Hedy Lamarr, born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler on November 9, 1914, in Vienna, Austria-Hungary (now Austria), and died on January 19, 2000, in Casselberry, Florida, USA, was an actress and inventor who made significant contributions in both fields.
In the Hollywood Golden Age, she became a renowned film star, known for her beauty and performances in movies such as “Algiers” (1938) and “Samson and Delilah” (1949). Her stunning looks and acting talent led her to be dubbed “the most beautiful woman in the world.”
In addition to her acting career, Hedy Lamarr was an astute inventor. She and composer George Antheil co-invented a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology designed to prevent torpedo guidance systems from being jammed during World War II. While this technology was not adopted by the military until the 1960s, it became a precursor to the development of secure wireless communications technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
Hedy Lamarr’s story is fascinating because it challenges stereotypes about Hollywood actresses, showcasing how a person can have multifaceted talents and make impactful contributions in disparate fields. Her inventions and pioneering work in technology have been recognized posthumously, establishing her legacy as not only a Hollywood icon but also an esteemed inventor.
