Top 16 20s & 30s Actresses, Ranked
In the golden age of Hollywood, the 1920s and 1930s saw the rise of iconic leading actresses who left an indelible mark on cinema. Greta Garbo captivated audiences with her enigmatic presence in films like 'Anna Karenina' and 'Grand Hotel'. Bette Davis brought unparalleled intensity to her roles in 'Jezebel' and 'Dark Victory'', earning her a place as one of Hollywood's most revered actresses. Katharine Hepburn charmed viewers with her spirited performances in classics such as 'Bringing Up Baby' and 'The Philadelphia Story', setting a new standard for female roles in cinema.
These actresses not only delivered unforgettable performances but also paved the way for future generations in the film industry. Their contributions showcased the power and influence of women in Hollywood's early years, making Garbo, Davis, and Hepburn timeless symbols of talent, resilience, and artistic excellence.
Judy Garland
As voted on by the Curious Pollster Community on X
(16) Jane Winton
Jane Winton was an American actress, dancer, opera soprano, writer, and painter. She appeared in numerous silent films during the 1920s and early 1930s. Winton was known for her roles in films such as The Honeymoon Express and The Sea Beast.
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(15) Joan Bennett
Joan Bennett was an American stage, film, and television actress. She appeared in more than 70 films from the era of silent movies well into the sound era. Bennett is best known for her roles in Scarlet Street and The Woman in the Window.
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(14) Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple was an American actress, singer, dancer, and diplomat who was Hollywood's number-one box-office draw as a child actress from 1934 to 1938. She is best known for her roles in Bright Eyes and Curly Top. She received a special Juvenile Academy Award in 1935.
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(13) Carole Lombard
Carole Lombard was an American actress particularly noted for her roles in screwball comedies. She is best known for her roles in My Man Godfrey and To Be or Not to Be. Lombard was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1936 for "My Man Godfrey"
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Marlene Dietrich was a German-American actress and singer. Her career spanned from the 1910s to the 1980s. She is best known for her roles in The Blue Angel and Morocco. Dietrich was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1930 for ‘Morocco’.
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Claudette Colbert was a French-American actress and a leading lady in Hollywood for over two decades, known for her versatility in both comedy and drama. She is best known for her roles in It Happened One Night and Midnight. Colbert won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1934 for ‘It Happened One Night'.
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10 Jean Harlow
Jean Harlow was an American film actress and sex symbol of the 1930s. She was known as the 'Blonde Bombshell' and was one of the biggest movie stars of her time. Harlow is best known for her roles in Platinum Blonde and Dinner at Eight.
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Ginger Rogers was an American actress, singer, and dancer. She is best known for her partnership with Fred Astaire in a series of ten Hollywood musical films. Rogers is best known for her roles in Top Hat and Swing Time. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1940 for ‘Kitty Foyle’
Marlene Dietrich
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Joan Crawford was an American actress who began her career as a dancer and stage showgirl. She became a prominent film actress and won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Crawford is best known for her roles in Mildred Pierce and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1945 for ‘Mildred Pierce'.
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Greta Garbo was a Swedish-American film actress during the 1920s and 1930s. She was known for her melancholic, somber persona and her famous line 'I want to be alone.' Garbo is best known for her roles in Ninotchka and Camille. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress three times
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Barbara Stanwyck was an American actress, model, and dancer. She was a film and television star, known for her strong, realistic portrayals of women in a variety of roles. Stanwyck is best known for her roles in Double Indemnity and Stella Dallas. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress four times.
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Rita Hayworth was an American actress and dancer. She achieved fame during the 1940s as one of the era's top stars and became known as 'The Love Goddess' for her glamorous image. Hayworth is best known for her roles in Gilda and Cover Girl.
Rita Hayworth
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Maureen O'Sullivan was an Irish-American actress best known for playing Jane in the Tarzan series of films starring Johnny Weissmuller. O'Sullivan is best known for her roles in Tarzan the Ape Man and The Thin Man.
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Judy Garland was an American actress, singer, and dancer. She is best known for her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and had a career that spanned over 40 years. Garland was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1954 for ‘A Star Is Born’
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Lucille Ball was an American actress, comedian, and producer. She was the star of the sitcom I Love Lucy and became one of the most popular and influential stars in the United States. Ball won four Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Katharine Hepburn was an American actress known for her fierce independence and spirited personality. She was a leading lady in Hollywood for more than 60 years and won four Academy Awards for Best Actress. Hepburn is best known for her roles in The Philadelphia Story and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress four times.
Audrey Hepburn
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