Vintage Photos From Hollywood History We Never Knew Existed 

By Sarah Norman | May 23, 2023

Hedy Lamarr and Marlene Dietrich sharing a kiss while director Billy Wilder is standing near, 1948

Are you ready to uncover the untold stories behind the scenes of Hollywood's past? From tragic pasts to the dark secrets of childhoods, the lives of many of our beloved stars have been far from glamorous. Join us as we take a deeper look into the history of Hollywood and discover the surprising truths behind some of the most iconic figures in film history.

test article image
Source: Reddit

It may have been surprising to director Billy Wilder to see Hollywood beauties Hedy Lamarr and Marlene Dietrich share a kiss on the set of A Foreign Affair, especially back in 1948. Those who know Ms. Lamarr's history may not be as shocked by this photo. In her Hollywood roles, she was often cast as the foreign temptress but later in life offered more than her sexuality on the silver screen. In her lifetime, she patented a system for torpedoing U-Boats with composer George Antheil, and she finally received recognition for her behind-the-scenes work in what is now contemporary electronics.

Brigitte Bardot at her parents’ house in Paris, 1954

test article image
Source: JSKColorization/Instagram

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!