- Rita Hayworth - imagecache6.allposters.com/.../2769/37XTD00Z.jpg
When one thinks of sex goddess Rita Hayworth, one thinks of luscious auburn locks, full bright red lips and that famous scene in Gilda (1946) where Hayworth, donning a sexy strapless dress, entertains the crowd by performing a sexy strip tease of her long, shiny black glove. Hayworth was the epitome of a Hollywood goddess; famous for her beautiful appearance as well as her films, it is no wonder then, that the American Film Institute listed her as one of the Greatest Stars of All time.
From Latin Lovely to Hollywood Glamour Puss
Born Margarita Carmen Cansino in New York City, 1918 to a Spanish flamenco dancer and Ziegfeld girl of Irish and English decent, it seems the young, shy and unassuming Cansino was destined to become a star. At a tender age, Cansino was taught dance, much to her distain, later admitting in an interview that she felt little enjoyment in her dancing lessons but could not bring herself to tell her father.
Hayworth was discovered by Winfield Sheehan of Fox Film Corporation. Impressed with Hayworth, Sheehan signed her up to a six month contract, swiftly taking her away from her home to the bright lights of Hollywood. Despite small roles in numerous films, Hayworth’s contract was not renewed and bitter disappointment followed.
Disappointment was short lived however when Hayworth was signed to a long term contract with Columbia Pictures. Producers argued that Hayworth’s image was to blame for the actress not getting bigger parts. Her dark hair and features, accompanied by her low hairline made Hayworth look too ‘Latin.’ In a bid to make Hayworth more accessible to audiences, the studio ordered a dramatic restyling. To say Hayworth suffered for her art is an understatement; she underwent painful electrolysis to broaden her forehead. Hayworth also dyed her hair red; a remarkable change that stopped movie audiences in their tracks and the rest, as they say, is history.
Rita Hayworth Made Over 60 Films
Hayworth had a magnificent career, appearing in over sixty films with the most acclaimed directors and stars in Hollywood history. Her career was diverse and showed Hayworth as a multitalented star, from an alluring femme fatale in Gilda, arguably her most poignant role of her career, to box office musical success alongside Fred Astaire in You’ll Never Get Rich (1941).
After her tragic death in 1987, from Alzheimer’s disease, President Ronald Regan paid tribute the much loved star, stating, “Rita Hayworth was one of our country's most beloved stars. Glamorous and talented, she gave us many wonderful moments on stage and screen and delighted audiences from the time she was a young girl.”
Rita Hayworth’s star still shines brightly and she will forever be remembered as one of Hollywood’s greatest film stars.
