Deadly Inspiration: Betty Grable`
The style of Deadly is the Female is very much inspired by many of the old Hollywood starlets. There are so many incredible women from this era that we adore, we wanted to share with you their stories and signature looks…
On today’s blog we will be looking back at “The Girl with the Million Dollar Legs”, the breathtaking Betty Grable!
Elizabeth Ruth Grable was born on December 18, 1916 in St. Louis, Missouri. Elizabeth, who later became known as Betty, studied ballet and tap dancing from a young age and at the age of 13 she set off to Hollywood with her Mother with a dream of becoming a Hollywood star. Even though she lied about her age telling casting teams that she was 15, Betty landed many minor parts in films such as Whoopee! and Let’s Go Places.
It wasn’t until 1940 when Betty was cast in the role of Glenda Crawford in Down Argentine Way, that she became noticed by the public as a true Hollywood Actress. The public soon fell in love with Betty and who could blame them! She starred in many musicals with formulaic plots that embraced her wholesome, good-natured screen image and featured athletic dance numbers which showed off her shapely legs.
Betty Grable in ‘How to Marry a Millionaire‘ with Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall
This blonde bombshell became a true pin up, this famous image of Betty below adorned barracks all around the world during World War II. Betty became one of the highest paid stars in America and 20th Century-Fox even insured her legs with Lloyds of London for a million dollars!
In the 1950’s Betty’s movie career declined in tandem with the decrease in the popularity of the conventional, backstage musicals she specialized in. Instead Betty took to the stage performing in Las Vegas and on Broadway. Betty Grable sadly died aged 56 in 1973 from lung cancer but this beautiful pin up would forever live on as a star.
