Thank goodness for Technicolor. It showcased the glorious locks of Hollywood’s hottest redheads. From strawberry blondes to fiery gingers, the Golden Age of Hollywood was made more colorful by the crowning achievements of these eight beauties of the silver screen.
Maureen O’Hara
Maureen O’Hara was a redheaded firecracker of a Hollywood star that had a career spanning five decades. She was a woman of strong will and convictions, and she was known for her fierce independence and no-nonsense attitude. Her performances in classics like How Green Was My Valley, Miracle on 34th Street, and The Quiet Man made her a household name and a legend in her own right. She was a force to be reckoned with, and her fiery spirit and captivating beauty made her a beloved icon in the world of film. With her presence, she invited us to view the world with a fresh perspective and to never accept the status quo.
Rita Hayworth
Rita Hayworth was a strawberry blonde bombshell of the silver screen – a sultry ginger with an enigmatic allure that captivated audiences around the world. She was one of the era’s most iconic stars, famous for her fiery roles and her ability to draw viewers in with her magnetic presence. Her conversational style and effortless grace made her an unforgettable part of Hollywood’s golden age. She was best known for her femme fatale roles, especially in the 1946 movie Gilda with Glenn Ford. It should be no surprise that she also starred in the 1941 film, The Strawberry Blonde.
Piper Laurie
Piper Laurie was a woman who stood out in a crowd. A redhead with a sharp wit and a conversational style, she was an entrepreneur, an artist, and a dreamer who saw the world as an opportunity to explore and create. She came to fame with a starring role in Louisa opposite Ronald Reagan. In fact, she briefly dated the future president before he married Nancy Davis. She took a hiatus from Hollywood but returned to star as Paul Newman’s girlfriend in the 1961 film, The Hustler. For her role in this film, she earned an Academy Award nomination in the Best Actress category.
Ann-Margret
One of Hollywood’s most iconic redheaded bombshell, Ann-Margret burst onto the scene in the 1960s, captivating audiences with her magnetic presence. Her classic beauty and vivacious energy made her an instant star, and she quickly became one of the most popular actresses of the era. But Ann-Margret had a secret. She was really a brunette. Her lovely auburn curls were the work of Hollywood hairdresser, Sydney Guilaroff, the same stylist who created Lucille Ball’s hair color. She starred in Bye Bye Birdie, State Fair, and Viva Las Vegas with Elvis Presley.
Susan Hayward
Susan Hayward was a redheaded firecracker who defied the odds and achieved greatness in Hollywood. As a child, she broke her hip and legs when she was struck by a car. The accident left her with a distinctive saunter when she walked. Susan started her career as a fashion model before becoming a dramatic actress. Throughout her career, she earned five Best Actress Academy Award nominations and performed in My Foolish Heart, With a Song in My Heart, and I’ll Cry Tomorrow.
Myrna Loy
Myrna Loy was the sultry and saucy redhead who was known for bringing her characters to life with flair and finesse. She proved she was a talented actress with her portrayal of Nora Charles in the 1934 film, The Thin Man. She went on to star in The Best Years of Our Lives, The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Lonelyhearts. Myrna Loy and William Powell were paired together in 14 films during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Ann Sheridan
Charming ginger Ann Sheridan was a popular actress from the 1930s to the 1950s. She shared the screen with many of the era’s leading heartthrobs. She starred with Humphrey Bogart in the 1937 film, San Quentin, with James Cagney in the 1938 movie, Angels with Dirty Faces, with Ronald Reagan in the 1942 film King’s Row, and with Gary Grant in the 1949 movie I Was a Male War Bride. She devoted a lot of her time to performing overseas with USO tours.
Lucille Ball
Lucille Ball was THE redheaded comedienne who turned a moderately successful film career in the Golden Age of Hollywood into a pioneering role in television comedy. Although she will always be remembered for TV’s I Love Lucy, she appeared in several films including, The Long, Long Trailer, The Fuller Brush Girl, and Yours, Mine, and Ours. Lucille Ball was not a natural redhead, but the redhead life choice her! The carrot-top look helped set her apart from other funny ladies and made her the most iconic redhead in cinematic history.