Rita Hayworth's potential was obvious at an early age. In 1935 at age 17 she had already signed a short term studio contract with Fox . By 19 she had signed on with Colombia Studios.
From those early beginnings in the mid-1930s RIta Hayworth would finish the 1940s as one of Hollywood's major stars.
Rita Hayworth aolong side Betty Grable and other 1930s and 40s bombshells graced the footlockers and barrack walls of many an enlisted soldier during World War II.
Her crowning glory, however, was her fiery auburn mane of hair which set her appart from the stereotypical blonde bombshells and sultry brunettes in movies such as Gilda famous for it's one glove striptease, the Loves of Carmen and the Lady from Shanghai .
At 5'6" tall Hayworth was every inch the femme fatale and was cast in role after role as the sultry seductress on the strength of her flaming hair and screen melting hotness although her height caused problems when she played opposite Fred Astaire. Even so she was the first star to play opposite both Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.
Hayworth was a true bombshell in her own right, elegant, glamorous, beautiful and desired. In 1949 Hayworth's lips were voted best in the world by the Artists League of America. Endorsement contracts for Max Factor followed.
Her impact on movie making and popular culture cannot be underestimated. She is referenced in such diverse works as the screen adaptation of the Stephen King work 'The Shawshank Redemption' where express reference is made to her hair and her smoking hot looks. Hayworth is also said by Madonna to have '[given] good face.' in her single Vogue.
One of America's greatest screen stars she was paid tribute by President Regan (himself a former actor and contemporary of Hayworth) on her passing in 1987 after she was sadly claimed by Alzheimer's Disease at age 67. Regan said of her...'Glamorous and talented, she gave us many wonderful moments on stage and screen and delighted audiences from the time she was a young girl. In her later years, Rita became known for her struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Her courage and candor, and that of her family, were a great public service in bringing worldwide attention to a disease which we all hope will soon be cured.'
We say...Rita Hayworth, how do we love thee let us count the ways.
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