Iowa-born Beverley Owen, like many young women of the era, had a dream. In pursuit of this dream, Beverley moved to New York to see if acting was for her. The majority of jobs for women during the 50s were as receptionists or typists, with Owen employed as the latter. However, it seems she was better at reading lines than typing them and was fired due to her dismal typing skills whilst working at CBS.
It wasn’t until she secured the role of Marilyn Munster during the first season of “The Munsters” that she received some recognition. In a shock twist, the blonde-wig-wearing Beverley exited the show after just 13 episodes to get married to the writer and producer Jon Stone.
Victoria Principal
“I arrived in California with no job, no car, and no money, but, like millions of other girls, a dream.” Well said Victoria! Born in Japan, Victoria Principal grew up in sunny Florida, and clearly her beauty was evident, winning Miss Miami in 1969. A well-connected boyfriend, Bernard Cornfield enabled Principal to meet the “right people” and to propel her career in acting forward.
Whilst she appeared in a few roles, and even posed nude in Playboy magazine, it was her role as Pamela Barnes Ewing in "Dallas" which really gave her the fame and recognition she sought. A born entrepreneur, the star established her own production company, Victoria Principal Productions, as well as her own line of skin care! She is also a best-selling author! We’re adding a few of her books to our reading list!
Betty White
What. A. Legend. Ladies and Gentlemen, the “Grand Dame of Television.” Betty White was perhaps one of the most iconic American actresses, and comedians, in U.S. history. With the longest TV career of a female entertainer, she even had an honorary title as the 4th Mayor of Hollywood! With a net worth of $45 million, she was considered to be one of the first trailblazers in the entertainment industry, as one of the first women to act, produce, and direct in Hollywood.
Best remembered as the cheeky Sue Ann Nivens on "Mary Tyler Moore," and as the slightly dizzy Rose Nylund on the hilariously funny "Golden Girls." One of her first shows was her own, "Life with Elizabeth," airing in 1952. Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, Betty White was still acting up until her passing, appearing in the comedy "The Proposal." White passed away in 2021.
Priscilla Presley
If you’re the wife of “The King,” does that automatically make you “The Queen?” Next up is Priscilla Presley, ex-wife of the legendary Elvis Presley. The former model and actress is known for her roles in "The Naked Gun" films as well as Jenna Wade on the iconic series Dallas. Over the years, there has been much talk as to why Priscilla did what she did and divorced Elvis, however in recent times Priscilla Presley opened up.
Marrying a superstar like Elvis meant not going out and being basically under house arrest. For the young and glamorous Priscilla, she felt robbed of her youth in a way, and decided to live her life by her own rules, to “find out what the world was like.” Power to you Priscilla, for living your own life!
Hayley Mills
Scouted by one of Walt Disney’s producers, it was suggested Hayley Mills be given the lead in "Pollyanna," which turned out to be the singular move to catapult her to stardom; she received a special Academy Award! Whilst she was a favorite in Disney films, it wasn’t until she played Susan and Sharon from the O.G. film "The Parent Trap."
Now any 90s kids reading this, we’re not talking about the Lindsay Lohan version; we’re talking about the actress who inspired Lohan! After her success as a child actor, Hayley Mills moved into theatre work, transitioning nicely from being remembered as Pollyanna and Susan/Sharon into more mature roles. Now, Mills has two children and recently starred in Isobel Mahon’s Party Face theatre production.