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Audrey Hepburn. Elizabeth Taylor. Marilyn Monroe. And up there with the rest of the screen siren greats, stood Ava Gardner. The ultimate femme fatale, she skyrocketed to fame when, in a stroke of marketing genius, her image graced entire sides of buildings to promote the film noir classic The Killers.

Ava Gardner became a star, and fans came to see her films in droves.

Best Actress and Green-Eyed Beauty Ava Gardner

She was, unlike some classic film stars, the embodiment of the role she played. With her unique look, many wonder about Ava Gardner’s nationality. Ava Gardner’s biography begins in humble North Carolina. But while Ava may have come from farm-girl stock, don’t let that fool you. One of Ava Gardner’s favorite hobbies was shooting whiskey with the best of them.

But there was also her romances with Frank Sinatra and bandleader Artie Shaw, her memorable roles in films like The Killers and Mogambo, and her friendship with Ernest Hemingway. Looking for a travelogue of a mysterious woman? Look no further than the fascinating tales that surround the time Ava Gardner spent in Spain.

“I wish to live to 150 years old, but the day I die, I wish it to be with a cigarette in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other.”
― Ava Gardner

Ava Gardner’s housekeeper Carmen said of her, "She would iron and watch the television. She liked to watch cartoons or any old movie while she ironed the clothes."

So, with that, we take a closer look at a few favorites of the Barefoot Contessa herself. From Ava Gardner’s favorite perfume to her favorite hobbies, this list might slay you. ;) 

Ava Gardner: A Few of Her Favorite Things

more classic hollywood lifestyle inspiration:

Several notes in the spirit of doing the right thing... Ava Gardner didn't necessarily endorse any of the products listed here, but based upon my research I do believe she really loved these things. That said, if you buy from any of the links included above rather than going straight to the vendor site from Google or another search engine, I may get a portion of your purchase at no cost to you.