Introduction
Shirley Eaton is a British actress who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. She is best known for her role as Jill Masterson in the James Bond film Goldfinger, where she was famously painted in gold. Eaton had a successful career in film and television, and her legacy as an iconic actress lives on today.
Biography
Early Life
Shirley Eaton was born on January 12, 1937, in London, England. She grew up in a working-class family and attended school until the age of 15. Eaton began her career as a model, and at the age of 16, she won a beauty contest that led to her first film role.
Career
Eaton’s first film role was in the 1951 film The Lady with a Lamp. She went on to appear in several British films throughout the 1950s, including Doctor in the House and Three Men in a Boat. In 1964, Eaton landed her most famous role as Jill Masterson in the James Bond film Goldfinger. Her character was famously painted in gold and killed off in the film, but the scene has become one of the most iconic moments in the Bond franchise. Eaton continued to act in film and television throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with notable roles in The Girl Hunters and The Blood of Fu Manchu.
Movies
Goldfinger
Goldfinger is the film that made Shirley Eaton a household name. In the film, Eaton played Jill Masterson, a character who is killed off after being painted in gold. The scene has become one of the most iconic moments in the Bond franchise, and Eaton’s image as the girl painted in gold has become a pop culture icon.
The Girl Hunters
The Girl Hunters is a 1963 film noir starring Mickey Spillane as his famous detective character Mike Hammer. Eaton plays Velda, Hammer’s secretary and love interest. The film was not a critical or commercial success, but it has gained a cult following over the years.
Images
Goldfinger
The image of Shirley Eaton as the girl painted in gold in Goldfinger has become one of the most iconic images in film history. The image has been parodied and referenced in countless films and television shows, and it has become a symbol of the James Bond franchise.
The Blood of Fu Manchu
In The Blood of Fu Manchu, Eaton plays the role of Maria, the daughter of Fu Manchu. The film is not well-known, but Eaton’s image as a seductive villain has become a popular image in cult film circles.
Conclusion
Shirley Eaton’s legacy as an iconic actress lives on today. Her role in Goldfinger and her image as the girl painted in gold have become symbols of the James Bond franchise, and her work in other films has gained a cult following over the years. Eaton’s talent and beauty have made her a beloved figure in film history, and her contributions to the industry will not be forgotten.
