Born Betty Joan Perske in 1924 New York, Lauren Bacall’s rise from Broadway hopeful to Hollywood icon began with a Harper’s Bazaar cover that caught director Howard Hawks’ attention. At just 19, she landed her breakout role in To Have and Have Not, delivering the iconic line: “You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve?”

Her smoldering chemistry with co-star Humphrey Bogart led to one of Hollywood’s most legendary love stories. They married in 1945 and starred in hits like The Big Sleep and Key Largo. After Bogart’s death in 1957, Bacall forged her own path, proving she was more than just half of a famous duo.

From How to Marry a Millionaire to award-winning turns on Broadway in Applause and Woman of the Year, Bacall never stopped evolving. Even in her 70s, she earned a Golden Globe and Oscar nomination for The Mirror Has Two Faces.

Her husky voice, fierce presence, and fearless spirit made her unforgettable. Bacall passed away in 2014 at 89, but her legacy lives on. She wasn’t just a star—she was a force.