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Throughout the decade of the forties there were many talented and extraordinary actresses. Many actresses of today idolize many of these legendary actresses and can only hope to have such a promising career. The forties were filled with women that were able to give a new twist on what a real leading lady was and took charge of their own careers surprising many studios. Sometimes it caused these actresses more problems giving them a bad reputation but in the long run it paid off and they were able to gain and maintain control.

Bette Davis is my favorite actress of the forties. Her birth name was Ruth Davis, but changed it as most actresses seemed to do back then. She is considered the First Lady of Hollywood with her demanding needs for fair treatment and good roles. Since she was able to draw in audiences the studios inevitably gave her what she wanted. Davis began her career in the 1930's with small roles and worked her way into leading roles. In 1930 she signed with Universal Studios and two years later she signed a seven year contract with Warner Brothers. Two of her films, Dangerous and Jezebel earned her Academy Awards for Best Actress. She was nominated for nine more Oscars, but failed to win. She went on to do so many great films such as All About Eve, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, and Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte. She was able to portray all sorts of characters from a blind lady to a former child star. She was simply incredible. Her career lasted until her death in 1989.

Katharine Hepburn was well known for having things her way. She insisted to wear pants and no make-up. She didn't like to give interviews or have photographs taken. She remained very private and her well-known affair with Spencer Tracy remained a secret until after his death. She had started a great career in the 30's which carried on throughout the 40's. She starred in films such as The Philadelphia Story and Woman of the Year. She did many films with Spencer Tracy, but also acted alongside other great leading men like Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart. Hepburn continued her elusive career well into the 60's with such greats as African Queen and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. In 1981 she co-starred with Henry Fonda in On Golden Pond and made her last appearance on the big screen in Love Affair in 1994. She has received the most nominations for an Oscar than any other actress in history with 12, winning four times. She died of natural causes in 2003.

Lauren Bacall (real name Betty Perske) is

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