The sex symbols of the 60s - here's what they look like today

With her bold signature cat-eye and enviably voluminous hair, Sophia Loren was the model of beauty in the ‘60s. The Italian actress starred in Two Women (1960) and earned an Academy Award for her performance, joining the cast of hits like The Millionairess (1960), El Cid (1961) and Marriage Italian Style (1964).

Today, she’s still an iconic name in cinema and appeared on screen as recently as 2020 in Italian drama The Life Ahead or La vita davanti a sé. Sophia met her husband Carlo Ponti when she was just 16 years old. Despite Carlo being 20 years her senior, the pair went on to marry and welcomed two children, remaining wed until his death in 2007.

In 1960, Jane Fonda made her debut on the cinema screen and the cover of LIFE magazine, starring in romantic comedy Tall Story opposite Anthony Perkins. She appeared in the magazine twice more during the decade, charting her marriage to Roger Vadim and celebrating her star role in Barbarella.

While it took time for Jane’s talents to be recognised on their own merit, fans were certainly delighted to see her on screen throughout the ‘60s. Luckily for us, she’s still working today, appearing in ensemble hit Book Club (2018), Grace and Frankie (2015-2022) and cameoing in The Comeback. 

t doesn’t get much more iconic than Ursula Andress’ emergence from the Caribbean sea in Dr. No (1962), sporting a white bikini and prompting Daniel Craig’s own subversive swim-trunks moment decades later.

Her ‘60s fame included an appearance opposite Elvis Presley in Fun in Acapulco (1963) and fantasy adventure She (1965). Today, she’s enjoying a quieter life split between Rome and the Swiss Alps, counting her last role on screen in 2005.

Ann-Margaret was a regular presence on the silver screen, starring opposite Elvis in Viva Las Vegas (1964), landing the role of Kim McAfee in Bye Bye Birdie (1963) and starring in the '60s satire The Swinger (1966).

The two-time Oscar nominee has had several more recent projects, including 2022’s A Holiday Spectacular and 2021’s Queen Bees. She tied the knot with screenwriter and actor Roger Smith in 1967 and remained married until his death in 2017, becoming a loving stepmother to his three children.

Not many ‘60s sex symbols can claim their status originates in a single outfit, but Raquel Welch was surely one of them. Her appearance in One Million Years B.C. and her iconic fur bikini made her an icon of the decade, buoyed by star roles in Fantastic Voyage (1966) and 100 Rifles (1969).

The star last appeared in public at 2017’s PORTER Hosts Incredible Women Gala in Association with Estée Lauder. The same year, Raquel made her last appearance on screen in How to Be a Latin Lover and 10 episodes of Date My Dad. The ‘60s star passed away on 15 February 2023, at the age of 82.

The mid-’60s brought smaller starting roles for Jacqueline Bisset, including 1965’s The Knack…and How to Get It. Just three years later, she made it to the global stage with several star performances in 1968, including projects like Bullitt and The Sweet Ride, recognised with a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer.

She’s still regularly involved in film and TV projects today, including a 2022 credit in Loren & Rose, 2025’s Long Shadows and narrating The Wasps: Taking Flight (2026). According to her IMDb, Jacqueline is currently filming the drama Shelter Me alongside Nick Nolte.

Tina Louise defined ‘glamour’ on ‘60s sitcom Gilligan's Island as the fictional movie star Ginger Grant, showing off her comedy skills and becoming a certified sex symbol of the decade. 

While the role brought Tina fame, it also made her the subject of typecasting, prompting the actress to take on heavier, more dramatic roles in projects such as sci-fi hit The Stepford Wives. Today, she lives in Manhattan and, while away from the screen, focuses her energy on writing projects like Sunday: A Memoir and When I Grow Up, as well as charitable causes.