Talk about the right place at the right time; this image has to be one of sporting history’s finest moments! Neil Leifer, the photographer for “Sports Illustrated” at the time, was THE man to capture the moment Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston. This image has gone to be plastered over walls, caps, t-shirts, and any other printable memorabilia. As far as sporting images go, this one really does take the championship belt.
It was a story that would make David and Goliath seem like a children’s fable when the 23-year-old Muhammad Ali took on the 34-year-old “Big Bear.” In 1964, Ali and Liston had a rematch, and despite a controversial ending, it went for a record 2:12 into the first round. In the iconic shot above, photographer Leifer is recorded to have said, “I was obviously in the right seat…but what matters is I didn’t miss.”
Hello Norma Jean, 1944
The former brunette, Norma Jean Mortenson, had a difficult childhood, which saw her move from foster home to foster home in her formative younger years. By age 16, she was married and hidden from the world, working in a U.S. military factory. Little did she know that fame was waiting for her just around the corner, and in 1944, her life changed forever.
At just 18 years old, young Norma Jean was introduced to a photographer from the U.S. Army Air Force’s First Motion Picture Unit at work. This meeting led to a successful pin-up modeling career and some film contracts, and eventually, she signed with Fox in 1951. She became one of the most famous stars in Hollywood. Her appeal was unrivaled, even against the exotic European beauties of the time.
The Boys of the Hollywood Canteen
The Hollywood Canteen, which operated in Hollywood during World War II, acted as a watering hole for servicemen on their way to war. Free food, drink, dancing, and entertainment were on offer for the soldiers. Bette Davis was one of the driving forces behind the operation of the “canteen,” which drew thousands of servicemen. It provided an outlet and motivation for the boys before they went out to serve their country.
While the majority of the patrons were American, it was an inclusive institution, open to both servicemen and women of all the Allied countries. And if this photo didn’t make it clear, many of the women working there were celebrity volunteers, which certainly helped to boost morale. Celebrities like Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, and Rita Hayworth all visited the club at one point.
Baby Jolie
Frequently topping the lists of Hollywood’s most celebrated women is none other than the seductively beautiful Angelina Jolie. And with parents like hers, we’re thankful she took after her mother! The daughter of Hollywood power couple Jon Voight and the gorgeous Marcheline Bertrand, Jolie has a singular beauty. With huge blue eyes and large, bountiful lips, all atop a slim-hipped but full-busted body, Jolie is a true knockout. Here we see her as just a baby with her famous father.
But being beautiful doesn’t guarantee an easy life, especially when it’s lived among the flashing lights of Hollywood. Known for her tempestuous relationship with heartthrob Brad Pitt, their love was nothing compared to the relationship with her father, Jon Voight. Confused? Same. But it seems that despite the bad blood, in 2018, apparently, the pair reconciled. How? Through the lens of art. Jolie told The Hollywood Reporter, “we don’t really talk politics well…we talk art very well.”
The Star Wars Cast
We love this image because it takes us back to where it all began. Since the original trilogy was introduced to audiences in 1977, Star Wars has garnered a cult following. Revived over thirty years later by Disney, Star Wars fans were created in the next generation, continuing the franchise’s legacy. Young and fresh-faced, you'll see a lanky Harrison Ford and a bright-eyed Carrie Fisher, as well as Mark Hamill and Chewie!
The 2015 reboot saw our favorite characters return, albeit a little older. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi" re-introduced Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Princess Leia. The brilliant thing about reviving a cult classic in the era of social media is the abundant memes. There’s also somewhat of an obsession with Anakin Skywalker’s brutal transformation into Darth Vader, as well as the face-off between Obi-Wan Kenobi and General Grievous.