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The press coined the term "The Love Goddess" to describe Rita Hayworth after she had become one of the most glamorous screen idols of the 1940s.
Often nicknamed the "Blonde Bombshell," Jean Harlow became one of the biggest film stars in Hollywood. Her image has endured despite her early death aged just 26 from kidney failure.
Crooner Bing Crosby and his first wife, singer Dixie Lee (1909–1952), lean on a diving board in front of the swimming pool at their home, around 1935.
James Cagney at home by the pool in 1931, around the time 'The Public Enemy' was released.
Best known for his national radio and television shows between 1937 and 1971, entertainer Red Skelton takes a dip in his pool, US Navy style.
Pictured here in 1948, Clark Gable is still referred to as the "King of Hollywood." He always remained dapper-looking and fashionable, even by the pool.
Perhaps best known for his role in the classic Western 'Shane' (1953), Alan Ladd was one of the shortest of classic Hollywood's A-listers, standing 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) tall.
With her distinctive voice and sultry looks, Lauren Bacall was one of Hollywood's most recognized actresses. She was married to Humphrey Bogart when this picture was taken in 1950.
Mexican actress, dancer, and singer Dolores del Rio is pictured here in 1952 in a very stylish pose where her swimming pool literally becomes the backdrop.
"Elvis the Pelvis" relaxing poolside at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas in 1955. The city would later become synonymous with Presley's concerts in the 1970s.
Grace Kelly pictured in 1956, the year 'High Society' was released. This would be her last film before marrying Prince Rainier that same year.
Shirley MacLaine is all theatrical as she poses for a 1958 photo shoot by the pool at her home. She'd just appeared in 'Hot Spell' with Anthony Quinn.
French film star Jean-Paul Belmondo had just completed 'Breathless' (1960), known in French as 'À Bout de Souffle,' when he was seen chilling out in this French Riviera swimming pool.
Russian ballet dancer and choreographer Rudolf Nureyev is a picture of youth in this candid 1960 photo taken in the south of France.
Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight had appeared together in 'Deliverance,' released in 1972, when this photo was taken. The water looks decidedly calmer than the Georgia river they had to paddle down while trying to escape the attention of a group of maniac mountain men.
The "Fab Four"—John, Paul, George, and Ringo—clown about on the diving board of their Hollywood Hills hideout during their tour of Canada and the US in August 1964.
English actor John Hurt in California just after he'd appeared in 'Alien' (1979).
Mary Pickford and second husband Douglas Fairbanks splashing around in 1920. Pickford and Fairbanks, together with Charlie Chaplin and D.W Griffith, had founded the United Artists film studio the previous year.
German actress Marlene Dietrich with her daughter Maria at the swimming pool of her villa in Hollywood, around 1931. Maria, born in Berlin in 1924, also became an actress.
The birth date of Joan Crawford has always remained a mystery. What is certain, however, is that she remains one of the greatest female stars of classic Hollywood cinema. She's pictured here in 1930.
Widely considered the most influential dancer in the history of film, Fred Astaire is pictured here in 1936 in a contemplating pose next to his villa pool.
Henry Fonda with his young daughter Jane, playing with a sailing boat in a swimming pool in 1945. Jane, of course, would herself go on to become one of the biggest names in Hollywood.
A keep-fit fanatic, Kirk Douglas looked after himself all his life, and lived to the ripe old age of 103. Here he is in his 'Spartacus' pose.
'High Noon' (1952) is one of Gary Cooper's most famous films. Away from the cameras, his social life generally centered on sports, outdoor activities, and dinner parties. Swimming was a favorite pastime.
A young Marilyn photographed poolside in 1946 in Los Angeles while working as a model. She later straightened her naturally curly brunette hair and dyed it blonde to make herself more employable.
Drummer Keith Moon of The Who poses for a 1974 portrait session at home in Los Angeles. Rumors still persist that "Moon the Loon" once drove a Rolls Royce into a swimming pool, a story that has gone down in rock and roll lore.
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The swimming pool has always served as a favorite stage for celebrities. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind, and hang out with friends and family. Lounging poolside is also a great excuse to show off a buff and toned physique, the reason why, perhaps, the swimming pool is a favorite location for fashion shoots and portraiture.
Click through the following gallery and splash around with these swimming pool stars of yesteryear.
Vintage celebrity poolside moments
Splash around with these swimming pool stars of old
CELEBRITY Pool
The swimming pool has always served as a favorite stage for celebrities. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind, and hang out with friends and family. Lounging poolside is also a great excuse to show off a buff and toned physique, the reason why, perhaps, the swimming pool is a favorite location for fashion shoots and portraiture.
Click through the following gallery and splash around with these swimming pool stars of yesteryear.