Joan Crawford
Joan Crawford’s career rise was not as smooth as that of some other women on the list; instead, she built her career through hard work and continued to rebuild it whenever the industry attempted to move forward. She shifted from early roles in the 1920s to heavier drama and won an Oscar for Mildred Pierce. Stories about feuds and family conflict clouded her reputation in later years, particularly after Mommie Dearest. However, her film legacy surpasses the accusations of jealousy. Joan was relentless, and it worked.
Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren is one of the last living links to that classic era, and she earned her icon status through pure talent and determination. This actress blew up in the 1950s, working in both Italian and American films, and then won not one, but two Oscars for Two Women. She’s always had that rare combination of European beauty and strength. Over the years, she’s also written books and expanded beyond acting, but the screen is still where she feels most legendary.
Ava Gardner
Ava Gardner had that “can’t-look-away” presence. Ava Gardner oozed striking eyes, smooth confidence, and a sense that she was always in on the secret, both on and off camera. Her career was anchored by films such as The Killers and The Barefoot Contessa, yet these were just the beginning. Off-screen, she was famously bold and lived like a star in a way that matched her iconic image.