5 Of The Most Influential Female Actors in Vintage Film
Start writing a post
Entertainment

5 Strong, Confident Women From Vintage Films And TV Who Inspire Daily

These dynamic female characters were revolutionary and significant in film history.

13
5 Strong, Confident Women From Vintage Films And TV Who Inspire Daily

There are many examples of self-assured and independent female characters in cinema and television in the last couple decades. From Imperator Furiosa to Captain Marvel, we have heroines that have inspired my generation and will continue to do so for future generations. Although these characters are no less important, in terms of their contribution to film history, those vintage characters and the actors that portrayed them set the bar early on.

Vintage films are marked as films from the start of the creation of the entire film industry until the 60s. Silent actors, black and white film characters, and technicolor heroines revolutionized the media industry when they portrayed these women.

These were the first female actors of color on film to the most scandalous actors who owned their self-assurance.

For me, these characters are a reminder that the fight for well-represented female roles is not a new one, but an ongoing and long-lasting one.

1. Nyota Uhura

Giphy

Uhura continues to be one of the most important characters in the Star Trek series and that is because of Nichelle Nichols' portrayal of her in the 60s. She was a role model for young girls wanting to join the armed services and serve, as well as, inspired Whoopi Goldberg to be an actress. Her calm sense of determination in each episode made her a favorite of all watchers.

2. Lady Lou

Giphy

Mae West had played some of the most confident and out of era characters for her time. Her shamelessness oozes from every role she played and it was obvious that she was never afraid to play a character, like Lady Lou, who spoke her mind.

3. Fanny Brice

Giphy

Fanny is another character, based on an actress well-portrayed by Barbra Streisand, who wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Career-driven, Fanny comes to New York City to become a star and the rest is history.

4. Holly Golightly

Giphy

Holly Golightly is a powerful character who changes her life in the course of the film for love. Although she is content, or at least pretends to be, she confronts herself about what she really wants, and gives that to herself at the end.

5. Lucy Ricardo

Giphy

I Love Lucy is a national treasure. Lucy Ricardo changed what it meant to be a comedian, especially such a physical one, on a national scale. Her hilarious gags and jokes inspire me as a writer today and her legacy is without comparison.

These hilarious, badass, and strong characters defined decades of filmmaking and television media. I highly recommend that you see their work — the films they were in — and see for yourself the importance of their roles for the time. More than anything, keep in mind the longest-lasting roles of these women are not representative of the roles that we have seen since.

Although we can admire how forward thinking and modern these characters were, the need for well-written, dynamic female characters is in almost constant demand.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55331
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35656
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957699
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

185432
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments