1. Audrey Hepburn

"Audrey was meek, gentle and ethereal, understated both in her life and in her work. She walked among us with a light pace, as if she didn't want to be noticed. I regret losing her as a friend, as a role model, and as a companion to my youthful dreams"
-Sophia Loren

Arguably the most beautiful woman in the world, both inside and out, Audrey Hepburn has left her mark on film, fashion and charity. Her grace, kindness and compassion were evident from her first major role, who else could have played a runaway Princess with such believability?

The iconic little black dress, pearls, beehive and ballet flats have all become synonymous with Audrey Hepburn, but behind this fashionable facade was a woman who deeply cared about those around her, who was insecure and shy but had a brilliant sense of humour and became a champion of justice for those in need.

Audrey Kathleen Ruston was born in Holland and as a child was forced to endure the hardships of the Second World War. Despite living with starvation, illness and fear, Audrey never gave up on her dream of becoming a ballerina. After the war she went to ballet school, however her height and lack of training during her formative years saw the end of her dream. She took up acting instead, and after success in the stage production of Gigi, was cast in the 1953 film Roman Holiday. Audrey won an oscar for her role as Princess Ann. A series of Cinderella type roles followed, but Audrey challenged herself with  roles in The Nuns Story, Green Mansions, The Children's Hour, Two for the Road and Wait Until Dark. Her most famous role came in 1961, Breakfast at Tiffany's, it cemented Audrey's fashion legacy. Despite film success Audrey's greatest joy was being a mother, this love of children led to her becoming a UNICEF ambassador and she travelled the world, becoming a voice for underprivileged children. Audrey passed away at the age of sixty three from cancer at her beloved home in Switzerland.

Audrey's acting talent is often overlooked but she played many challenging roles throughout her career which proved her versatility as an actress, a Princess, Nun, party girl and blind woman were just some of the roles she played. She changed the face of cinema forever, but also changed the way the world viewed beauty. Her greatest legacy however was in the work she did for children, it took her all over the world and despite the horrors she saw she never lost hope. Audrey was a special lady in more ways than one.

"Life is like tearing through a museum. Not until later do you really start absorbing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in a book, and remembering- because you can't take it all in at once"
-Audrey Hepburn

2. Natalie Wood

"I think Natalie, underneath everything, was a very sweet, genuinely down-to-earth person who was slightly coloured by the warped life of being a star at such an early age. But she herself, as a human being, shone through that. She was a real person"
-Robert Redford

Bright, spunky, brave and lovely, Natalie Wood captivated audiences from the age of five. She was beautiful, but possessed a raw talent, her performances achingly real, Natalie became an actress millions of young women identified with. Her ability to make her characters 'real', often came from her own experiences, in a life that was not always easy, but which she was eventual able to make the best of.

Natalie was born, Natalia Nikolaevna Zacharenko. And for the rest of her life was torn between her true identity as 'Natasha' (her childhood nickname) and her film star persona, 'Natalie Wood'. She was brave enough to seek out roles which challenged her as an actress and defied Hollywood conventions.

Her parents were Russian immigrants, and her mother was the ultimate stage mother. She pushed Natalie into films at a young age were she had to change her name. As a young girl she gained early success in films such as, Miracle on 34th Street and The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Upon reaching her teens Natalie struggled for independence not only from her mother, but also from the childish film roles she was given. This changed when she was cast next to James Dean in the classic film, Rebel Without a Cause (1955). Natalie proved her talent as a serious actress and found further success in Splendor in the Grass, West Side Story, Love with the Proper Stranger and This Property is Condemned. Films in which she starred alongside Warren Beatty, Steve McQueen and Robert Redford. During the seventies she took more television roles, sometimes in collaboration with her husband Robert Wagner. At the age of forty three Natalie mysteriously and tragically drowned whilst on the family yacht with Wagner and actor Christopher Walken aboard.

Perhaps the greatest tragedy is that Natalie was so happy at the time of her death, having put her troubled past behind her she was embracing her role as a wife and mother, pursing acting opportunities in the theatre. Natalie has often been defined by her death, or by her famous leading men, but she was a brilliant and capable actress in her own right. Her determination and spirit saw Natalie rise above her own circumstances, she truly was a remarkable woman.

"The times that I have done something that I didn't respond to emotionally right away, it's generally not worked out too well"
-Natalie Wood

3. Grace Kelly

"You know, I just love Grace Kelly. Not because she was a princess, not because she was an actress, not because she was my friend, but because she was just about the nicest lady I ever met"
- James Stewart

Grace Kelly was the fairytale princess, a beautiful and talented actress, she was whisked away by a real Prince, living out the remainder of her days as Princess of Monaco. With her dignity and poise Grace's time was relatively brief in Hollywood but she fascinated a generation and continues to do so.

Born into a successful Philadelphian sporting family Grace knew she wanted to become an actress from an early age. Shy but determined Grace began her career as a model but it wasn't long before she became the favourite leading lady of some of the most famous actors and directors in Hollywood.

Early success on television saw Grace being cast in Fourteen Hours (1951) and the hugely popular Western, High Noon. Grace then went on to star in three Hitchcock films (Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, and To Catch a Thief) Which paired her with the likes of Ray Milland, James Stewart and Cary Grant. Grace proved she wasn't just a pretty face with her academy award winning role in The Country Girl (1954). Despite her talent Grace left the world of Hollywood behind when she married Prince Rainer of Monaco in 1956, it was dubbed the 'wedding of the century', and was broadcast live on television. After her marriage Grace settled down in her role as Princess, wife and mother. Her life was cut tragically short when she suffered a stroke whilst driving her car, she was fifty two years old.

For Alfred Hitchcock Grace was the ultimate 'Hitchcock Blonde', her apparent ice cold demeanour masked a passionate, fiery nature. Grace was also an incredibly brave woman, she fought hard for her career, but then gave it all up for the man she loved. Leaving her home, family and friends to forge a new life for herself in a strange country, where more was expected of her than of the average immigrant. Grace did all of this with her own quiet strength and dignity, taking an active interest in her adopted home's customs and people. Grace really was a Princess.

"I avoid looking back. I prefer good memories to regrets"
-Grace Kelly

4. Joanne Woodward

"Her loyalty and her unpredictability. Joanne can be one person before lunch, and completely different after lunch"
-Paul Newman

The southern girl famous for playing troubled young women and for being part of one of the most successful marriages in film history, Joanne Woodward appeared to be destined to become an actress. As a little girl who loved the movies her mother took her to the premiere of Gone With the Wind, whilst watching the parade nine year old Joanne ran over and sat in Laurence Olivier's lap!

Passionate, beautiful and dedicated Joanne started her acting career on the stage. In 1953 she met young actor Paul Newman, a friendship began which was kindled into romance whilst filming The Long Hot Summer (1958). Joanne won the 1957 academy award for best actress for The Three Faces of Eve. Her performance as a young woman with multiple personality disorder was a brilliant example of her acting talents. Her performance is raw, truthful and haunting. She and Paul were married in 1958 and motherhood soon followed. Still Joanne continued acting in a vast array of roles, showing her versatility as an actress. She and Paul starred in ten films together and she also starred in five more directed/produced by him, including the critically acclaimed, Rachel, Rachel. Joanne also starred with some of the most popular actors of the day, including, Marlon Brando, Yul Byrnner, Robert Wagner and Henry Fonda. Today Joanne is the director of the Westport County Playhouse.

Today Joanne is most recognised as being the wife of Paul Newman for over fifty years until his death in 2008, a lasting marriage, something of a rarity in Hollywood. However Joanne's talent as an actress should not be forgotten. She and Paul founded 'The Hole in the Wall Gang' camps for sick children, and she continues her husbands charitable projects and legacy. Also like her husband she has tried her hand at producing, directing and writing. Joanne was never one to become caught up in the Hollywood lifestyle, always interested in pursuing other interests, Joanne had made her own Oscar dress the night she won for Three Faces of Eve.

Humorous, compassionate, skilled and honest Joanne remains one of the greatest and most versatile actresses. Her ability to be anything from the girl next door, a seductress, wife, mother, tormented to full of life make her filmography surprising and enjoyable. Her dedication to her profession and her family and her daring film roles make Joanne a fascinating lady.

"Sexiness wears thin after awhile and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that's a real treat"
-Joanne Woodward

5. Judy Garland

I thought i'd do a little series on my top five favourite actresses, looking at their lives, work and lasting legacy. So without further ado, here is no. 5....



"The finest all around performer we ever had in America was Judy Garland. There was no limit to her talent. She was the quickest, brightest person I ever worked with"
-Gene Kelly

Vulnerable yet strong, innocent but worldly....in many ways Judy Garland was all of these things, no matter how contradictory. Who can forget their first view of the young girl with gingham dress and ruby red slippers, polite, helpful and charming, and with a voice that seemed beyond her years?

Pushed into stardom by her over zealous mother young Frances Ethel Gumm had to change her name and so began the life of 'Judy Garland'.
Judy's life was a tragic one and much of her problems started at a young age, fostered onto her by studio MGM. Problems with her weight, alcohol and pills, as well as five marriages could well have diminished her talent. But Judy was a fighter and throughout her life she defied odds to leave a lasting, memorable legacy.

Early success began with Mickey Rooney in the 'Andy Hardy' series but it was The Wizard of Oz which catapulted her into stardom. Still Judy found it hard to break out of her girl next door image and was often unsatisfied with the roles she played. However their were some gems, Meet me in St Louis and three films she made with Gene Kelly (For me and my Gal, The Pirate, Summer Stock) and Easter Parade with Fred Astaire. Judy proved she was more than capable of holding her own with seasoned dancers and singers. Increasing health issues saw Judy return to the stage and her career was reborn, touring with a series of immensely popular concerts. This led Judy to be cast in the 1954 musical, A Star is Born. Her performance was perhaps the best of her career, and everyone believed she would win the Oscar, sadly she lost to Grace Kelly. After her triumphant return Judy continued acting in films, touring with her concerts and in 1962 even hosted her own television program. But Judy was never without troubles and shortly after her fifth marriage she passed away from an accidental barbiturate overdose at the age of forty seven.

Judy however was so much more than an addict, or even a troubled soul. She was beautiful, kind and talented, and she blessed thousands with her remarkable voice which seemed to read minds. Her ability to reinvent herself, from child star, glamorous leading lady, concert star and television host, showed the depth of her ability and the courage it took to achieve it.
Like us all Judy was not perfect, but perhaps that was why everyone loved her, why people continue to love her. She was human.

"Always be a first rate version of yourself, instead of a second rate version of somebody else"
-Judy Garland

Jailhouse Rock (1957)

Widely regarded as Elvis' best film, Jailhouse Rock, helped cement Elvis' star status. The story follows Vince Everett (Presley) who is sent to jail for man slaughter and upon his release begins a career as a recording artist. Whilst in jail Vince learns how to play the guitar from fellow inmate Hunk (Mickey Shaughnessy). Free from jail Vince becomes a star with the help of Peggy (Judy Tyler), but fame makes him arrogant and causes tensions with those around him.

The film was met with mixed reviews upon its release. Many were startled by the 'Jailhouse Rock' scene, particularly Elvis' dancing which was viewed as 'scandalous', his character also caused controversy because Vince was an anti hero. However despite not being a critical success it was a huge success at the box office. It was the eleventh top grossing film of the year and Elvis was the fourth top money making star.
Tragically two weeks after the film was completed Judy Tyler and her husband were killed in a car accident. Out of respect Elvis did not attend the films premiere. It was Tyler's last film.

The film presented the typical 1950s rebel, angry, confused, full of attitude but with a heart of gold.

This film also became the first to centre on Rock n' Roll. Up until that point rock had been seen as a passing fad, a novelty, but not something likely to last. Elvis forced the wider public to take notice of the new style.  Elvis is at the peek of his career, good-looking and talented he makes the film a memorable one, sure to get you dancing!

4/5

Love with the Proper Stranger (1963)

Angie (Natalie Wood) is a young woman who after a one night fling finds herself pregnant to wayward musician Rocky (Steve McQueen). The film follows the ups and downs of their relationship, first as Rocky agrees to help Angie have an abortion, and then when she doesn't, as they begin to fall in love.

Like her earlier films, Rebel without a Cause, Splendor in the Grass and the later, This Property is Condemned, Natalie displays a raw emotional side. Whilst it may sound strange I always find Natalie's 'crying' scenes in films to be the most believable of any actress, you always feel that she is the characters she plays. Despite the serious nature of the film there are several light hearted moments, particularly involving Anthony Columbo (Tom Bosley), a clumsy young chef who is in love with Angie. Being a huge Happy Days fan I loved seeing Mr. Cunningham in this film!! Steve McQueen was also great, an understated performance, I loved the scenes he shared with Natalie.

The subject matter was quite daring for the time but the film handles it sensitively. It also cemented Steve's status as a heartthrob! Natalie was nominated for an academy award for her role. It really is a great film, starring two wonderful actors!

4/5