This photo represents Arnold Schwarzenegger arriving in America – it was his first day in New York City. This gallery is full of surprises because you’ll spot your favorite stars like you’ve never seen them. From Brigitte Bardot who takes a dip to Charlie Chaplin who meets Mahatma Gandhi in London, these vintage pictures will impress you.
Check them out for more information and start to see our world through photos!
Brigitte Bardot Taking a Dip – 1964
French superstar Brigitte Bardot was one of the biggest phenomena of the ‘50s and ‘60s. The legendary fashion icon and sex symbol starred in 47 films and recorded more than 60 songs during her extensive career before she retired from entertainment in 1973.
In this candid photo, the bombshell blonde mesmerizes even as she cools her feet during a break on the set of the film Viva Maria! In 1964. For her part in the comedy-action flick, Brigitte Bardot was nominated for a BAFTA award for Best Foreign Actress.
Raquel Welch Lounging – 1967
The iconic Raquel Welch shot to mega-stardom after making prehistoric times the most appealing of all in the 1966 film One Million Years B.C. Widely recognized for flaunting her fabulous figure what’s now her famous doe-skin bikini, she stuns here fully-dressed in this lesser-known, but equally-as-hypnotizing vintage shot taken a year after her big breakout.
The alluring actress later starred in films like Bedazzled, Bandolero! and 100 Rifles. As one of the biggest icons (with some of the biggest hair) of the ‘60s and ‘70s, her legacy is strongly linked to helping promote the portrayal of strong female characters in film as opposed to the submissive sex symbols of previous decades.
Farrah Fawcett on ‘The Sonny & Cher Show’ – 1977
One might think that when so many icons of the ‘70s are in the same place at the same time, the lights should fade and a twirling disco ball spontaneously appear. Well, that’s not exactly what happened when Farrah Fawcett made a guest appearance on The Sonny and Cher Show in 1977.
During the sketch, the Charlie’s Angels star and the pop diva played talking storefront mannequins. Although it’s perhaps not one of their most memorable performances, the pop culture queens certainly dazzled (literally) with their elegant ball gowns and witty antics. If we could turn back time, we’d definitely go to this moment.
The Enchanting Elizabeth Montgomery – Circa 1965
Elizabeth Montgomery cast a spell on fans with this enchanting pose that shed a new (and rather sultry) light on the actress best known for her role as the wholesome Samantha Stephens/Serena on the hit classic TV sitcom Bewitched.
Wearing a white dressing gown trimmed with white fur, Montgomery appears magically ethereal in this rare photo taken in 1965, the year after Bewitched debuted. The show ran until 1972 and went on for an epic syndication run, cementing its place as one of the most beloved series in vintage television history.
Angie Dickinson Is All Amore – 1962
The radiant Angie Dickinson was a staple of the Hollywood scene during her six-decade career. Rising to fame as a silver screen siren, the lovely leading lady captured the hearts of both the audiences and many of her fellow stars.
It wasn’t only the sweeping Sicilian backdrops in the 1962 film Jessica that made audiences’ jaws drop. Dickinson’s timeless beauty and elegance can still whisk us back to the days of vintage romance like she did in this gem of a photo of her perfectly perched on a Vespa on the movie’s set.
Swedish Beauty Britt Ekland – 1966
Swedish stunner Britt Ekland was a defining figure of the ‘60s and ‘70s. During her heyday, she appeared in numerous movies and catapulted to become a Hollywood sex symbol. In the mid-’60s, when this picture was taken, she one of the “It girls” of the era.
Along with her high-profile social life and marriage to British actor Peter Sellers, she was known for starring in the cult classic The Wicker Man and later as a Bond Girl in The Man with the Golden Gun. Later in the ‘70s, she had a highly-publicized relationship with rocker Rod Stewart. In 1980, she published her autobiography True Britt and it became a bestseller.
The Beatles on Puppy Lane – 1967
The Beatles famously sang “A Day in the Life,” and this rare color photo taken by Henry Grossman captures an endearing moment from one day in the life of the legendary Fab Four in Ringo Starr’s backyard.
The photographer spent four years documenting the Beatles as they did everything from live performances to late night parties. In this intimate shot, Ringo is seen holding his adorable white poodle while Paul McCartney holds his sheepdog, Martha, who would become the inspiration for the 1968 song “Martha My Dear.”
Marilyn Monroe Teeing Off – Early 1950s
Marilyn Monroe was one of the most photographed Hollywood stars. Her name is one of the biggest in Hollywood history and her image remains one of the most recognizable in pop culture to this day. However, there are some photos of her that aren’t as well-known as the iconic movie posters and glitzy red carpet captures.
This whimsical, off-set shot shows the bombshell actress in the early 1950s as she prepares to tee-off at the Riviera Golf Club in Los Angeles. The picture was taken at the same time that Marilyn Monroe’s career was skyrocketing with films like 1953’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, 1954’s There’s No Business Like Show Business and 1955’s The Seven-Year Itch.
Paul Newman and Robert Redford Playing Ping-Pong – 1968
The star power in this picture is almost blinding! This photo just oozes with cool as Hollywood screen legends Paul Newman and Robert Redford are seen playing ping-pong during a break in the filming of Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid in Durango, Mexico.
The film was the first collaboration between the two definitive icons of American masculinity. Newman and Redford shared the screen again in the 1973 movie The Sting, but the “dudealicious” duo also fostered a deep, long-term friendship off-screen as well.
The Illustrious Meryl Streep – 1979
She has been called the “best actress of her generation,” and we’re not one to argue. Audiences and critics alike have been in awe of the talented Meryl Streep since she first established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the ‘70s.
We’ve seen the Academy Award winner deliver powerful performances in recent years in the likes of The Post, The Iron Lady and Julie & Julia. But this throwback treasure of a young Meryl Streep on the set of Woody Allen’s Manhattan reminds us just how far she’s come over the course of her prolific career.
Swing King Frank Sinatra – Mid-1940s
It goes without saying that Frank Sinatra is one of the most famous figures in American pop culture. Ol’ Blue Eyes crooned his way into the nation’s hearts before he became a major movie star. But before the king of swing was rolling with the Rat Pack, he could be found swinging bats with the fellas.
He is known for embodying a bygone era of elegance and glamour, but this rare photo from the mid-1940s shows the Chairman of the Board in what can only be one of the most all-American images ever: Frank Sinatra playing ball with his buddies in his hometown of Hoboken, New Jersey.
Drew Barrymore and Billy Idol Clowning Around – 1984
Hollywood darling Drew Barrymore was born into Hollywood royalty and has been rubbing shoulders with the who’s who of the entertainment world from a very young age. In this adorably goofy shot from 1984, a nine-year-old Barrymore is seeing clowning around at a club with rock star Billy Idol.
The picture was taken two years after a young Drew Barrymore made her acclaimed breakout in Steven Spielberg’s beloved classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Incidentally, Billy Idol made a cameo appearance as himself 14 years later in The Wedding Singer, starring Adam Sandler and none other than Drew Barrymore.
Roger Moore and Richard Kiel Bonding – 1979
Roger Moore and Richard Kiel might have played on-screen foes in the James Bond flicks Moonraker and The Spy Who Loved Me. And although you might not be able to tell from this epic shot, off-screen, the unlikely pair were thick as thieves.
In the photo, Kiel is seen performing his character Jaws’ signature head squash move in this vintage publicity still for Moonraker, the second of the duo’s two 007 collaborations. Kiel continued to reenact the stunt for decades much to the delight of fans.
Audrey Hepburn Fawning Over Her Pet Deer – 1958
As the epitome of elegance and glamour, Audrey Hepburn remains one of the most fawned over figures in Hollywood history. But when it came to the stylish star, she could be regularly be found fawning over her adorable pet baby deer, Pippin.
This adorably shot shows the Breakfast at Tiffany’s actress with her precious pet, which she adopted from the set of the 1959 film Green Mansions. Nicknamed, “Ip,” the deer was known to accompany Hepburn to Beverly Hills supermarkets and star-studded parties all the same.
Jayne Mansfield Grabbing Life by the Horns – 1960
While the memory of blonde bombshell Jayne Mansfield is typically associated with plunging necklines and sultry poses, this rare black-and-white shot from 1960 depicts a goofy, down-to-earth side of one of Hollywood’s biggest sex symbols of the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Although her image may be better known than her movies, Mansfield remains one of the most recognizable icons of mid-20th-century celebrity culture. She has several box-office success although her film career was short-lived, and won a Golden Globe for New Star of The Year in 1957.
Sean Connery and Brigitte Bardot in Spain – 1968
The chemistry between Sean Connery and Brigitte Bardot translated into celluloid gold in the western adventure Shalako. The two charismatic stars are said to have hit it off immediately when they met for the first time for the movie. And that seems to be apparent from this invaluable vintage photo from the set.
Bardot played Countess Irina Lazaar and – in his first attempt to branch out from his iconic Jame Bond role – Sean Connery played her heroic co-star Moses Zebulon “Shalako” Carlin in the movie that was filmed in Spain.
Sophia Loren at Disneyland – 1963
Screen legend Sophia Loren undeniably brought happiness to audiences the world over. The ravenous beauty is a symbol of Italy to generations of moviegoers, but in this rare photo, she is seen visiting one of the most enduring symbols of America: Disneyland.
Loren’s timeless elegance radiates during her first visit to the Happiest Place on Earth in this nostalgic photo that was captured on a spring day in 1963. The picture was captured around the peak of the acclaimed actress’ prolific, international career that included venerated classic films like El Cid, The Fall of the Roman Empire and It Started in Naples.
Richard Gere the Musician – 1978
The multi-talented Richard Gere began his training in music from an early age. As a youth, he played several instruments and wrote music for high school productions. Here a young Richard Gere is seen keeping his skills in tune in this candid photo from 1978.
Not only a talented actor, Gere’s musical prowess led him to not only play but compose the song in the steamy piano scene in Pretty Woman. The accomplished artist also played a guitar solo in Runaway Bride and learned tap dance for Chicago and karate for An Officer and A Gentleman.
Bruce Lee Dancing Up a Storm – 1958
By the way that he moved, it may come as no surprise that iconic martial arts master Bruce Lee could also kick it on the dance floor. In fact, the legendary figure studied dancing as arduously as he did Kung Fun.
This epic shot of a sprightly young Bruce Lee was taken in 1958, the year he was crowned Hong Kong’s Cha Cha Championship winner! That same year, the future movie star won the boxing tournament at the Tak Sun School in Hong Kong. A year later, his family would return to the U.S.
Diana Ross and The Jackson 5 – 1970
The astronomical rise of Motown legends the Jackson Five was indisputably intertwined with that of Diana Ross. The lead singer of the Supremes was credited with discovering the band of brothers before her solo career took off.
They performed as the opening act for the Supremes and their 1969 debut record, consequently, was titled “Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5.” The diva is pictured in this January 1970 photo with the family singing sensations (from top left): Tito, Jackie, Jermaine, Michael (seated) and Marlon.
Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill – 1976
The original Star Wars trilogy provided material for innumerable pop culture references. The popular films cemented a legendary place in Hollywood history for the iconic cast behind some of film history’s favorite characters. While images from the movies instantly stir feelings of nostalgic fondness, are behind-the-scenes shots, such as this one, are equally as emotive.
In this engaging image from Carrie Fisher’s personal album from the Star Wars set, the Princess Leia actress is seen giving her co-star Mark Hamill (a.k.a. Luke Skywalker) a light-hearted shave in between filming in 1976 of George Lucas’ epic saga.
Elvis Serenading a Hound Dog – 1956
Just a day after Elvis Presley recorded his famous track “Hound Dog,” he donned evening attire replete with a tie and tails and serenaded a rather moppy-looking hound dog in a top hat on The Steve Allen Show in 1956.
At the time, the 21-year-old Elvis was enjoying the stardom that came with his chart-topping debut album. His pop hit “Heartbreak Hotel” was #1 on the Billboard top 100 and he was making quite a stir with his signature pelvic gyrations that sent crowds of adoring teen fans screeching and their parents scowling.
Helen Mirren and Liam Neeson Dancing – 1982
Award-winning actors Liam Neeson and Helen Mirren starred as love interests opposite each other in the 1981 film Excalibur. The two were also a serious item in real life after meeting on the movie set.
In fact, the smitten young stars lived together for four years and enjoyed a loving relationship as is evidenced in this intimate candid photo of the couple dancing at a party at the London Hilton hotel in 1982. Decades later, the two still fondly recall their relationship and Neeson has admitted that he was smitten from the get-go.
James Dean Looking Cool in a Trash Can – Circa 1954
Leave it James Dean to make even a trash can look good! The Rebel Without a Cause actor is seen sporting the stuff that timeless cultural icons are made of in this rare, quirky picture of the star sitting in a trash bin surrounded by enthralled female fans.
Not only is Hollywood’s ultimate cool guy sitting in the most unconventional of perches, but he’s signing autographs all the while making a “duck face” pout. Ironically, the facial expression sported by the enduring icon of youth rebellion is now infamously mainstream.
Hillary Clinton at Wellesley College – 1969
Long before her face became one of the most recognizable in the work, Hillary Clinton (then Rodham) was a proactive young college student. The time was ripe for student activism and the young Hillary Clinton was at the helm of campus involvement at Wellesley College.
She is widely known now as a power-suit-wearing, prominent political figure and glass ceiling breaker. And while we are accustomed to the serious portraits this rare photo offers a glimpse at an inform moment of face painting in her formative college years.
Princess Diana and Rowan Atkinson – 1984
Although they are two of modern British society’s most recognizable figures, they might seem like something of an odd pairing. However, Princess Diana and Rowan Atkinson met in 1984 while greeting the cast of the Royal Variety Performance and the beloved royal family member seemed to be quite star struck.
This perfectly-timed rare picture captured the moment when the “People’s Princess” met the future Mr. Bean actor, who was already a popular comedy in Her Majesty’s Kingdom. Moments later, the Blackadder star returned the gesture (literally) and everyone was royally amused.
Barack Obama in College – 1980
Before his image was displayed in the National Portrait Gallery, a young Barack Obama was an 18-year-old freshman at Occidental College in Los Angeles when agreed to pose for aspiring photographer Lisa Jack. This playful picture was one of several from the casual photo-shoot.
“You can see he is just posing, initially, but as the shoot goes on, he starts to come out. He was very charismatic even then,” the photographer later said of Obama. Lisa Jack later spotted Obama during a tour in Washington in 2005 and yelled hello. She said he still recognized her after all that time.
A VERY Young Angelina Jolie – Circa 1976
Hollywood leading lady Angelina Jolie is famous for being the doting mother of a brood of six adorable children. However, long before she was making blockbuster movies and gracing magazine covers, the star was herself a tiny tot with some pretty famous parents.
In this poignant throwback photo, a baby Angelina Jolie is seen reading with her father, Jon Voight, and mother, Marcheline Bertrand. Jolie grew up to be the spitting image of her mother and followed in the famous footsteps of her father, whom she shared the screen in two movies: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Lookin’ to Get Out.
Charlie Chaplin Meets Mahatma Gandhi in London – 1931
What’s perhaps more astonishing than the fact that legendary icons Mahatma Gandhi and Charlie Chaplin met, was that the venerated Indian figure had no idea who the celebrated comedian was before they made each other’s acquaintances in London in 1931.
During their brief encounter, the two ended up debating the use of machinery. Gandhi expressed his belief that it was better to return to manual labor while Chaplin argued that automation was key to progress. And although they might not have agreed on the topic, we can all agree that the meeting made for a fabulous photo shoot.