Betty Grable

Betty Grable, born on December 18, 1916, was a multifaceted American talent known for her work as an actress, dancer, model, and singer. She began her film career at the tender age of twelve in 1929, although her early journey was not without challenges, including being fired from a contract due to a false identification. Grable honed her craft under the guidance of Neely Dickson at the Hollywood Community Theater, eventually signing contracts with RKO and Paramount Pictures during the 1930s.

Her breakthrough came with the Broadway musical 'Du Barry Was a Lady' in 1939, which caught the attention of 20th Century-Fox. Grable quickly rose to prominence, replacing Alice Faye in 'Down Argentine Way' in 1940, marking the start of her reign as Fox's biggest film star throughout the 1940s. She starred in a series of Technicolor musicals that captivated audiences, sharing the screen with notable actors such as Victor Mature and Tyrone Power.

By 1943, Grable had become the number-one box-office draw in the world, with her films grossing over one hundred million dollars during the 1930s and 1940s. She was recognized as the highest-salaried American woman by the U.S. Treasury Department in 1946 and 1947, amassing a career earnings total exceeding three million dollars. Among her most celebrated works are the musical 'Mother Wore Tights' and the comedy 'How to Marry a Millionaire.'

Grable's legacy as a sex symbol was solidified during World War II, where her iconic bathing-suit poster made her the top pin-up girl, surpassing even Rita Hayworth. Her legs, famously insured for one million dollars, were often noted for their ideal proportions. Grable retired from screen acting in 1955 but continued to grace the stage and television with her performances, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.