The 1960s were a time of elegance and allure. Bombshells of the era defined beauty with their grace and sophistication. Each one left a mark on the cultural landscape that still resonates today.
As we revisit this glamorous decade, we celebrate the women who captured our hearts. Their iconic looks and unforgettable presence set the standard for beauty in their time. Yet, many of these stars have faded from public memory.
In this article, we’ll uncover seven forgotten bombshells from the 1960s. We’ll explore their impact and see how they’ve aged gracefully in the modern world.
1. Ursula Andress
Ursula Andress stands out as one of the most iconic bombshells of the 1960s. Her unforgettable entrance in the first James Bond film, Doctor No, set the bar high. Emerging from the sea in a white bikini, she captured hearts and sparked countless fantasies.
This role propelled Andress into stardom. She starred alongside Elvis in Fun in Acapulco and shared the screen with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in Four for Texas. By the mid-60s, she was gracing the pages of Playboy, famously stating, “Because I’m beautiful,” when asked about her nudity.
Though her career took a different turn in the 70s with B-movies like The Sensuous Nurse, Andress remains a legendary figure. Her impact on Hollywood and the 60s culture is undeniable, securing her place among the era’s greats.
2. Ann-Margret Olsson
Ann-Margret Olsson was a dazzling star of the 1960s, often dubbed the female Elvis. Her stunning beauty and immense talent as an actress and singer made her a prominent bombshell. She first gained attention in State Fair, where her seductive charm led to a shift from good girl to bad girl, establishing her dual persona.
The 60s saw Ann-Margret shine in major films like Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas, where her chemistry with Elvis captivated audiences. While rumors of a romance were likely exaggerated, her talent was undeniable. She quickly became one of the most recognizable faces of the decade.
Though her career has slowed, Ann-Margret has remained active. She released a critically acclaimed gospel album in 2001 and appeared in Netflix’s The Kominsky Method in 2018. Her legacy as a 60s bombshell endures, celebrating her contributions to music and film.
3. Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda is a standout bombshell of the 1960s, especially remembered for her role in Barbarella. Floating through space in a sexy bikini while saving the universe is an image that’s hard to forget. Yet, her talents went beyond seduction; she starred in acclaimed films like Barefoot in the Park and They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?
Fonda’s career is impressive, boasting two Oscars, seven Golden Globes, and a Primetime Emmy. While she hasn’t yet pursued an EGOT, her contributions to film are undeniable. She balanced her on-screen success with bold political activism, famously visiting Hanoi in 1972 to protest the Vietnam War, earning her the nickname “Hanoi Jane.”
Today, Fonda continues to shine on the small screen, starring in HBO’s The Newsroom and Netflix’s Grace and Frankie. Though her roles have evolved, she will forever be remembered as a captivating space heroine, leaving a lasting mark on both film and culture.
4. Tina Louise
Tina Louise earned her spot on this list when the National Art Council named her the world’s most beautiful redhead. In the early 60s, she was an emerging actress, winning a Golden Globe for God’s Little Acre and gaining recognition in Italian cinema. But everything changed in 1964 when she was cast as Ginger Grant on the hit sitcom Gilligan’s Island.
While this role made her a household name, it also typecast Louise as a comedic actress. Despite her promising career, the major film roles she had once enjoyed quickly disappeared. After the show ended, she struggled to find significant opportunities, often appearing in smaller TV roles and B-movies.
At 87, Louise remains the last surviving member of the Gilligan’s Island cast. Her most recent film appearance was alongside Stephen Baldwin in Tapestry. Though her career took unexpected turns, her beauty and talent continue to be celebrated.
5. Sharon Tate
No list of 60s bombshells would be complete without the stunning Sharon Tate. She began her Hollywood career in horror films like Eye of the Devil, but her breakout role came in 1967’s Valley of the Dolls. This film made her a star, showcasing her beauty and talent in unforgettable lines.
By the end of the decade, Tate had married acclaimed director Roman Polanski and was on the rise in Hollywood. Unfortunately, her promising career was cut short by tragedy. In August 1969, a nine-month pregnant Tate was brutally murdered by members of the Manson family, shocking the nation.
Her tragic death has been depicted in pop culture numerous times, most recently in Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, where she receives a happier fate. Though she was taken too soon, Tate’s legacy as one of the most beautiful actresses of her time endures, solidifying her place on this list.
6. Katharine Ross
Catherine Ross was one of the most stunning stars of the 60s, captivating audiences with her long, silky brown hair and mesmerizing eyes. While many remember her for her role as Mrs. Robinson’s daughter in The Graduate, it’s easy to see why Dustin Hoffman’s character became obsessed with her. Her beauty and talent made her a box office favorite throughout the decade.
Ross starred in several notable films, including Shenandoah and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, earning Oscar nominations for her performances. She continued to shine in the 70s with big-budget films but shifted to television in the 80s, appearing in shows like The Colbys.
Though she stepped back from the limelight in the 90s, Ross made memorable appearances in Donnie Darko and alongside her husband, Sam Elliott, in The Hero. Her iconic image, especially in that wedding dress scene, ensures she will always be remembered as a true bombshell of her time.
7. Julie Christie
Julie Christie embodies the essence of a 60s bombshell with her long blonde hair, sparkling blue eyes, and full lips. She burst onto the scene with Billy Liar in 1963 and won an Oscar for Darling in 1965. But Christie was more than just an actress; she became a fashion icon, influencing women’s style across the decade.
Her portrayal of a free-spirited bohemian woman in these films left a lasting impact. As Time Magazine noted, “What Julie Christie wears has more real impact on fashion than all the clothes of the 10 best dressed women combined.” In 1965, she also starred in the epic Dr. Zhivago, which remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
Christie continued her success into the 70s with hits like Shampoo and maintained her presence in film, though less frequently, through the 80s and beyond. She appeared in notable films like Troy and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Her performances from the 1960s solidify her status as one of the era’s most iconic bombshells.