Categories: Movies

5 Actresses from the 1940s to Honor During Women’s History Month

The 1940s is a decade that is known for such incredible actresses as Betty Grable, Judy Garland, Ava Gardner and Rita Hayworth. However, they were not the only amazing women to grace the silver screen during that time period. Here’s a passing glance at five more:

Lucille Ball (1911-1989)

Lucille Ball was just one phenomenal actress from the 1940s. Her career actually began much earlier than that and lasted for decades. Some of the films that she appeared in were “Too Many Girls” (1940), “The Big Street” (1940) and “DuBarry Was a Lady” (1941). I chose to highlight her because I enjoyed watching her films and television shows. I also found her career history interesting. For starters, she was one of the actresses that had to testify during the famous red scare trials. She also launched a company with her first husband and enjoyed a radio career. An autobiography about her life was published posthumously in 1966. It is entitled “Love, Lucy.” In my opinion, it is a mesmerizing read.

Gene Tierney (1920-1991)

Actress Gene Tierney also made my list because of her work and her personal life. Out of all of her films, I enjoyed watching “Belle Starr” (1941), “Laura” (1944) and “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir” (1947). I thought that they were well done. As far as her personal life goes, she raised a disabled daughter, suffered with mental illness and was sued by her father. Later in life, she was afflicted with emphysema, which eventually led to her death. Like Lucille Ball, she also wrote an autobiography. However, Tierney’s was released prior to her death. It is entitled “Self Portrait – Gene Tierney” and is still available for sale through select retailers.

Maureen O’Hara (1920)

I also couldn’t pass up the opportunity to highlight actress Maureen O’Hara. Over the years she has starred in many wonderful films, including several of my favorites. The movie that I most associate her with is “Miracle on 34^th Street” (1947). I make it a point to watch the film every year around Christmas. If you are a fan of her films too, I’d suggest visiting the Maureen O’Hara Magazine website. It contains a lot of old pictures and information.

Barbara Stanwyck (1907-1990)

In my opinion, Barbara Stanwyck is another 1940s actress worth mentioning. I remember watching her in the television shows “The Colbys” (1985) and “The Thorn Birds” (1983). My grandparents use to be fans of those shows. Thus, they insisted that I watch them too. Other great productions associated with Stanwyck are “Double Indemnity” (1944) and “Christmas in Connecticut” (1945).

Olivia de Havilland (1916)

The last famous actress to make my list is Olivia de Havilland. I choose her because she is a talented woman and had an intriguing career. For me, one of the more interesting moments of her career took place in the 1940s. During that time period, she sued her employer over labor issues and won. She also had a well publicized rivalry with her sister. Having a sister myself, I found that interesting as well.

Source: Personal Experience