The 1920s were filled with creativity, art, and a new spirit that made this decade golden and groundbreaking. Everything was changing so fast that cultural norms seemed challenged. Here are 30 icons that shaped that decade.
Rudolph Valentino
He became a cultural icon by starring in movies like “The Sheik” and “Blood and Sand”. His tragic early death cemented his “Latin Lover” status.
Douglas Fairbanks
He’s not only the actor who starred in films like “Zorro” and “Robin Hood”, but he was also one of the founders of United Artists, who helped shape the early days of Hollywood.
Al Jolson
He was a key figure in the transition from silent films to those with sound. His energetic performances revolutionized the film industry, helping him get the title of “The World’s Greatest Entertainer”.
Bessie Smith
The “Empress of the Blues” had a powerful voice and emotive delivery that captivated audiences in such a way that made her a legendary figure in the decade’s music scene.
Ernest Hemingway
Known for his terse prose and vivid storytelling, he turned into one of the most influential writers in American literature.
Howard Carter
He was the archaeologist who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun. His discovery was one of the most important archaeological finds in history since it helped reveal a wealth of artifacts and offer new insights into ancient Egyptian civilization.
Babe Ruth
He was America’s first true celebrity athlete, paving the path for future stars to get fame beyond their sport.
Albert Einstein
His theories of relativity changed physics forever. He changed the way people understand time and space. He also advocated for civil rights and humanitarian causes, making him even more influential
John Gilbert
He was a silent film star whose fame was fueled by his rivalry with Rudolph Valentino.
Josephine Baker
She broke racial barriers, gaining fame in Paris for her unique style, charisma, and talent dancing and singing. She was an advocate for civil rights and used her fame to challenge racial prejudice.
Jean Harlow
She was known as the “Blonde Bombshell,” and her roles helped her showcase her comedic timing and screen presence. She remains a symbol of the glamour and dynamism of the early years of American cinema.
Buster Keaton
His physical comedy and storytelling techniques made him one of a kind in early cinema.
Harry Houdini
The world’s most famous magician captivated audiences with his daring performances. He mesmerized the audience with stunts that involved chains, handcuffs, and underwater tanks.
W.C. Fields
He was a comedian and an actor with a unique brand of humor. He entertained audiences both on stage and in films. He was a pioneer in comedic entertainment, still relevant nowadays.
Al Capone
He ruled Chicago during Prohibition. The infamous gangster and businessman was a symbol of the “Roaring Twenties”.
Herbert Hoover
He was the 31st president of the United States and is best remembered for his leadership during the Great Depression and his efforts to feed the hungry in Europe during WWI.
Marcus Garvey
He developed the UNIA, Universal Negro Improvement Association because he dreamed of a global Black unity that crossed borders and oceans. His views on this topic helped shape civil rights.
Coco Chanel
She revolutionized fashion with timeless designs and an elegant vision. Her iconic tweed suits redefined style in the 20th century.
Joan Crawford
Her glamorous looks and versatile roles helped her become a beloved star. Remembered for her beauty, style, and enduring legacy, she’s still a symbol of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Henry Ford
When inventing his assembly line, he changed manufacturing worldwide. With his innovation, cars became affordable for the middle class and reshaped cities and economies.
Charles Lindbergh
He was the first person to ever fly across the Atlantic. He made the world seem smaller by connecting continents and inspiring new possibilities in travel and commerce.
Louis Armstrong
This Jazz legend was a trumpeter and vocalist who won a Grammy in 1965 and was posthumously added to the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017. He’s one of the greatest musicians of the 20th Century.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
He left a rich literary legacy with novels like “The Great Gatsby” and “This Side of Paradise”. Many of his works are still relevant to American literature.
Gloria Swanson
With three Academy Award nominations, she turned into one of the most relevant and distinguished actresses of the decade and remains a fashion icon as well.
Pablo Picasso
He reshaped the world of art by founding the Cubist movement, and he’s now considered one of the most influential artists in history.
Duke Ellington
He was a composer, pianist, and bandleader whose contributions to music were groundbreaking. His orchestra was famous for its innovative arrangements and unique sound.
Mae West
She had a provocative humor and confident demeanor that challenged social norms, making her a trailblazer for women in entertainment. She explored themes of female empowerment, making her work groundbreaking at the time.
Charlie Chaplin
He was a master of comedy and silent films whose impact on the entertainment industry can be felt today.
Clara Bow
The first “It Girl” ever. She starred in movies like “It” and “Wings” with an infectious energy and sultry appeal that helped her typify the Roaring Twenties flapper culture. She’s got her own Taylor Swift song as well.
Greta Garbo
Her enigmatic persona and striking looks made her unique at the time. Her performances in silent films and early talkies helped her showcase her talent, making her an icon of the decade.
