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Veronica Lake

The Glamour Icon with the "Peek-a-Boo" Hairstyle

Veronica Lake, born Constance Frances Marie Ockelman on November 14, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York, was a Hollywood sensation of the 1940s. With her signature "peek-a-boo" hairstyle and smoky-eyed allure, she became an enduring symbol of classic Hollywood glamour.

Lake's journey to stardom was serendipitous. While working as a waitress, a talent agent discovered her, and she embarked on a modeling and acting career. Her ethereal beauty and unique hairstyle, characterized by a cascade of blonde waves covering one eye, quickly set her apart.

Veronica Lake's captivating presence graced numerous films in the 1940s. Her breakthrough came with "I Wanted Wings" (1941) and "Sullivan's Travels" (1941), where her blend of sultry charm and comedic talent shone. Yet, it was her role opposite Alan Ladd in "This Gun for Hire" (1942) that catapulted her to stardom. The Lake-Ladd pairing became legendary, and they appeared together in several successful films.

Lake's hairstyle, characterized by her hair partially covering one eye, became a fashion sensation during her time. Women across the country emulated her iconic look, and it remains one of the most recognizable elements of her legacy.

Despite her popularity, Veronica Lake faced challenges in her personal and professional life, including a rocky marriage and struggles with alcoholism. Her career saw ebbs and flows, but she continued to captivate audiences with her undeniable talent.

Veronica Lake's later years were marked by personal struggles and health issues. She passed away on July 7, 1973, at the age of 50 in Burlington, Vermont. Though her life was marred by challenges, her legacy endures as a reminder of Hollywood's golden age, where her beauty, talent, and that unforgettable peek-a-boo hairstyle left an indelible mark on the silver screen. Veronica Lake remains an enduring icon of vintage Hollywood allure.

Veronica Lake by Robin Cruickshank

Veronica Lake, by Robin Cruikshank


Prints available

Large print: 864 x 600 mm (34 x 23.5 inch)
Super A3 print: 483 x 330 mm (19 x 13 inch)

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