even though Paul Newman and Lee Marvin played friends in the 1972 Western buddy film, Pocket Money, the rumor is that the two did not get along during the filming of the comedy. Film critic Gene Siskel described the performances of Newman and Marvin as “completely self-indulgent” and gave the movie zero stars. Perhaps the off-screen tensions showed through. Another critic wrote that Newman and Marvin “shined individually” but that their interactions together failed to convince the audience that they were best buds, as their characters were supposed to be.
In 1964, Elvis deeded over President Franklin Roosevelt's former yacht to Danny Thomas and St. Jude Children's Hospital.
When Elvis graciously donated his yacht, the Potomac, which was once Franklin Roosevelt’s presidential yacht, to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, it was not like the King of Rock n Roll was giving up his most precious possession. Elvis had only owned the yacht for two weeks before donating it and hadn’t even seen it until the day he handed over the deed to Danny Thomas, a fellow performer and the founder of St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Elvis’s manager, Colonel Parker, bought the yacht in Elvis’s name at an auction in hopes of using the vessel for publicity. It worked. Fans flocked to Long Beach, California, on February 14, 1964, to watch as Elvis handed over the yacht to the children’s charity.
Meatloaf and Debbie Harry sharing a taxi in 1980
Strange bedfellows, indeed. In the 1980 comedy movie, Roadie, Meatloaf, in his first starring role, plays a good ‘ol boy from Texas who, through a series of strange events, winds up being a roadie for several bands. And not just any roadie. His ability to quickly set up equipment, make repairs, and even build a dung-powered generator, earned him the nickname the ‘greatest roadie that ever lived’. Several bands and musicians made cameo appearances in the film, including Hank Williams Jr., Roy Orbison, Alice Cooper, and the members of Blondie. In one memorable scene, Meatloaf’s character spends the evening with Debbie Harry of Blondie.
Walter Matthau and Tatum O'Neal in "The Bad News Bears" (1976)
A feel-good underdog story in the ‘baseball as a metaphor for life’ genre, the 1977 film, The Bad News Bears, starred Walter Matthau as the alcoholic former baseball player, Coach Buttermaker, who is recruited to coach a team of pre-teen misfits. He brings in a ringer, Amanda, a young female pitching phenom played by Tatum O’Neal. Since Coach Buttermaker once dated Amanda’s mom, there is a complex relationship between the two. Much like A League of their Own, the washed up alcoholic coach rediscovers his love of the game and cleans up his act.
Musician, singer, songwriter and actress Sheryl Crow in 1982
This photo shows 20-year-old Sheryl Crow before she became a famous singer. When this pic was taken, she had recently graduated from Kennett High School in Missouri where she was an all-state track star, a majorette, and a member of the National Honor Society, pep band, and FFA. After high school, she attended the University of Missouri where she majored in music education. She took a job as a music teacher after she earned her degree but spent her weekends singing in bands. That helped her keep her love of performing alive and opened the right doors for her to launch her professional singing career.
Sophia Loren with her mother and youngest sister striking poses in 1957
Sophia Loren, shown in this photo with her mother Romilda Villani, and her younger sister Maria, had a complex family. Her father, Riccardo Scicolone, refused to marry her mother when she became pregnant, forcing her to find her own means of financial support. But Scicolone was still in the picture. In fact, Romilda became pregnant by him again and gave birth to Maria when Sophia was just four years old. Scicolone wouldn’t acknowledge that Maria was his child. It was only after Sophia became famous and she paid Scicolone off that he finally consented to allow Maria to take his last name.
Terence Hill as the lead character in the spaghetti western film My Name is Nobody, (1973)
At one time, Terence Hill, the Italian actor, director, producer, and writer seen here, was one of Italy’s highest-paid performers. Born Mario Girotti, he adopted the stage name Terence Hill as a young child actor. He made a name for himself after starring in a series of comedy and action films, including a string of Spaghetti Westerns. This photo of Hill was taken during the filming of My Name is Nobody which also starred Henry Fonda. The film debuted in 1973.
Anthony Edwards, Sean Penn and Eric Stoltz in "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" 1982
From the looks of this photo and from his stoned-out surfer character in the 1982 teen sex movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High, you might get the impression that Sean Penn was a one-dimensional actor whose only claim to fame would be popularizing the word ‘dude’. But you’d be wrong. Fast Times at Ridgemont High was sandwiched in between two other films in which Penn tackled more serious roles. One was the 1981 Taps in which he played a military cadet. The other was the 1983 drama, Bad Boys, which cast Penn as a troubled youth.
Robert Plant, 1968
When this photo was taken in 1968, English singer Robert Plant was the lead singer and head lyricist for the rock band Led Zeppelin. In fact, he was the lead singer for the band for the duration of its run, from 1968 to 1980. It is hard to believe that Plant never tried his hand at writing lyrics until he joined Led Zeppelin. When he did start writing, his lyrics were masterful and poetic. He drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including Welsh and Norse mythology, the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, and Moroccan rhythms. Perhaps Plant’s greatest lyrical effort was “Stairway to Heaven,” an epic and poignant rock ballad.
A 19 year-old Muhammad Ali training underwater, although he didn't know how to swim. (1961)
The great boxer Muhammad Ali was still using his given name, Cassius Clay when, in 1961 at the age of 19 years old, he posed for some unusual photographs in a Miami swimming pool. Photographer Flip Schulke initially hoped to sell the photos to Sports Illustrated but his idea of a boxer underwater didn’t hold water with the Sports Illustrated editors. But Life magazine was interested in the photos. The boxer was known to train in the water, using the resistance of the water to strengthen his punches, however Ali didn’t go underwater. In fact, he could not even swim. He hid this fact from Schulke, held his breath, and posed for this iconic photo.
Martin Short, Andrea Martin and John Candy performing at The Diamond in Toronto. (1985)
What do Martin Short, Andrea Martin, and John Candy all have in common? They are all Canadian. In 1985, the three comedians performed in Toronto together. While Martin Short and John Candy focused on their movie careers, Andrea Martin focused on a stage career. She earned Tony Awards for My Favorite Year and Pippin, and appeared in Exit the King, Candide, Oklahoma!, Fiddler on the Roof, Act One, and Young Frankenstein. She also worked as a voice actor. You can hear her voice in several animated movies, including Anastasia, The Rugrats Movie, and Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.
Singer and actress Michelle Phillips in the 1970's
Michelle Phillips, who is shown in this photo from the early 1970s, is the last surviving members of the musical quartet, The Mamas and the Papas. Michelle was raised by her widowed father in Long Beach, California, and began modeling in San Francisco in the early 1960s. It was there that she met and married John Phillips and the two co-founded The Mamas and the Papas. A soprano, Michelle’s clear voice helped to boost the popularity of their songs, including “California Dreamin’”. John and Michelle are the parents of singer Chynna Phillips.
Lakers legends Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West in 1971
Any NBA fan will tell you that the 1971-1972 Los Angeles Lakers were a formidable team. On their way to a seizing the championship trophy, the Lakers had a record-setting 33 consecutive win stream and had an undefeated month in December of 1971. These accomplishments were largely due to the athletic prowess and leadership abilities of these three men, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, and Elgin Baylor. Individually, each athlete was outstanding, but together they made an unstoppable force that Laker fans loved to watch.
Beautiful actress Olivia Hussey, 1974
From a young age, Olivia Hussey knew she wanted to be an actress. She studied drama at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London before joining the cast of the 1966 London production of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. She went on to play Juliet in a 1968 film version of Romeo and Juliet. A diverse actress, Hussey was in several slasher films then played Mary in the miniseries, Jesus of Nazareth. Hussey took a two-year hiatus from performing after the success of Romeo and Juliet so she could focus on overcoming her agoraphobia. In 2018, she published her memoir, The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo and Juliet.
Bruce Lee as Kato in the The Green Hornet
Bruce Lee always had star potential but early in his career, it was much more difficult for an Asian American to land acting gigs. There simply weren’t parts written for Asian Americans. In the mid-1960s, however, he accepted the role of Kato, the sidekick of the Green Hornet in a new television series about the comic book superhero. Playing Kato allowed Lee to show off his martial arts chops, which fans loved. In fact, it helped to pave to way for Lee to star in a series of martial arts films throughout the 1970s.
Triple coolness! Carroll Shelby and Steve McQueen standing by a new Cobra in 1963
This photo of race car driver and automotive designer Carrol Shelby with actor Steve McQueen was taken at the Shelby American Shop in Venice, California, in June 1963. Although he was an actor first, McQueen loved to race cars. He participated in several racing events during the 1960s. In 1970, he came in second place at the Sebring 12-Hour Endurance race. He was able to capitalize on his racing hobby by starring in Le Mans in 1971, a sports car racing movie that has since become a cult classic.
Marilyn Practices Ukulele for 'Some Like It Hot', 1959
Here we have a promotional portrait of the legendary Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Baker, posing with a ukulele for the 1959 film, Some Like it Hot, directed by Billy Wilder. Known for her iconic portrayal of the "dumb blonde" archetype in many films and TV shows, Marilyn became one of the most famous and enduring sex symbols not only in America but in the entire world. By the time of her untimely death, her films had grossed over $200 million, a significant amount of money at the time.
During the 1950s and 60s, Marilyn was one of the most sought-after actresses and models, making her one of the most frequently booked women in the industry. Understandably, she also attracted attention from actors, businessmen, and various billionaires, having been married three times before her death at the young age of thirty-six. Unfortunately, Marilyn's life was plagued with struggles, including a history of mental health issues, and she was found dead in her home in 1962 from an apparent drug overdose, sparking numerous conspiracy theories about her death, including speculation that it may have been tied to her alleged affair with President John F. Kennedy.
Stephen Hawking with his wife Jane Wilde, 1965
Stephen Hawking was a brilliant mind that graced the Earth with his knowledge and expertise in the field of physics and cosmology. He was known for his works on black holes, the universe, mathematical breakthroughs, and history. Hawking was also an author of several books that would later become bestsellers. At present, he holds the position of Director at the Center for Theoretical Cosmology, which is a department at the University of Cambridge.
Though Stephen’s parents attended the University of Oxford, they were poor. Stephen's mother and father met at the beginning of World War II, got married, and had three children. The family moved around a lot and were seen as eccentric by their peers.
In 1965, Stephen married Jane Wilde, a friend of one of his sisters. Because they were still in school, the couple lived apart for the first year of their marriage. By 1979, they had three children together. Eventually, Hawking left his wife for one of his nurses and married Elaine Mason in 1995. However, the couple divorced 11 years later.
Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, parents of Angelina Jolie, 1970's.
In this vintage photo, we see a beaming Marceline Bertrand and her husband, actor John Voight, attending the “Stars for McGovern” Benefits Fundraiser at Madison Square Garden in 1972. However, despite their happy appearance in this snapshot, the couple would soon split up.
Bertrand had dreams of becoming an actor after graduating high school, and she eventually met and married fellow actor Jon Voight in 1971 when she was just 21 years old. The couple had two children together, James Haven in 1973 and Angelina Jolie in 1975, both of whom would go on to become successful actors in their own right. Sadly, Voight's infidelity led to the couple's divorce in 1978, marking the end of their marriage.
Cast of Star Wars having a drink circa 1977
Ah, Star Wars! The film that transformed cinema in 1977 and created a cultural phenomenon that still endures today. The original trilogy of films featured a cast of young, relatively unknown actors who would become household names. Mark Hamill played the lead role of Luke Skywalker, a farm boy turned Jedi Knight. Carrie Fisher starred as Princess Leia Organa, a tough and independent rebel leader. And Harrison Ford played the rogue smuggler, Han Solo, who became one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.
The chemistry between the three actors was palpable, and their performances captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world. Hamill, Fisher, and Ford quickly became fan favorites, and their portrayals of these iconic characters have been celebrated for decades. They would go on to reprise their roles in the sequels, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, solidifying their place in film history and pop culture.
Sophia Loren's wardrobe malfunction at Studio 54
Sophia Loren, the glamorous Italian actress and former beauty pageant contestant, made headlines in 1979 when she was photographed leaving a club with a split in her blouse. The stunning star was in town promoting one of her books when she decided to make a pit stop at the club on March 11th of that year. Despite the wardrobe malfunction, Loren looked as beautiful and confident as ever, a true testament to her poise and charm.
Loren got her start in the film industry in the 1950s and quickly became a beloved screen icon. However, it wasn't until her powerful performance as Cesira in Vittorio De Sica's "Two Women" that she truly captured the world's attention. The role earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1962, making Loren the first artist to win an Oscar for a foreign-language performance. Throughout her career, she continued to captivate audiences with her striking beauty and undeniable talent, becoming one of the most iconic actresses of her generation.
Bill Murray around 1970
Bill Murray, the legendary actor, comedian and writer, started his career from humble beginnings. Born and raised in Illinois, Murray was a born performer, having already been the lead singer in a teenage rock band and performed in high school theater shows. However, it was not until his older brother invited him to perform with an improvisational comedy group that he discovered his true calling.
Moving to New York, Murray landed a job as a feature character on The National Lampoon Radio Hour, which later led to his starring role on Saturday Night Live. With his sharp wit, clever humor and impeccable timing, Murray soon became one of the most recognizable and beloved comedians in the industry.
Throughout his career, Murray starred in numerous hit films such as Meatballs, Caddyshack, Tootsie, Stripes, and of course, the unforgettable Ghostbusters. He went on to win numerous awards, including Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Academy Awards. Pictured here is a young Murray, taken sometime in the 1970s, just as his career was beginning to take off.
Liza Minelli in Studio 54
Liza Minnelli, the iconic American actress and singer, was a regular fixture at Studio 54, often seen in the company of other celebrities. In this photo, she is pictured with fashion designer Halston and Steve Rubell, one of the co-owners of the famous club.
Minnelli's roots in the entertainment industry run deep. Her mother was the legendary actress and singer Judy Garland, and her father was the acclaimed film director Vincente Minnelli. Liza began her career in musical theatre in the early 1960s, making her debut in the Off-Broadway revival of Best Foot Forward. Her breakthrough performance came in 1965 in the musical Flora the Red Menace, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress at just 19 years old, making her the youngest ever recipient in that category.
Before Digital Cameras there were Polaroids
As much as I love the instant gratification of digital photography, there’s something undeniably charming about a classic Polaroid. The satisfying snap of the shutter, the whir of the camera as it spits out the print, and the anticipation as the hazy image begins to clear. It’s a truly unique experience.
Polaroid was also responsible for creating an instant movie camera system known as Polavision. The kit included a camera, film, and a movie viewer. You’d shoot the movie, remove the film from the camera, and slide it into the viewer for development. Suddenly, you had your very own Super 8 mm film!
Unfortunately, there were some downsides to Polavision. The low film speed meant you needed a lot of bright lighting, and it didn’t capture sound. These limitations quickly caused the novelty to wear off, especially once VHS came onto the scene and the Super 8 format became outdated. But the concept was certainly innovative, and it’s hard not to appreciate the nostalgia of it all.
Sally Field in the 1970s
Sally Field’s career began in the world of sitcoms, most notably with “Gidget”, “The Flying Nun,” and “The Girl with Something Extra.” However, it was her first film role in the 1977 hit “Smokey and the Bandit” that marked the beginning of her successful transition into Hollywood movies.
During the filming of “Smokey and the Bandit,” Field began a romantic relationship with co-star Burt Reynolds, leading the two to star in several films together including “Smokey and the Bandit II”, “The End”, and “Hooper.” Field’s talent and dedication to her craft did not go unnoticed and in 1979 she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Norma Rae”. This was only the beginning of her successful career, as she went on to receive numerous award nominations and recognitions for her performances in films like “Places in the Heart” and “Steel Magnolias.”
Easy Rider 1969.
In this iconic photo, we see Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, two of Hollywood's most notorious bad boys, looking cool as cucumbers in their own signature styles. Fonda dons a leather American flag jacket while Hopper is rocking a fringed poncho shirt.
The two actors wrote and produced the 1969 independent road drama film Easy Rider, which Hopper also directed. Fonda and Hopper star as two bikers who travel across the country smuggling cocaine from Mexico to Los Angeles, all while exploring the counterculture of the late 1960s. Easy Rider went on to become a cultural phenomenon, capturing the national imagination and serving as a touchstone for a generation. It's not hard to see why, with its exploration of themes like free love and drug experimentation, and its message of rebellion and nonconformity.
Before Lady Gaga there was David Bowie
David Bowie was a unique artist who broke the mold and changed the music industry forever. His creative genius was unmatched, and his influence is still felt today. Many have attempted to follow in his footsteps, but there truly is no comparison.
If one were to attempt to create a modern-day Bowie, it would have to be a combination of the creative forces of Trent Reznor, Bjork, and Lady Gaga. Gaga, in particular, has taken on the challenge of pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an artistic mega pop star, much like Bowie did. But even with all of her innovative and boundary-pushing performances, she still can't measure up to the legend that was David Bowie.
Before The Shins there was The Beatles
The Beatles were formed in Liverpool, England in 1960, initially as a skiffle group. The original lineup consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe, and Pete Best. Their early days were spent playing in small clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg, Germany, where they honed their sound and developed a devoted following.
In 1962, the Beatles released their first single, "Love Me Do", which peaked at number 17 on the UK charts. Their second single, "Please Please Me", became their first number one hit in the UK, and from there their popularity exploded. With their unique sound and style, the Beatles quickly became the biggest band in the world, with fans flocking to their concerts and buying their albums in record numbers. Their influence on music and popular culture cannot be overstated, and their impact is still felt today.
