The American Dream: Icons Who Transcended Hollywood’s Boundaries

One cannot deny how immense the influence of Hollywood into global entertainment and popular culture. It has set trends all over the world and has been a platform to discover some of the greatest artists of our time.
Hollywood’s golden era has depicted tales of elegance and charm as evident in its most iconic stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Judy Garland and Katharine Hepburn. Their glamour, talent and charisma has brought the focus of audiences from around the world into the silver screens of the United States of America. With Hollywood’s global success, it has become a magnet to tons of creative talents who try to gamble their way into the entertainment industry – a great example as to how one can dream so high in the land of great opportunities.
However, Hollywood had its own boundaries and expectations which have influenced character portrayals in films. The beauty standard has been heavily influenced by societal norms where women are expected to be very feminine. Graceful movements, soft features and hourglass figures are ideal in the eyes of the audiences.
Marilyn Monroe, one of the most prominent figures in the history of Hollywood, has been able to break the norm of how people perceive women in her time. Her beauty, undeniable charisma and unique talent has paved her way to break the limitations of the industry. Her iconic image and seductive persona has captivated audiences and has made her a symbol of beauty and desire. With the characters she played on the silver screen, she was stereotypically dubbed as a “dumb blonde”. Her intellect was often overshadowed by her seductive persona but over time, she was able to break free from the limitations and was able to showcase her versatility as an actress which made her a Hollywood icon up to this day.

While some people only see Hollywood as pure entertainment, Audrey Hepburn was able to outdo the industry’s boundaries by being a woman of talent, grace, humanitarian work and timeless grace. She has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire the fashion world and influence popular culture. While Monroe has become a symbol of desire, Hepburn has become a symbol of sophistication and timeless beauty. She was often celebrated not just for her image and style but also because of her philanthropic works. She became a Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF and has raised awareness on the rights of children. Her global impact has further cemented her name as an icon who was able to use her fame to extend help and compassion for those who need it.
Judy Garland, known as one of the greatest entertainers in Hollywood history, has become an icon both on stage and screen. While there are a lot of great singers and actors in the industry during her time, her emotional depth has enabled her to reach the hearts of her audiences and further connect with them. She rose to fame with her character Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing has set her apart and this was evident in her signature song Over the Rainbow. She continued to challenge the industry’s expectations by her ability to act in comedy, drama and musicals. Her emotional vulnerability as a performer has solidified her position as a Hollywood icon.
Although unrelated to Audrey, Katharine Hepburn has become an iconic figure in Hollywood with her remarkable talent, fiercely independent personality and strong-willed nature. She pursued roles that challenged gender norms and societal expectations and broke away from the traditional female archetypes during that time. Refusing to conform to the typical Hollywood standards, she achieved commercial success after starring in numerous box office hits which paved ways for her to gain multiple Academy Awards. She is an example of an icon who took the risk and did not adhere to public pressure.
With the continuous success of Hollywood over the years, it is significant to continue breaking down barriers and expanding the definition of true talent and beauty. Greater inclusivity amongst creative talents will result in a richer cinematic experience that the audiences will love. After all, there are a number of brilliant talents who dream to be on the silver screen and maybe, just maybe, another icon will be discovered.