Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall was an American actress and model who was born on September 16, 1924, in The Bronx, New York City, New York. She was known for her sultry voice, distinctive looks, and her starring roles in classic Hollywood films such as "To Have and Have Not" and "The Big Sleep."

Bacall started her career as a model in the early 1940s, working for Harper's Bazaar and other fashion magazines. She caught the attention of film director Howard Hawks, who cast her in her first movie role in "To Have and Have Not" (1944) opposite Humphrey Bogart. The film was a hit, and Bacall and Bogart's on-screen chemistry led to a real-life romance. They were married in 1945 and remained together until Bogart's death in 1957.

Bacall continued to work in films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, starring in classics such as "The Big Sleep" (1946), "Key Largo" (1948), and "How to Marry a Millionaire" (1953). She also made her Broadway debut in 1949, starring in the musical "Goodbye, Charlie" alongside Sydney Chaplin.

In the 1960s, Bacall's career slowed down as she focused on raising her two children with Bogart. However, she returned to the spotlight in 1970 with her Tony Award-winning performance in the Broadway musical "Applause," which was based on the film "All About Eve." Bacall played the role of Margo Channing, a fading Broadway star, and her performance was lauded by critics and audiences alike.

Bacall continued to work in film and television throughout the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in movies such as "Murder on the Orient Express" (1974) and "The Shootist" (1976), as well as TV shows like "The Rockford Files" and "The Sopranos." She also returned to Broadway in 1981, starring in the musical "Woman of the Year" opposite Raquel Welch.

In the 1990s, Bacall's career experienced a resurgence thanks to her memorable performance in the film "Misery" (1990), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She also appeared in the films "The Mirror Has Two Faces" (1996) and "Dogville" (2003), as well as the TV series "The Nanny" and "Family Guy."

Bacall received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Mirror Has Two Faces," a Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, and an honorary Academy Award in 2009 for her contributions to the film industry.

In addition to her acting career, Bacall was also known for her activism and philanthropy. She was a vocal supporter of the Democratic Party and was involved in various political campaigns throughout her life. She also worked with organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the National Stroke Association to raise awareness and funds for medical research.

Bacall was married twice, first to Humphrey Bogart from 1945 until his death in 1957, and then to actor Jason Robards from 1961 to 1969. She had two children, Stephen and Leslie, with Bogart.

Lauren Bacall passed away on August 12, 2014, at the age of 89. She will always be remembered as one of Hollywood's most iconic leading ladies, with a career that spanned over six decades and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.