In the summer of 1941, Rita Hayworth, a rising star in Hollywood, posed for a photograph that would become one of the most iconic images of the era.
At 22, she was already known for her roles in films like Only Angels Have Wings, but her career was about to take a defining turn. The photograph, taken by Bob Landry for Life magazine, was published in Life magazine’s August 11, 1941.
Following Pearl Harbor, Hayworth’s photo struck a chord with American GIs. It was reproduced by the millions and became a favorite among servicemen, who pinned it up in barracks, ships, and planes.
The pinup photo cemented her as a sex symbol, a label she found limiting. She once remarked, “Men fell in love with Gilda, but they woke up with me,” referring to her iconic role in the 1946 film Gilda. The photograph’s impact endured beyond the war. It helped define the pinup genre, blending innocence and allure, and it elevated Hayworth to a cultural icon.
Yet, for her, it was a double-edged sword—a moment of fame that overshadowed her efforts to be seen as a serious actress. The image remains a snapshot of a nation at a crossroads, and of a woman navigating the weight of her own legend.
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No kidding! Stunning even 84 years later - as Grand Dad might have said “Yowzah!”
ReplyDeleteNot really stunning at this point. She died in 1987
DeleteI've always been confused about her “Men fell in love with Gilda, but they woke up with me” comment. The implication is there is a downside to waking up to Rita. I see no downside.
ReplyDelete