20 Heartthrobs from the Golden Age of Hollywood

Ava Gardner signed with MGM based on her beauty alone

Ava Gardner’s brother-in-law put a photo of her in his studio in New York City, and it was quickly noticed by MGM. They signed the 18-year-old on her beauty alone, as she had zero acting experience.

She gained popularity in films like “Mogambo” (1953) and “Bhowani Junction” (1956), and is also known for her high-profile marriage to fellow heartthrob Frank Sinatra, which lasted from 1951-1957.