Lauren Bacall was an American model-turned-actress who became one of the most iconic screen legends of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Born Betty Joan Perske on September 16, 1924, in New York City, she began her career as a fashion model in the early 1940s. With her striking features, tall frame, and famously sultry gaze, Bacall quickly caught the attention of photographers and magazine editors. Her image graced the covers of top publications like Harper’s Bazaar, where a chance photograph would ultimately change the course of her life.

Bacall’s breakthrough came when film director Howard Hawks spotted her modeling photo and cast her in the 1944 film To Have and Have Not opposite Humphrey Bogart. At just 19 years old, Bacall dazzled audiences with her smoky voice, effortless cool, and the famous “look” — a downturned chin with eyes gazing up — which became her signature. The film marked the beginning of both her Hollywood career and her lifelong romance with Bogart, whom she married in 1945.

Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Bacall starred in a string of successful films, including The Big Sleep, Dark Passage, and Key Largo, often alongside Bogart. Her on-screen presence was characterized by sharp wit, intelligence, and an alluring independence that set her apart from many of her contemporaries. Even after Bogart’s death in 1957, Bacall continued to work steadily in film, television, and theater, earning critical praise for her versatility and longevity in an often fickle industry.

In addition to acting, Lauren Bacall remained a respected public figure, known for her outspoken personality and elegant style. She wrote two memoirs, By Myself and Now, in which she candidly reflected on her life, career, and personal experiences in Hollywood. Her contributions to the arts were recognized with numerous awards, including an Academy Honorary Award in 2009 for her distinguished career.

Lauren Bacall’s legacy endures as one of the great screen legends who bridged the glamour of old Hollywood with the modern era. She managed to gracefully evolve from model to film star to seasoned performer while retaining her unique voice and independence. Remembered for her timeless beauty, intelligence, and unforgettable presence, Bacall remains a symbol of classic Hollywood sophistication and strength.