Kim Novak (1950)
Kim Novack is best known as the blonde beauty in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, but it’s not her acting ability that makes her so memorable. Kim was bound in a contract with a racist, misogynistic, and dominating studio boss who even threatened to chop out Sammy Davis Jr.’s eyes when he discovered Kim was dating him. So when a California mudslide destroyed Kim’s house in the 1960s, she was overjoyed and used the chance to break out from the Hollywood system. She would continue to perform, but only on her terms.
Groucho Marx In ‘Dictator of Freedonia’ (1933)
Groucho Marx’s hallmark appearance is unmistakably his mustache and brows (move over, Eugene Levy), and according to Hollywood lore, both were a fortunate accident. Groucho always attached a little mustache to his face before performances, but he’d forgotten one time, so he grabbed some greasepaint and went to town above his lips and eyes. Voila! He developed his characteristic appearance, and he was never seen without it.
Debbie Reynolds Leaning On An Expensive Lincoln Futura Concept Car (1956)
The Futura, Lincoln’s prototype vehicle, resembled something out of The Jetsons—and it cost just as much. So it seemed logical to use Debbie Reynolds, who was at the peak of her stardom at the time, to give this future vehicle some serious attention. Debbie was so popular at the time that all it took was one shot of her leaning on this automobile to sell out all the concept models in the affluent and famous globe.
Lois Maxwell, The Original Miss Moneypenny (1948)
If this isn’t Hollywood destiny, we don’t know what is. Lois Maxwell, better known as the incomparable Moneypenny from the James Bond films, was originally cast as a sassy Bond lady. But Lois didn’t like the part and begged to be replaced by Moneypenny, which turned out to be the finest thing she ever did. So instead of merely appearing in one film, Lois would play Moneypenny in 14 James Bond films.