Hitchcock’s fair-haired heroines are perhaps those that spring to mind when you think of an ice-cold blonde. They was certainly the type of woman Hitch fixated on: beautiful women who were cold and distant on the exterior but full of passion underneath. However the ice-cold blonde has been around for a lot longer than that, starting with the very first screen icon to have peroxide blonde hair: Jean Harlow.
Jean Harlow:
Harlow was famous for her platinum blonde hairstyle which revolutionised Hollywood of the 1930s, but ultimately contributed to her early death aged just 26. The roles she played were frequently that of the ‘laughing vamp’, a beautiful but heartless femme fatale. During her short career she established the character of the ice-cold blonde which continues to be popular to this day.
Veronica Lake:
Veronica Lake exploded on to the screen in the 1940s and was catapulted to fame along with her now iconic peek-a-boo fringe and glossy blonde locks. She played a series of femme fatale roles in movies with Alan Ladd and never successfully escaped from being typecast in this role.

Alan Ladd & Veronica Lake
Eva Marie Saint:
Saint is perhaps best known for her role in Hitchcock’s North by Northwest alongside Cary Grant. Her character is simultaneously hard and conniving as well as charming and seductive, and was a part which won her great acclaim.

Eva Marie Saint and Cary Grant in ‘North by Northwest’
Grace Kelly
Undoubtedly Hitchcock’s most iconic leading lady, Grace Kelly epitomised the ice-cool blonde. At her best in Hitchcock’s ‘To Catch a Thief’ and ‘Rear Window’ as well as her final movie ‘High Society’ she exudes a serene sophistication and detachment are captivating onscreen.

Grace Kelly in ‘To Catch A Thief’ with Cary Grant
Who is your favourite ice-cold blonde, and have I missed anyone crucial out?
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I always think of Jean Harlow as a gal that was one of the boys … Wisecracking, straight shooting pal to everybody … Never thought of her as icy … Joan Crawford, Bette Davis and most stars had their blonde periods … I think none of them were icier than Grace though …
True, Grace Kelly was definitely the queen of the ice-cold blondes. Who would take the crown today though..? Nicole Kidman maybe (although she’s not always blonde…) but she is icy-cool?