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Top Actresses of the 1930s

The Golden Age of Hollywood, which lasted from 1913 to 1969, peaked during the 1930s. The decade produced numerous stars as well as some of the greatest actresses of all time. Among them were stars and Academy Award winners like Katharine Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, and Bette Davis. While Leigh and Davis won two Oscars each, Katharine Hepburn won a record four Oscars for Best Actress. Check out the list below to know about the top actresses of 1930s.

1. Ginger Rogers

Ginger Rogers
    
Also Known As: Virginia Katherine McMath
Birthday: 16 July 1911
Born In: Independence, Missouri, United States
Died On: 25 April 1995

Ginger Rogers was an American actress, singer, and dancer. Often regarded as an American icon, Rogers played an important role in popularizing the Golden Age of Hollywood. After winning the Academy Award for portraying the title character in Kitty Foyle, Rogers became one of the highest-paid actresses during the 1940s. Her life inspired a musical titled Backwards in High Heels.

2. Vivien Leigh

Vivien Leigh
    
Also Known As: Vivian Mary Hartley, Lady Olivier
Birthday: 05 November 1913
Born In: Darjeeling, India
Died On: 08 July 1967
Education: Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art, Convent Of The Sacred Heart

British actress Vivien Leigh gained popularity with her award winning performance in films Gone with the Wind and A Street Car named Desire and her Musical Broadway Tovarich. The beautiful actress, who went on to feature in films like That Hamilton Woman and Ship of Fools, had a troubled personal life and suffered from physical and mental health issues.

3. Barbara Stanwyck

Barbara Stanwyck
    
Also Known As: Ruby Catherine Stevens
Birthday: 16 July 1907
Born In: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died On: 20 January 1990

Barbara Stanwyck went on to become one of the greatest actresses of Classical Hollywood cinema after being orphaned at age four. One of the favorite actresses of directors like Cecil B. DeMille, Barbara had become the highest-paid actress in America by 1944. Known for her realistic screen presence, Barbara won several prestigious honorary lifetime awards for her contribution to cinema.

4. Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn
    
Also Known As: Katharine Houghton Hepburn
Birthday: 12 May 1907
Born In: Hartford, Connecticut, United States
Died On: 29 June 2003
Education: Bryn Mawr College

Katharine Hepburn served as the leading American actress for over six decades. She is regarded as an influential cultural figure and was included in the popular book Women Who Changed The World. Katharine Hepburn is also named in lists like 300 Women Who Changed the World, 100 Icons of the Century, and 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons of All Time.

5. Claudette Colbert

Claudette Colbert
    
Also Known As: Émilie Claudette Chauchoin
Birthday: 13 September 1903
Born In: Saint-Mandé, France
Died On: 30 July 1996
Education: Art Students League Of New York

Claudette Colbert was an American actress best remembered for her performance in the 1934 romantic-comedy film It Happened One Night, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. A versatile actress, Colbert achieved immense popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, during which she was one of the highest-paid stars. Colbert also received a Golden Globe Award during her career.