Lauren Bacall wasn’t just a movie star—she was an era. With her smoky voice, piercing gaze, and undeniable magnetism, she defined what it meant to be effortlessly cool during Hollywood’s golden age.

Born Betty Joan Perske on September 16, 1924, in New York City, Bacall would go on to become one of the most iconic actresses of the 20th century. Her big break came in 1944 with To Have and Have Not, where she starred opposite Humphrey Bogart. It was in that film she delivered one of the most memorable lines in cinematic history: “You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow.”

That moment didn’t just launch her career—it sparked a legendary romance. Bacall and Bogart’s on-screen chemistry blossomed into a deep, real-life love story that captivated the public and added to their mystique as Hollywood royalty.

Over a career that spanned more than 70 years, Bacall never faded into the background. She evolved, gracing both the screen and the stage with roles that revealed her depth, intelligence, and signature presence. Films like The Big Sleep (1946) and Key Largo (1948) showcased her strength and subtlety, while her later work in theater and television proved her talent was timeless.

Lauren Bacall passed away on August 12, 2014, at the age of 89, after suffering a stroke in her apartment at The Dakota, the storied New York building overlooking Central Park. She died in the city where her remarkable journey began.

Though she’s no longer with us, Bacall’s legacy lives on. She remains a symbol of elegance, independence, and the kind of classic glamour that never goes out of style.