Betty Grable was one of the most popular WW2 pinups and is most famous for this photo.
Born Elizabeth Ruth Grable on December 18, 1916, Betty landed her first gig at 13 as a chorus girl in Lets Go Places. Although she was legally underage, it was not immediately apparent because the chorus girls performed in blackface–but once her true age was realized, Betty was quickly fired.
Betty’s big break came in 1940 by way of a man named Daryl Zanuck, who saw some of her earlier Paramount pictures and offered her a contract with 20th Century-Fox Studios. There were no films for her at the time, but Zanuck realized her talents, and wanted to keep her available. Meanwhile, Betty was allowed to work in Cole Porter’s musical Du Barry was a Lady, until she was contacted by Fox Studios to replace an ill Alice Faye in the film Down Argentine Way.
Betty Grable was a “triple threat” she could sing, dance, and act. She was a force in Hollywood, starring in such films and musicals as, Mother Wore Tights, Coney Island, The Dolly Sisters, Moon over Miami, Sweet Rosie O’ Grady, and many others. But it was the infamous 1943 photo taken by Frank Powolony that launched her to superstardom. The photo featured a full-length back pose of the leggy blonde wearing a bathing suit, while playfully peeking over her shoulder–making her the most famous pinup girl of the World War II era. There are many stories about the origin of this photo, one being that she posed from behind because she was pregnant. Fox Studios eventually insured Betty Grable’s legs for $1,000,000.00 with Lloyd’s of London which garnered her the nickname, “Girl with the million dollar legs.” (Lloyd’s is the same company that was rumored to have insured J Lo’s most famous asset – her bum!).
Betty’s beauty appealed strongly to the American G.I.s and her films were eagerly requested by the servicemen overseas. A popular GI slogan during the war became “I want a girl just like the girl that married Harry James.” (Betty’s 2nd husband)
Betty Grable was the highest paid actress in Hollywood, and reigned supreme as the “Queen of Fox Studios” from 1940 until 1951. During the course of her time with Fox, Betty married band leader Harry James in 1943 (divorced in 1965) and had two daughters. In 1952 she was dropped from the movie Gentleman Prefer Blondes to make room for Marilyn Monroe.
One of the last blockbusters Betty did for Fox Studios was How to Marry a Millionaire where she shared the spotlight with Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall. After doing two more movies, both of which were flops, Betty had had enough of films, and decided to bid Hollywood Adieu. After retiring from Hollywood, Grable continued to appear in television, and on stage throughout the 1960’s.
In 1973 Grable lost her battle with lung cancer, and died at the age of 56. She has since been honored with stars on both the St. Louis, and the Hollywood Walks of fame.
Here’s are a couple of Betty’s performances:
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