Born Betty Joan Perske on September 16, 1924, in New York City, Lauren Bacall became one of the most unforgettable stars of classic Hollywood. With her smoky voice and undeniable screen presence, she captivated audiences right from her debut in To Have and Have Not (1944), delivering the now-legendary line: “You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow.” The film not only launched her career—it sparked a lifelong romance with her co-star, Humphrey Bogart.
Bacall went on to build a career that lasted more than 70 years, with standout roles in movies like The Big Sleep (1946) and Key Largo (1948), where her chemistry with Bogart made them one of Hollywood’s most iconic screen couples.
Lauren Bacall passed away on August 12, 2014, after suffering a stroke at her Manhattan home in The Dakota, near Central Park. She was 89.
