1

Judy Garland

Image: Sandy Millar

Hollywood's Golden Age wouldn't have been the same without the iconic Judy Garland. Born in Minnesota as Frances Ethel Gumm in 1922, Garland began her acting career at the age of seven. Most of us, however, know her best for her role as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (1939).

Acting and art weren't the only things in Judy Garland's life; love also played a significant role. Throughout her life, the actress married 5 times. Her first wedding took place in Las Vegas, where she married composer David Rose in 1941. They divorced 3 years later. In 1945, Judy Garland had her second wedding, this time to director Vincente Minnelli. They had a daughter who would later become a world-renowned star: Liza Minnelli (who, in turn, has been married 4 times). Her third marriage was the longest—her union with Sidney Luft lasted from 1952 to 1965. After divorcing Luft, Garland married two more times: first to Mark Herron (1965–1969) and then to Mickey Deans (1969).

2

Clark Gable

Image: Thomas AE

Known to many as "the King of Hollywood," we all remember the actor Clark Gable for his role as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind (1939). His irresistible charisma and looks made him a heartthrob in his time. Among many love stories—some more tranquil than others—Gable married five times over his life.

In 1924, he married actress Josephine Dillon, who was 17 years older than him. The marriage lasted 6 years. In 1931, Gable became a husband for the second time, marrying actress Maria "Ria" Franklin, whom he divorced 8 years later. Shortly after his second divorce, the actor married Carole Lombard in 1939. Sadly, Lombard passed away 3 years after the wedding.

Several years passed before Gable found love again. In 1949, he married British actress Sylvia Ashley, but they broke up 3 years later. Finally, in 1955, he entered his fifth and final marriage to actress and model Kay Williams, whom he declared to be the love of his life.

3

Tony Curtis

Image: Laura Gariglio

He was born Bernard Schwartz on June 3, 1925, in The Bronx, but the world knew him as Tony Curtis.

After serving in the US Navy, Curtis changed his career to become one of the most memorable actors of Hollywood's Golden Age. You might remember him alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon in Some Like It Hot (1959).

Curtis didn't shy away from saying, "I do"—he married 6 times! His wives included actresses Janet Leigh (1951-1962), Christine Kaufmann (1963-1968), Leslie Allen (1968-1982), Andrea Savio (1984-1992), Lisa Deutsch (1993-1994), and Jill Vandenberg (1998-2010). The actor had a total of 6 children from his different marriages, including the well-known actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

4

Rita Hayworth

Image: Cate Bligh

In 1918, New York City saw the birth of the iconic Rita Hayworth. Although she began her career as a teenager, most of the public remembers her for her performance in the noir classic film Gilda (1946).

Noted for her extraordinary beauty and captivating performances, Hayworth tied the knot 5 times during her lifetime. Her first husband was Edward C. Judson, whom she wed in 1937, though the marriage ended 5 years later. Rita Hayworth's second husband may ring a bell: it was Orson Welles, to whom she was married from 1943 to 1947. From 1949 to 1953, she was married to socialite and ambassador Aly Khan. Then, she walked down the aisle with singer Dick Haymes, whom she divorced in 1955. Her fifth and final marriage was to producer James Hill, lasting from 1958 to 1961.

5

Larry King

Image: Marcus Lewis

It's the turn of a TV and radio star. We're talking about the iconic Larry King, one of the most famous hosts in entertainment history.

King was born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933, in New York City. His career began in the 1950s, and it didn't take him long to gain national fame.

King said, "I Do" 8 times! His first marriage was to Freda Miller when he was only 19 years old. They were married from 1952 to 1953, though the marriage was allegedly annulled by their parents. Later, he was the husband of Annette Kaye (1961), Alene Akins (1961-1963), Mickey Sutphin (1963-1967), Alene Akins again (1967-1972), Sharon Lepore (1976–1983), Julie Alexander (1989–1992), and finally, Shawn Southwick (1997–2021).

6

Rue McClanahan

Image: Thomas AE

The Golden Girls (1985-1992) was one of the most beloved TV shows of the 20th century. In addition to the legendary Betty White, The Golden Girls featured other great actresses, including Rue McClanahan, who famously played Blanche Devereaux on the show.

Throughout her life, Rue McClanahan married 6 times. Her first marriage was in 1958 to Tom Bish, although the couple only lasted a year. In 1959, she married actor Norman Hartweg, to whom she remained married for 2 years. Then, the actress walked down the aisle 4 more times: with Peter DeMaio (1964–1971), Gus Fisher (1976–1979), Tom Keel (1984–1985), and Morrow Wilson (1997-2010).

7

Lana Turner

Image: Jeremy Wong Weddings

The 1938 film Love Finds Andy Hardy brought actress Lana Turner to stardom, who became one of the most famous figures of Hollywood's Golden Age. Her most recognized role, however, was in the film The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946); have you seen it?

Despite a busy professional life, Lana Turner found time to marry on 8 occasions. In chronological order, her husbands were: Artie Shaw (1940-1941), Stephen Crane ( twice, from 1942 to 1944), Henry J. Topping, Jr. (1948-1952), Lex Barker (1953-1957), Fred May (1960-1962), Robert Eaton (1965-1969), and Ronald Pellar (1969-1972). It seems that getting married was all the rage in the early 20th century!

8

Mickey Rooney

Image: Tom Pumford

Perhaps the famous actor Mickey Rooney may have unknowingly set a record when, at just 17 months old, he stepped on stage for the first time as part of his parents' vaudeville act.

But his fame took off when he played the iconic teenager Andy Hardy in A Family Affair (1937), the first in a series of films that would make him an absolute star. His career expanded over 90 years, with major roles in TV, film, and theater.

Hi s love life was almost as famous as his professional life: Rooney married 8 times! Impressive! His first wife was the renowned Ava Gardner , whom he married in 1942 and divorced a year later. Between 1944 and 1969, the actor would marry Betty Jane Baker, Martha Vickers, Elaine Devry, Carolyn Mitchell, Marge Lane, and Carolyn Hockett. Finally, in 1978, he married his last wife, Jan Chamberlin.

9

Henry Fonda

Image: Nathan Dumlao

We can't talk about Hollywood without mentioning Henry Fonda, one of the best-remembered actors of the 20th century. Fonda initially started out studying journalism, but once he joined a theater company and discovered acting, he never strayed from this great passion. His iconic film roles include Abraham Lincoln in Young Mr. Lincoln (1939), Tom Joad in The Grapes of Wrath (1940), and Wyatt Earp in My Darling Clementine (1946).

In addition to a busy professional life, Fonda also had room for love: he married 5 times during his lifetime. His first marriage was to actress Margaret Sullavan from 1931 to 1933. In 1936, hhe married Frances Ford Seymour, with whom he had two children: Jane Fonda and Peter Fonda, who both became stars. Susan Blanchard (1950-1956), Afdera Franchetti (1957-1961), and Shirlee Mae Adams (1965-1982) were his last 3 wives.

10

Nicolas Cage

Image: Gianni Scognamiglio

Let's finish this list with a more contemporary star. We're talking about Nicolas Cage, the famous actor and producer from California.

Between premieres and film sets, Cage had quite a busy love life. The actor proposed to 5 women throughout his life. The first of them was actress Patricia Arquette, to whom he was married from 1995 to 2001. A year later, in 2002, he married singer Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of the King of Rock and Roll, and this marriage lasted 2 years.

In 2004, he tied the knot with Alice Kim, to whom he was married for 12 years until their divorce in 2016. 3 years after his third divorce, he fell in love with makeup artist Erika Koike, to whom he was married for a couple of months. Finally, in 2021, he married for the fifth time, this time to Japanese actress Riko Shibata. They're together to this day.

1

Mark Zuckerberg

Image: Kenny Eliason

Mark, the co-founder and CEO of Facebook, was named TIME’s Person of the Year in 2010. He earned this honor for his remarkable influence on the social networking landscape and the way people connect online.

At just 26 years of age, Zuckerberg forever changed communication , with Facebook amassing over 500 million users worldwide!

TIME recognized him not only for his technological innovation but also for his role in reshaping social interaction and the digital economy. His vision and impact extended beyond technology, influencing politics, business, and society at large. He quite deserved the recognition, didn’t he?

2

Barack Obama

Image: History in HD

The 44th president of the United States was named Person of the Year not once, but twice! His first recognition came as he made history by becoming the first African American president , symbolizing a profound change and a hopeful future for many Americans. Obama’s message of "hope and change" resonated globally.

The second time, in 2012, he won the recognition as we secured a second term in office . His presidency was marked by significant accomplishments, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Both titles reflect his impact and influence on the American people.

3

Jeff Bezos

Image: Christian Wiediger

The founder and CEO of Amazon was named TIME’s Person of the Year in 1999 . He was recognized for his groundbreaking work in e-commerce, transforming Amazon from an online bookstore into a global retail powerhouse. Under his leadership, Amazon revolutionized the way people shop , setting new standards for convenience and customer service.

TIME acknowledged Bezos for his visionary approach and relentless drive, which significantly impacted the retail industry and consumer behavior. His innovative strategies and focus on long-term growth positioned Amazon as the leader in the digital economy it is today.

4

Wallis Simpson

Image: Annie Spratt

TIME’s recognition was not always about diplomacy, politics, or innovation: Love and drama were also acknowledged. Wallis Simpson was an American socialite and she was named TIME’s Person of the Year in 1936 for her role in one of the most dramatic love stories of the 20th century, which led to the abdication of King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom. Edward’s decision to relinquish the throne to marry Wallis, a twice-divorced American, rocked the British monarchy and captivated the world.

TIME honored Simpson not just for her personal story, but for the profound political and social impact her relationship with Edward had on the era . Even if the British monarchy didn’t think alike!

5

The Good Samaritans

Image: Katt Yukawa

2005 was one of those years when the title "Person of the Year" wasn’t enough. Back then, three people collectively known as The Good Samaritans were named "Persons of the Year," and two of them were American.

We are talking about Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, and Bono who was also part of the group. Bill and Melinda Gates, through their foundation, had been tackling major global health issues, such as eradicating diseases and improving education worldwide . Bono, the U2 frontman, was recognized for his activism in fighting poverty and HIV/AIDS, particularly in Africa, using his fame to advocate for social justice.

Their significant contributions led to improving lives and addressing critical global challenges and exemplified the power of using wealth and influence for the greater good.

6

Ted Turner

Image: Rubaitul Azad

Ted Turner is a visionary media entrepreneur, and he was named Man of the Year in 1991. He earned this distinction for his transformative impact on the media landscape, most notably through the creation of CNN, the world’s first 24-hour news network .

Turner's innovative concept forever changed how people access news, ensuring that information is available at any hour. His approach redefined television journalism and set new standards for news delivery globally.

Beyond his media ventures, Turner's dedication to philanthropy and environmental causes further demonstrated his commitment to positive change. TIME recognized Turner not just for his media achievements, but also for his broader societal contributions .

7

American Women

Image: Jen Theodore

That’s right, there was one time when the influential group was so big, that they had to honor a whole gender. In 1975, American Women collectively were named TIME’s Person of the Year. This landmark recognition celebrated the influence women had in several aspects, including politics, business, and social movements. The honor was a tribute to the growing momentum of the women's liberation movement, which was challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for equal rights.

TIME’s goal was to highlight the diverse achievements of women across the nation, from l eaders in government to activists fighting for justice and gender equality. This selection acknowledged the key role women played in shaping the country’s cultural and political landscape during a transformative period.

8

John F. Kennedy

Image: History in HD

Most Presidents of the United States were honored with the title of Person of the Year and Kennedy was not the exception. As the 35th president, he was awarded the title in 1961 due to his inspiring leadership and vision during a crucial time in American history.

His charisma, youthful energy, and policies resonated with a nation that was ready for a change .

The recognition came not only for his political achievements but also for his ability to energize the American spirit. Kennedy’s legacy continues to influence American politics and culture today so the recognition was just one more testament to his powerful impact.

9

David Ho

Image: Marcelo Leal

In 1996, Dr. David Ho, an influential Taiwanese-American AIDS researcher, was granted this recognition due to his groundbreaking work on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which helped the medical community understand and treat AIDS. His extensive investigation led to the development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

His findings meant giving patients the possibility of living a quality life through treatment for a chronic condition instead of a fatal disease.

Dr. Ho’s dedication and scientific advancements have had a profound impact on public health and this recognition acknowledged the importance of scientific innovations in addressing global health crises.

10

Taylor Swift

Image: Rosa Rafael

This article ends with TIME’s most recent "Person of the Year." Taylor Swift is a 34 American singer-songwriter who was given the title in December 2023.

During that year, Swift broke quite literally all the records: The most streamed album, the highest-grossing world tour, the biggest-selling record of the year, and more. Taylor Swift was granted the title because it became a whole phenomenon. It was the first person in the arts to be recognized with this title.

Whatever country she visited with The Eras Tour the local economy went crazy, not to mention the fans. Her music has inspired millions of people around the world, deeply influencing cultures, economies, and more on her way.

1

Babe Ruth

Image: Jose Francisco Morales

To become one of the best in baseball history, you must not only be a talented and dedicated athlete but also a wise person. Babe Ruth was a perfect example of this. This baseball legend inspired us when he said, "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."

Often, we let fear win out by imagining worst-case scenarios before making a decision. But as Babe Ruth taught us, we shouldn't let that fear hold us back. If you dare to play the game, you might find that things turn out even better than you expected! You know, the next time you hesitate to take a chance, give it a try!

2

Vince Lombardi

Image: Melissa McGovern

If being an excellent athlete is difficult, imagine managing a team full of them. Knowing how to lead a group of talented people to the greatest victories is not for everyone, but it is for Vince Lombardi, one of the most iconic coaches in American football history.

Lombardi shared his vision of success when he said, "Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is." This simple but powerful phrase carries a very important message: To achieve our goals, it's vital to know what we want and how deeply we want it. Even if you don't win every game, you should always begin with a winning attitude as a guide to success!

3

Billie Jean King

Image: John Fornander

Some people say the key to being a winner is never giving up . Keep going until you make it! This is what Billie Jean King, one of the greatest players and a pioneer in women's tennis, conveyed when she said, "Champions keep playing until they get it right."

Billie Jean King never gave up, even when some people told her to. With her powerful message, BJK redefines the idea of a champion. She sees the long-awaited victory as the final step in a journey that a champion has been pursuing for a long time. Inspiring!

4

Michael Jordan

Image: Markus Spiske

The incredibly talented Michael Jordan didn't hold back when telling the secret behind his success in sports: "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

While it's true that watching these spectacular athletes may feel like witnessing magic, their excellence is actually the result of countless hours of hard work , moments of failure, and the perseverance needed to overcome all that and achieve glory.

5

Serena Williams

Image: Mario Gogh

How do you handle tough situations? Whether it's in sports or in life, it's important to get back on your feet, recover from mistakes or defeats, and keep moving forward.

But what do you do right after a setback or defeat? Well, this is precisely what Serena Williams was referring to when she said, "I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall." Common wisdom tells us that we can see a person's true character during hard times . According to Serena, our response to huge challenges or troubles also defines who we are.

6

Tom Brady

Image: Dave Adamson

In difficult times, the words of the wise can be incredibly helpful. And who better to inspire us than a true champion ? Someone who led his teams to win 7 Super Bowls surely knows things, right? You guessed it: we're talking about the incredible Tom Brady!

This great athlete said, "Nothing happens to you; it happens for you." At first, it might not be entirely clear, but this quote has a powerful message. Shifting our perspective to change the way we see negative events can be the key to overcoming challenges and reaching our goals. With Tom Brady's mindset, every inconvenience becomes an opportunity to be better every day. Go for it!

7

Shaquille O'Neal

Image: Patrick Fore

How we live each day, our actions, choices, the way we handle situations, and the people we interact with are the things that define us. Shaquille O'Neal, a basketball legend, once said, "Excellence is not a singular act but a habit . You are what you repeatedly do." And it's clear that Shaq embodied this excellence!

With this powerful quote, Shaquille O'Neal reminds us that reaching our goals and becoming who we aspire to be depends largely on our daily habits rather than on a unique major act. It's something to remember every day: we are what we do!

8

Magic Johnson

Image: jesse orrico

Magic Johnson is undoubtedly one of the greatest names in basketball. He's someone who achieved incredible success, not just because of his natural talent and skills but also due to his dedication and respect for every member of his team .

In this sense, Magic Johnson once said, "Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates ." Echoing JFK's famous 1961 quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country," Magic reminds us that success often requires setting aside ego and individual interests to focus on collaboration and support for others.

9

Muhammad Ali

Image: Johann Walter Bantz

Dreaming about our goals is just the beginning; it is also necessary to work a little bit every day to achieve them. Making the most of our time to grow and improve different areas of our lives is always time well spent.

That is probably what Muhammad Ali meant when he said, "Don't count the days, make the days count." Instead of letting anxiety or worry get the better of you while waiting for something to happen, it's far better to take action and make it happen! Muhammad's words are an excellent way to encourage us to keep trying and never give up.

10

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Image: MontyLov

The great and successful basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is credited with the phrase, "One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make a team." A great message about collaboration and companionship.

In sports, as in life, knowing how to work as a team is critical. Where would we be without those who stand by us every day? Family , friends, coworkers, classmates, and even pets, all help us through life's challenges and joys. The same goes for every sports team, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar understands this perfectly.