Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe… we’ve all idolized these iconic women since our mothers, aunts, and grandmothers first introduced us to their work. But for the most part, all of these fashionable, talented, and memorable women’s careers were way before our time. Even some of the powerful performers still working today are really our mom’s idols, rather than our own.
HCBloomU takes a look at today’s film and TV stars to find some icons of our own generation.
All collegiettes know her as Harry Potter’s best friend Hermione Granger, but Emma Watson has proven to be more than just a one-hit wonder. Branching out since Potter’s final movie in 2011, Watson has starred in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and has several projects in the works, including an adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” and the biblical epic “Noah.”
Watson’s effortless charm and grace makes her today’s reincarnation of Grace Kelly. Her flawless facial features have landed her Burburry advertising campaigns since 2009 and help her become the new face of Lancome in 2011. And with more red carpet appearances than most 20-something actresses due to her Harry Potter duties, it’s a wonder that she never has a fashion misstep or faux pas. Always elegant, appropriate, and classy, Watson has already solidified her icon status at the young age of 23.
[ pagebreak ]
Hot off the success of “Les Misérables,” Anne Hathaway has a nice piece of Oscar gold to add to her newlywed bliss. Hathaway’s breakout role in “The Princess Diaries” helped her win over the hearts of viewers instantly. She received her first Academy Award nomination in 2008 for the emotional drama “Rachel Getting Married” to which she quickly followed up with “Bride Wars.” She is currently in talks to star in a science-fiction film with Mathew McConaughey.
Hathaway’s classic beauty and her ability to tackle intense and emotional roles as well as light, comedic ones allow her to be an Oscar contender and America’s Sweetheart, a combination seen very rarely since the days of Audrey Hepburn.
[ pagebreak ]
The creation of “Mean Girls” changed the female dynamic and dictionary in America and we can all thank Tina Fey for that. Hailing from Upper Darby, Pa, Fey proves that not only can women be funny, but they can also look good doing it.
From her uncanny portrayal of Sarah Palin to the Emmy-winning “30 Rock” to her critically-acclaimed hosting gig for the Golden Globes, Fey knocks every ball pitched to her out of the park. Fey’s penchant for physical comedy and universal appeal is very reminiscent of Lucille Ball.
[ pagebreak ]
It’s very rare to find a true triple threat these days. Sure, actors want to record an album, but it’s usually not Grammy-winning material. Musicians want some of the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, but most of the time, they’re not winning Oscars. However, Lea Michele, star of Fox’s hit Glee can certainly do it all! Starring in multiple Broadway shows before she got her real start portraying the annoyingly talented Rachel Berry on “Glee,” Michele proves she can sing, dance, and act with the best of them.
Michele’s Brooklyn roots, Jewish heritage and boundless talent make her seem like Barbra Streisand’s protégé and heir apparent. Michele was even named to “TIME Magazine’s” 100 Most Influential People in the World list as well as being named to Maxim’s Hot 100 list. Working on her own solo album outside of her work on “Glee,” Michele has even had a role in the blockbuster “New Year’s Eve” and is a spokeswoman for Kohl’s brand Candies and L’Oreal Paris.
[ pagebreak ]
Last, but certainly not least, is America’s Girl Next Door, Jennifer Lawrence. The Kentucky-native earned her first Oscar-nomination for “Winter’s Bone” in 2010. She sky-rocketed into stardom with her role as Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games” and has since become a household name.
Her role in “Silver Linings Playbook” earned her this year’s Best Actress award at the Oscars but more memorable than her acceptance speech was her trip going up the stairs on stage. Not only did she manage to recover from her fall, but she made herself even more down-to-earth and lovable because of it. Her self-effacing charm and her ability to do comedy as well as heavy emotional pieces are so evocative of Meryl Streep that we can all expect great things from Lawrence in years to come.
Photo credits
http://www.salon.com/2013/02/2…
http://thefabulousbirthdayblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/may-18happy-birthday-miss-tina-fey.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/28/lea-michele-bra-top-dress-photos_n_2780565.html